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Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area provides seasonal trail rides and dispersed campsites along a creek for horse owners visiting the Nogal area. The area offers sufficient space for horse trailers with numerous sites spread across the recreation area. No designated horse corrals are available at the campsites, but the summer horse riding camps set up temporary facilities to accommodate trail rides. Stone Mountain RV Resort near Nogal accepts pets and offers full hookups for RVs, though specific horse facilities are limited. Both locations provide access to the surrounding mountain terrain, with dispersed camping requiring visitors to practice proper manure management and trail etiquette. The area can become snowed in during winter months.
Trail access from Upper Bonito connects to some of the best hiking trails around Ruidoso, including Big Bonito Trail and Argentina Trail. Horse enthusiasts find adequate space for animals to roam in the wider dispersed camping areas, particularly in the more remote sections of the recreation area. Three Rivers Campground, located about 13 miles off Highway 54 on BLM land, provides another option with trailheads at the back of camp leading into the White Mountain Wilderness. This area reopened in early 2024 after closure due to wildfires, requiring visitors to tread lightly on the fragile ecosystems. Both areas offer opportunities for day rides through ponderosa pine forest with views of Sierra Blanca peak. Camping with horses requires visitors to bring their own water and manage dust from the dirt roads.
"Good base camp for some of the best hiking around Ruidoso (Big Bonito Trail, Argentina Trail, etc.) Be prepared for lots of dust with the dirt road uphill from sites."
"We had 3 kids with us age between 3-10, lots of room to run around and adventure. Amazing views with deer sightings and wild horses. Dirt/rock roads, Fire rings at almost every campsite."
"It was also super quiet since it was so far away from the road. The actual camp was in the trees and great views of the surrounding mountains. Each spot has a table, fire pit, and gazebo."
"Good little camp ground..stow your food away from tent had a bear visit while there..also the road getting there is prone to flash floods"
"Me and two of my buddy's went there and had a great time hiking and just hanging around camp and chilling."
"Lots of camping spots and great hiking trails to go on! Gets a little windy since you’re at the top, but totally worth it!"
"Not to many trees that are tall so u get cover but not complete seclusion but enof to where it’s enjoyable and u see the sky at nights so path ways are very down sloap if ur in a car know how to drive"
"Easy to find and not a rough drive. I saw several dirt pull offs surrounded by trees before parking. This was a very private remote area in the forest."
"The drive in was easy and peaceful. I found a campsite up on the hill, though I passed several others along the way. I only saw one other camper, so it felt very quiet and solitary."
"There were a few other campers around but it was nice that we weren’t right on top of each other. Close to Ruidoso which is always fun to explore."
"We live in Roswell and it is only a short drive to this campground. We got there around 5 or so on a Saturday night and it was not busy at all."
"There are plenty of trails and campsites in the trees. Not a super popular area so they aren't too many people to fight over campsites with. They're are bathrooms there near the parking lot."
"This is a large cul de sac with camping areas around it. There is room for a couple RVs and dozens of tents around. There are nice treed areas that have fire rings."
GuideThis place is absolutely stunning. The view of the mountains is amazing. You do have to take a gravel / dirt road about 6 miles to get to it. Be prepared to take it slow. We did it in a Ford Maverick pulling a light weight trailer. The campground road is actually worse than the main road. Once you here though it is worth it.
TravelerThe road was long but not bad. Since it was still cool there were lots of open campsites with views. Enough space between camps. The hiking was quite nice with the creek running. Tons of elk shit everywhere. Can hike far.
TravelerThe weather was chilly, and there was still some snow on the ground. The campsite is on a mountain. The dirt road up to the mountain is very well kept. Overall very nice campsite I would go again.
GuideThis is a large cul de sac with camping areas around it. There is room for a couple RVs and dozens of tents around. There are nice treed areas that have fire rings. The Karr Trail is a nice scenic trail back to a small private ranch.
TravelerFirst time camping in Ruidoso, NM and soooo happy we randomly chose this spot. We had 3 kids with us age between 3-10, lots of room to run around and adventure. Amazing views with deer sightings and wild horses. Dirt/rock roads, Fire rings at almost every campsite. Make sure to keep your trash out of sight from critters at night. Beautiful sightings everywhere here. 10/10 recommended!! Definitely will be back!
GuideOne of my favorite spots I camped at during my cross-country road trip. The drive in was easy and peaceful. I found a campsite up on the hill, though I passed several others along the way. I only saw one other camper, so it felt very quiet and solitary. Be sure to read the posted signs, as some sections appear to be closed to vehicles.
It gets very cold at night. Temperatures dropped to 15°F.
As a person of color, I felt very safe throughout my stay.
LegendThis campground is nestled right up against the San Francisco Mountains. We decided to leave our 38foot pull camper down at the petroglyph site and drive up to see if it was going to be easy for us to pull our trailer up. It would be easy except after a heavy storm where the road was flooded and there are only 2 sites we saw that would hold our camper. It was clean and looked like it would be a great place to hike and explore. I was surprised at how busy the area was! Lots of tent campers and tow behind campers. Maybe next time we will try as long as it has been dry and no rain!
GuideNot a bad place for a night. The drive in is a bit long and the road is rocky and washy in some places.
Also heard some annoying noises at night. Sounded like someone was splitting wood or hammering something. At 930pm... Dogs barking at night too.
Decent spot but probably won't be back.
TravelerBeautiful and secluded in mid-October. Camp hosts are super friendly and love to chat, definitely recommend stopping by to say hi.
Dispersed camping near Nogal, New Mexico offers forest and mountain access at elevations ranging from 6,500 to 8,500 feet. The Lincoln National Forest surrounds this small community in south-central New Mexico, providing year-round camping with seasonal considerations. Winter months often bring snow to higher elevations while summer temperatures remain mild compared to desert regions.
Hiking mountain trails: Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area serves as an excellent base camp for accessing nearby trails. "Good base camp for some of the best hiking around Ruidoso (Big Bonito Trail, Argentina Trail, etc.)," notes Kala J., who also mentions the area has toilet facilities unlike many dispersed camping locations.
Wildlife viewing: Skyline Campground offers expansive 360-degree views from its mountain peak location. "It's absolutely stunning to camp at the peak of a mountain. You have 360 views of the region," shares Michael, though he warns "the wind can get quite torrential and there is not a ton of shade."
Gold panning: Some creeks near Nogal allow recreational gold panning for visitors. "Went to this area to camp and pan for gold. Creek near by that didn't have much water in it," reports Jaedee B. about Upper Bonito, noting the area was "pretty (Dry)" overall.
Mountain climate relief: Three Rivers Campground provides a cooler alternative to the surrounding desert areas. "There were shaded spots. The water in the river was running and fresh. There were a couple nice bathing holes," explains Jacob W., who tent-camped there with family.
Quiet seclusion: West Mesa Trailhead BLM offers remote camping with surprisingly good connectivity. "This was a very private remote area in the forest. It was a nice change of pace from the desert that surrounds the Forrest! I got 1-2 bars of cell service here," writes Nikki B., who felt it was suitable for multi-night stays.
Equestrian camping near Nogal: Baca Campground provides open areas suitable for horse camping with mountain backdrops. "Nice open area to camp. Clean area and fresh air," notes Matthew K., while Jamie P. adds "Baca dispersed camping is a great camping area that has a lot to offer. Very remote, lots of wildlife, elk, coyotes, roadrunners."
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather can change rapidly in all seasons. "We got hit with a TON of crazy wind which made our tent bend all the way to the ground. We ended up seeking shelter in our car. We woke up to a bunch of snow," cautions Leah W. about Baca Campground.
Road conditions: Several campgrounds have unpaved access roads that become problematic in wet conditions. "DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE HERE IN WET CONDITIONS!" warns Leah W. about Baca Campground after getting stuck, while Kala J. notes at Upper Bonito to "Be prepared for lots of dust with the dirt road uphill from sites."
Water availability: Upper Karr Canyon Campground and most dispersed sites require bringing your own water. "There is no cell signal to be had here at all (Verizon), I had to go to the overlook point closer to the Village to even get a single bar," reports Jon D., who found the campground otherwise peaceful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Nogal, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Nogal, NM is Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area with a 4.2-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Nogal, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Nogal, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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