Lincoln National Forest's Skyline Campground sits near the top of a mountain outside Alto, New Mexico, managed by the US Forest Service on a year-round basis. The elevation brings wide-open sightlines across the surrounding region, with one reviewer describing 360-degree views of the landscape below. Wind is a consistent factor at this exposed position, and campers should plan accordingly with secure tent setups and extra layers regardless of season.
Sites are close to the road and noticeably sloped, which affects tent placement and comfort. Shade is limited but present in spots throughout the forested area. Snow can linger on the ground into late spring, as confirmed by a June visit that still found patches remaining. Michael notes the wind "can get quite torrential and there is not a ton of shade." The campground has toilets, picnic tables, and firewood available, with cell service and campfires allowed. The 16-foot RV maximum limits larger rigs.
Access follows a dirt road that recent visitors have found well-maintained, though the campground carries a rough access warning and conditions can vary. Hikers have access to trails from the campground, and the area draws campers who want a mountain-top base for day hikes. Those exploring places to camp around Ruidoso will find Skyline fits well into a broader itinerary for the region. Campers wanting a lower-elevation or more sheltered alternative can look at Monjeau Campground, roughly a mile north.
Description
The Skyline Campground is located just south of the famous Monjeau Lookout tower along Forest Road 117 at a little over 9,000' elevation. Access to it is via a well kept but steep gravel road but with inclement weather, this road can become rough and difficult to use. There are 17 sites here for tents only. Breathtaking mountain views abound and access to the White Mountain Wilderness can be found at the site via the Crest (T25) Trailhead. No trash service at this site. Please pack out what you pack in.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSkyline Campground is located in New Mexico near Ruidoso
Public CampgroundDirections
In Ruidoso, NM, at the intersection of US 70 and State Rt. 48, take Rt. 48 north 8.9 miles to Skyline and Oak Grove Picnic Ground sign. Turn left at sign and go 0.9 miles to Skyline Campground sign. Turn right at sign onto Forest Rt. 117 (dirt) and go 0.7 miles to "Y" intersection. Bear left at intersection and go 3.9 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.
Coordinates
33.41935537 N
105.7330654 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/26/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/27/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 11/14/25
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/26/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/27/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 11/14/25
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 30 min from Las Cruces, NM
- 2 hrs 38 min from El Paso, TX
- 2 hrs 56 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 3 hrs 19 min from Santa Fe, NM
