Primitive camping near Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico offers diverse terrain ranging from creek-side spots to forested mountain areas at elevations between 7,000-9,400 feet. The region's mixed conifer forests provide shelter during summer thunderstorms that typically occur in afternoon hours. Weather patterns can shift quickly at these elevations, with temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night even in July and August.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Forest Road 568 - Dispersed Camping, campers regularly spot elk and other wildlife. One camper reports, "We saw more elk than we could count! Just glowing eyes everywhere and all in the road."
Spring waterfall exploration: The waterfall at Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping provides a refreshing stop during warmer months. "The spring waterfall was great. Forest Ranger was super helpful," notes a visitor who stayed overnight in the area.
Mountain biking access: Several trails connect to West Mesa Trailhead BLM Dispersed, making it ideal for cyclists. A recent camper shared, "I rode my bike all over the place and there's dispersed camping everywhere. Good cell phone service."
Hiking trails: Multiple trailheads near Upper Bonito provide access to Lincoln National Forest paths. "Good base camp for some of the best hiking around Ruidoso (Big Bonito Trail, Argentina Trail, etc.)," according to a reviewer who rated the area highly.
What campers like
Cool mountain temperatures: The higher elevations provide relief from summer heat. A camper at Forest Road 568 Dispersed noted, "Cool Weather. Great Views... The stark temp difference coming from Roswell to LNF. We parked on the side of a hill with the tall trees up the sunset and wind."
Privacy levels: Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area offers varying degrees of seclusion. A reviewer mentioned, "It's a nice area to spend with another person and even with kids, restrooms are clean, there's some privacy if you find a good spot."
Creek access: Several sites feature proximity to seasonal water sources. At Upper Bonito, a camper reported, "We had a great night drove through the entire area and off roads to find a nice quiet area... Lots of trails nearby and the lake of course!"
Stargazing: Clear mountain nights provide excellent celestial viewing. One Forest Rd 568 camper shared, "It was enjoyable out in the night sky and the stars were very clear and beautiful. Fire pits were all over the place and area had a lot of spots to set up camp."
What you should know
Road access considerations: Some areas require appropriate vehicles. At Bailey Canyon, a camper reported, "The road up was a little muddy but over all smoother and easy. We picked a spot at the highest point along Bailey Canyon Rd."
Seasonal water levels: Creek flows vary dramatically by season. At Upper Bonito, one visitor noted, "Creek near by that didn't have much water in it. But over all pretty (Dry) Area."
Weekend crowds: Popular areas fill quickly during peak times. A Bluff Springs visitor observed, "Been camping here several times a year and it just keeps getting busier and busier. Need to find a new place!"
Dust concerns: Dry conditions can affect camp comfort. A Bluff Springs camper warned, "Beware of the dust coming from the road! The winds can be strong and will sweep the dust into your camp."
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs widely between locations. One Forest Rd 568 reviewer stated, "Cell service barely exists, on and off 1 bar AT&T. It's a Forest road so check it out before pulling you trailer up it."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water play: Shallow creek areas provide natural entertainment. A visitor to Bluff Springs shared, "There is a small waterfall that we could see and hear from our campsite and a creek for kiddos to play in."
Animal sightings: Free-range cattle and wildlife offer educational opportunities. "Its a free range area so cows are all over the place which was fun to see," noted a Bluff Springs camper.
Technology breaks: Limited connectivity encourages family interaction. One camper celebrated setting up camp as "worth every minute to enjoy the next three days worry and technology free."
Space considerations: End of Cedar Creek Road and other areas offer varying amounts of space for families. Look for sites with adequate room for multiple tents and play areas, though be aware of recent fire damage in some sections.
Tips from RVers
Turn-around challenges: Forest roads often have limited space for larger vehicles. A Forest Rd 568 camper warned, "We went to the end of the road to find out that there was no way to turn our 29 ft trailer. We had to go in reverse about 1/4 mile to find a place to turn around."
Site selection strategy: Arrive early to secure suitable sites. "We should have just stayed in the first location we found though," advised an RVer who learned this lesson the hard way.
Leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven terrain. An RVer at Forest Rd 568 noted, "The good: beautiful tree coverage, trails that lead to town, road biking distance to town... The bad: rocky unlevel sites."
Size limitations: Big rigs should stay near road entrances. "Larger than vehicle should stay at beginning of road," recommended a camper who discovered that gates or road narrowing can create difficulties farther in.
