If you’re willing to forgo the amenities of commercial campgrounds and RV Parks, the freedom to pitch your tent away in the wilderness of our national forests is available. “Dispersed camping,” as it’s called by the Forest Service, is legal camping in undeveloped campsites, often just off of forest access roads.

Basically, as long as you’re 150-feet from water and as long as camping isn’t prohibited in the immediate area (at trailheads, in specially-designated zones, close to critical wildlife habitat, or in highly-protected Wilderness Areas), you can throw your tent down and spend the night wherever you want throughout the Lincoln National Forest. And, you may drive to park your car or RV no more than 300' from an open road designated for such use.

Please check with one of the forest service offices to obtain a free Motor Vehicle Use Map which details exactly what roads you are allowed to disperse camp along. Most roads, outside of US and State Highways are available for this use. Please be mindful that there are many private land inholdings within the Forest.

Rules for Dispersed Camping

• There is no fee and permits can be obtained at the nearest District Office.

• You need to be self-contained. No amenities are provided; such as water, restrooms or trash cans.

• You may camp in a dispersed area for up to 16 days. After 16 days, you must move at least 5 road miles for camping in another dispersed area. Campers may not spend more than 16 days of any 30 day period at the same dispersed area.

• Please place your campsite at least 100 feet from any stream or other water source.

• Keep a Pack-In Pack-Out camp. Follow Leave No Trace guidelines and these 7 ways to keep Ruidoso beautiful.

• Contact the local Forest Service office to see if any restrictions, especially fire restrictions are in place.

• Be Bear Aware. There are bears on the National Forest, so camp accordingly.

Areas for Dispersed Camping at Smokey Bear Ranger District

• Monjeau Lookout

• Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area

There are also developed USFS campgrounds with varying degrees of infrastructure available.

Campground Camping

The cost to camp at an established campground site varies between $6.00 and $22.00 per single camp unit. Large group picnic and campsites are also available. The largest group campsite, Upper Fir Group Campground, can accommodate up to 120 people. The largest group picnic site, Cedar Creek Picnic Area, can accommodate 40 people.  Fees for these sites vary depending on the number of people.

Visit Recreation.gov for detailed information about locations and fees.

Using USFS Developed Campgrounds

Ruidoso offers campground camping within Lincoln National Forest to varying levels of development.  Many are located in and around the Village of Ruidoso with a handful a bit further out. No electricity is available at any Lincoln National Forest Campground.

Areas for Campground Camping at Smokey Bear RD

• Baca Campground

• Cedar Creek Picnic Area

• Monjeau Campground

• Oak Grove Campground

• Skyline Campground

• South Fork Campground

• Three Rivers Campground