South Fork
Currently closed due to damage from the 2024 Blue 2 Wildfire. Post-fire restoration assessments are ongoing with no announced reopening date. When operational, the campground typically opens May 17.
Flood Watch issued October 29 at 11:52AM MDT until October 29 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...A portion of central New Mexico, including the following area, South Central Mountains. * WHEN...Until 8 PM MDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Thunderstorms are expected to develop near the ridgeline of the Sacramento Mountains this afternoon. Storm motions of south-to-north at 10-15 mph could also lead to several rounds of storms passing over or near the burn scar areas. There is potential for 1 to 1.5 inches of rain to fall where two or more storms impact the same area. Additional rainfall is expected overnight, but rainfall rates will be lower. - https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Cannabis Possession Prohibited
Order 03-00-00-21-002 prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting a cannabis plant, any part of a cannabis plant, or any substance derived from a cannabis plant within the Southwestern Region National Forests in the State of New Mexico and the National Grasslands in the states of Texas and…
Order# 03-08-01-26-003 Cedar Creek Closure
The purpose of this order is to protect public health and safety during active forest restoration and hazardous fuels reduction operations. The closure area is subject to extreme safety hazards, including:Felling and removal of hazardous, dead, or unstable trees.Heavy machinery operations,…
About
South Fork Campground is one of the most popular camping destinations on the Smokey Bear Ranger District of Lincoln National Forest, located west of Ruidoso in the Sacramento Mountains of south-central New Mexico. The campground features 53 sites spread through a forested setting at approximately 7,900 feet elevation. The primary draw for many visitors is access to the White Mountain Wilderness via the South Fork Trail (T19). The trail begins as a moderately easy path through the canyon before becoming more challenging as it climbs into higher terrain. This makes the campground an excellent base camp for day hikers and backpackers exploring the wilderness. Facilities include flush toilets and picnic tables, but campers must bring their own drinking water as potable water is not available. RVs are limited to 35 feet in length. When open, the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with some sites available through Recreation.gov. The standard camping fee is $20 per night with an additional $5 charge for extra vehicles.
Directions
From Ruidoso, follow NM 48 north for 9 miles. Turn west (left) onto NM 37 and continue for 1.5 miles. Turn southwest (left) onto Forest Road 107 (County Road C-009) and drive 5 miles past Bonito Lake, then turn left and continue straight for approximately 1 mile to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 35ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Jorden.Scott@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (575) 434-7200 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
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