Dispersed camping near Ruidoso, New Mexico allows access to the Sacramento Mountains section of Lincoln National Forest, with campsites typically situated between 7,000-10,000 feet elevation. Winter temperatures can drop significantly with overnight lows in the teens during December through February. The surrounding forest consists primarily of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and aspen groves that provide natural shade for many campsites.
What to do
Hiking from dispersed sites: Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area provides direct access to multiple trail systems. "A good base camp for some of the best hiking around Ruidoso (Big Bonito Trail, Argentina Trail, etc.)," according to one camper at Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area.
Wildlife viewing: The forests around Cloudcroft are particularly good for wildlife spotting. "We saw more elk than we could count! Just glowing eyes everywhere and all in the road," reports a camper at Forest Road 568 - Dispersed Camping. Elk sightings are most common at dawn and dusk.
Photography opportunities: The elevation changes create diverse landscape shots. A reviewer at West Mesa Trailhead BLM noted, "This was a very private remote area in the forest. It was a nice change of pace from the desert that surrounds the Forrest!"
Waterfall access: Some dispersed sites offer water features. At Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping, "There is a small waterfall that we could see and hear from our campsite and a creek for kiddos to play in."
What campers like
Natural surroundings: Free-range cattle add character to some camping areas. "This is a free range area so cows are all over the place which was fun to see," notes a camper at Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping.
Privacy levels: West Mesa offers seclusion not found in more popular areas. One camper at West Mesa Trailhead BLM Dispersed commented, "I rode my bike all over the place and there's dispersed camping everywhere. Good cell phone service. I plan on staying for a full week and working from here."
Temperature variation: Higher elevations provide cooler camping during summer months. "The good: beautiful tree coverage, trails that lead to town, road biking distance to town, daily short rains," notes a reviewer at Forest Rd 568 Dispersed.
Night sky viewing: The remote location provides excellent stargazing. A camper at Dog Canyon mentioned "Verizon service, starry skies" as highlights of their stay.
What you should know
Road access challenges: Many dispersed sites require careful vehicle management. "We should have just stayed in the first location we found though. 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," warns a camper at Forest Rd 568.
Seasonal crowds: Popular areas become congested during peak times. A reviewer at Guebara Tank Camp advises, "Just keep quit respect the rules and ull be fine just enjoy."
Fire damage concerns: Some areas have been affected by forest fires. A recent visitor to End of Cedar Creek Road reported, "There has been a forest fire through here. Trees and grass are burned. It's been raining so it's very muddy."
Bathroom facilities: Limited toilet access exists at select locations. "A lot of dispersed camping areas don't have toilets, but this one does," notes a visitor to Upper Bonito about its facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Creek access for kids: Water features provide natural entertainment. At Bluff Springs, campers appreciate that "There is a small waterfall that we could see and hear from our campsite and a creek for kiddos to play in."
Group sites available: Some areas accommodate larger family gatherings. A camper at Forest Road 568 noted, "Sweet group campsite there but occupied... A very nice group site at the top of the hill, big enough for 2-3 Class Bs."
Safety considerations: Wildlife encounters require preparation. "Cougars so bring either 40 cal gun or a 45 cal gun for power," suggests one camper at Guebara Tank Camp.
Space for multiple setups: Areas like Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping can accommodate family groups. "With one camper, two tents, two jeeps, two dogs, six kiddos and 10 adults it was a chore to get everything out and set up but worth every minute to enjoy the next three days worry and technology free."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Narrow forest roads restrict larger RVs. "It's a Forest road so check it out before pulling you trailer up it. Was gated and locked about 1.5 miles in no room to turn a rig around there. Larger than vehicle should stay at beginning of road," advises an RVer at Forest Rd 568 Dispersed.
Leveling challenges: Mountainous terrain creates uneven sites. "The good: beautiful tree coverage, trails that lead to town, road biking distance to town... The bad: rocky unlevel sites," notes a camper with a 31-foot Class C at Forest Rd 568 Dispersed.
Turn-around space: Check road endings before proceeding. "We have a 30ft trailer and there's lots of space to turn around and set up with the view you want," reports a visitor to Dog Canyon.
Road condition reports: Surface quality varies by location and season. "The road is rocky and narrow, but we were able to make it in a 2 wheel drive vehicle with pretty low clearance," states a Forest Road 568 camper with a 20-foot Class C RV.
