Camper submitted image from Bear Trap Campground - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Bear Trap Campground - 2
Camping
Camper submitted image from Bear Trap Campground - 3
Nature
Camper submitted image from Bear Trap Campground - 4
Roads
Camper submitted image from Bear Trap Campground - 5
Buildings
Unlock Planning Tools in App
pro

Free Camping Collection

Public Campground

Bear Trap Campground

Do you own or manage this property?

Claim Your Listing
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Bear Trap Campground near Magdalena, NM, is surrounded by rugged terrain with a mix of forested areas and open spaces. Temperatures can range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s in summer. Campers can explore the nearby Cibola National Forest and the Very Large Array, a renowned astronomical radio observatory.

Suggest an Edit

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Location

Bear Trap Campground is located in New Mexico

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

33.88330925 N
107.51527928 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More
Presented byFord

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Bear Trap Campground needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

67%
0%
0%
0%
34%

3.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 27, 2023

Burned!

Th e area has been burned in the 2022 fires. The road was closed for a long time, and if it is open now, there will be floods in the burn scar. Check with the Forest Service for more info before you go. Mimbres Ranger District of the Gila National Forest.

Reviewed Oct. 28, 2019

Great little spot

We stopped here after the Hot Air Ballon Fiesta. Didn’t think we’d find anything but glad we were wring lovely colors here with fall!

  • Review photo of Bear Trap Campground by Odyssey A., October 28, 2019
  • Review photo of Bear Trap Campground by Odyssey A., October 28, 2019
  • Review photo of Bear Trap Campground by Odyssey A., October 28, 2019
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 2, 2019

One of my favorite hidden back-country gems

One of my favorite hidden gems! There are no frills here...just 4 camp sites and a pit toilet in an isolated setting. No water. Pack in-pack out. The drive up to the camp ground is rough and narrow with some hair-pin turns (and spectacular views!), but it is passable (we have an old Honda CRV AWD and pull a small trailer)...just don't plan on getting there fast. I would not recommend trying the road with an RV. The camp sites are spacious, mostly flat, and provide a lovely view of the mountainside. At about 8500 ft MSL elevation, it is cool up there! August nights are very comfortable; by September, the nights are chilly. There are plenty of hiking trails and old forest-service roads to explore and even a near-by geocache (if you do that).

  • Review photo of Bear Trap Campground by Kristine C., August 2, 2019
  • Review photo of Bear Trap Campground by Kristine C., August 2, 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Bear Trap Campground located in Madison County?

Bear Trap Campground is located in a remote, isolated setting in Madison County. The campground sits in a scenic area with spectacular views accessible via a rough, narrow road with some hairpin turns. The area is within the Mimbres Ranger District of the Gila National Forest. The drive to reach the campground offers beautiful vistas, especially striking during fall when the foliage changes color.

What amenities are available at Bear Trap Campground?

Bear Trap Campground offers very minimal amenities. The site features just 4 primitive campsites and a pit toilet. There is no water available, so campers need to bring all their own supplies. This is a true pack-in, pack-out facility with no trash service. The campground's charm lies in its simplicity and isolation rather than its facilities. The lack of amenities makes it perfect for campers seeking a more rustic, off-grid experience.

Is Bear Trap Campground part of the Local Guide Program?

No information indicates that Bear Trap Campground is part of the Local Guide Program. This small, primitive campground with just four sites is managed by the Gila National Forest Service. For the most current information about management programs or special designations, contact the Mimbres Ranger District of the Gila National Forest directly before planning your trip.