Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area provides free camping with access to horse riding camps during summer months. Located on BLM land near Ruidoso, this area features multiple first-come, first-served campsites along a small creek. The dispersed camping area includes vault toilets, which is uncommon for dispersed sites. The area serves as an excellent base camp for hiking trails in the Ruidoso region, including Big Bonito Trail and Argentina Trail. During summer, horse riding camps are established to provide trail rides for visitors. The dirt road leading to the sites can become dusty, particularly when traveling uphill from the camping areas.
The area surrounding Weed offers limited water sources for horses, with seasonal creek flow that varies throughout the year. Upper Bonito Creek typically has minimal water, especially during drier months. Horse owners should plan to bring adequate water supplies for their animals. The surrounding forest provides natural shade and some protection from elements, though the area can experience significant seasonal variations. Winter months may bring snow and potential access challenges, with some sites becoming inaccessible during heavy snowfall. The surrounding Lincoln National Forest provides extensive trail networks suitable for day rides. Trailer parking is available but limited, and the dispersed nature of the sites means horse containment systems should be brought by campers rather than expected as provided facilities.
from $40 / night
"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."
"If you do one thing in New Mexico--and it would be a shame if you only did one thing, but I digress--full moon camping at White Sands National Monument might be it."
"The hike from the parking lot is barely 2 miles, but when you get to the site there is just seas of white surrounding you. And if at all possible try to camp here during a full moon."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
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.
GuideGood 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
Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area sits at approximately 6,500 feet elevation in the Sacramento Mountains of southern New Mexico. The surrounding Lincoln National Forest transitions between ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forests. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing with occasional snow accumulation making some campsites inaccessible during colder months.
Trail riding opportunities: Several areas near Weed accommodate equestrian camping with varying terrain options. At Three Rivers Campground, riders can access multiple trail systems. "There are 3 separate trails originating at the campground," notes Jorge G., who recommends respecting the ecosystem that has "gone through a lot of fire related hardships."
Hiking with dogs: Many equestrian-friendly areas also welcome hikers with pets. The Upper Karr Canyon Campground provides access to numerous forest trails. Carson P. shares: "I hiked into the trees a bit so there weren't super close neighbors. Plenty of downed trees for gathering firewood. There's an old logging road that makes for an easy hike."
Gold panning: Some seasonal creeks around Weed offer recreational gold panning opportunities. A visitor to Upper Bonito notes: "Went to this area to camp and pan for gold. Creek near by that didn't have much water in it. But over all pretty (Dry) Area."
Natural privacy: The forest surrounding Weed provides natural screening between sites at most horse campgrounds. Alex G. from Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area confirms, "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."
Cooler temperatures: The higher elevation near Weed offers relief from summer desert heat. Alex K. at Upper Karr Canyon notes: "Great place to cool down when coming from the basin and the 95+ degree days in the summer. Does get snow in the winter months and will drop below freezing."
Wildlife viewing: The forests around Weed support diverse wildlife populations. Campers often report seeing deer, elk, and occasional predators. One camper at West Mesa Trailhead BLM observed: "Although I did not see anything, there were signs of wildlife everywhere. I got 1-2 bars of cell service here."
Road conditions: Access to horse camps near Weed often requires travel on unpaved roads. James G. notes about Three Rivers: "It's about 13 miles off the 54 on BLM land. The road was smooth (though gravel most of the way). It was also super quiet since it was so far away from the road."
Water availability: Water sources are inconsistent throughout the region. Jaedee B. confirms Upper Bonito's creek "didn't have much water in it" during their visit, reinforcing the need to bring adequate water supplies.
Seasonal closures: Winter access to some horse campgrounds near Weed becomes difficult. At Skyline Campground, the exposed mountain location creates challenges: "You have 360 views of the region, but beware, the wind can get quite torrential and there is not a ton of shade."
Accessible activities: Some horse campgrounds near Weed offer family-friendly amenities. K&S Adventures at Upper Bonito reports: "We had a great night drove through the entire area and off roads to find a nice quiet area we had our son and two big doggos and had plenty of space for them to roam."
Safety precautions: Wildlife encounters require preparation when camping with children. Jon D. from Upper Karr Canyon advises caution: "While watching the sunset there, I was attempted to be followed by what seemed like another onlooker once it got dark. I let them know very quickly I knew what they were up to."
Weather preparation: Mountain weather changes quickly near Weed. Michael from Skyline Campground warns: "It's absolutely stunning to camp at the peak of a mountain. You have 360 views of the region, but beware, the wind can get quite torrential."
Limited hookups: Most equestrian camping areas near Weed offer minimal services for RVs. At Stone Mountain RV Resort, Dennis P. notes: "Several permanent trailers here, but we got a good site (#14 which was marked as 21). Outdoor fire pit and gas grill available. 30 or 50 amp ($10 more for 50)."
Dispersed options: Some areas permit self-contained RV camping. Teresa T. reports about West Mesa Trailhead: "It was late November and cold so I stayed where I had electric service. But I rode my bike all over the place and there's dispersed camping everywhere. Good cell phone service."
Site selection: RVers should scout locations before committing. Alli P. cautions about Upper Karr Canyon: "This is a parking lot with bathrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings that you cannot drive up to. This is more suited for tent campers and hikers. You cannot drive any where else besides the parking lot."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Weed, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Weed, NM is High Country Arena with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
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TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Weed, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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