Black Bear Group Area
Campground · New Mexico · 1 bookable site ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
- 1
- Bookable site
- 35 ft
- Max rig length
- up to 70
- People per site
- 8,605 ft
- Elevation
Overview
Black Bear is perched atop the scenic Sacramento Mountains of south-central New Mexico, near Alamogordo and Cloudcroft. The site is surrounded by the aromatic pine trees and aspen groves of Lincoln National Forest. The group area is conveniently connected to a network of hiking and biking trails. Bring your camera and binoculars for the chance to spot elk, deers, birds, and even black bear.The black bears are arguably the most celebrated wildlife in the area due to the fact that the original Smokey Bear was found here. While battling a fire in 1950, firefighters rescued a burned bear cub clinging to a scorched tree in Lincoln National Forest. The bear was adopted by the US Forest Service and became the real-life mascot for forest fire prevention.
Recreation
Evening skies are often clear of clouds - bring a telescope for stargazing. The campground is surrounded by a series of hiking trails. A popular hike is the Osha Trail, which is a 2.5-mile loop.Facilities
Whether for a family reunion or a large social event, Black Bear is a convenient location for groups up to 70. No water is provided at this site, but it is available at Sleepy Grass Campground from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Natural Features
Set 9,000 feet above sea level in the Sacramento Mountains, Black Bear is in a pine forest area overlooking the desert valley of the Tularosa Basin. The basin stretches 6,500 square miles between the Sacramentos and the San Andres Mountains.Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (575) 682-1518.Nearby Attractions
The campground is a mile from Cloudcroft, a quaint tourist village with New Mexico's only standing railroad trestle. It's also a quarter mile from the Rim Trail, which is popular for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Other nearby trails are open to ATV enthusiasts.The facts
- 1 bookable site
- Vehicles up to 35 ft
- Up to 70 people per site
- Loops: BLAC
Site types
- 1 Group Standard Area Nonelectric
Amenities
- Campfires allowed
- Pets allowed
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, fire pits, picnic tables, grills, shade.
1 campsite at Black Bear Group Area
Check-in 02:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | BLAC | Group Standard Area Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | 35 ft | 70 | 🐾 |
Getting there
32.92083, -105.74167 · 32°55'15.0"N 105°44'30.0"W
Typical weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 1.3 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 1.6 | 5.4 | 4.8 | 2.8 | 2.0 | 1.5 | 2.3 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 0.3 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
Fees and stay limits
Group Standard Area Non-Electric: 1 to 30 people $123/night 31 to 70 people $154/night
From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Black Bear Group Area
- Can you reserve a site at Black Bear Group Area?
- Yes, Black Bear Group Area is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Black Bear Group Area have?
- 1 site.
- What is the maximum RV length at Black Bear Group Area?
- 35 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
- Are pets allowed at Black Bear Group Area?
- Yes, pets are allowed at Black Bear Group Area.
- Are campfires allowed at Black Bear Group Area?
- Campfires are allowed at Black Bear Group Area. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Camping near Black Bear Group Area
- Sleepy Grass 1.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Deerhead Campground 1.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Upper Fir Group Area 2.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Pines Campground 3.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Apache (NM) 3.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Slide Group Campground 1.3 mi · Campground
- Black Bear Group Campground 1.4 mi · Campground
- Aspen Group Campground 1.5 mi · Campground
- Haynes Canyon Vista Observation Site 1.5 mi · Facility
- Sleepy Grass Campground 1.9 mi · Campground
- Trestle Vista Observation Site - south 3 mi · Facility
- Lower Fir Group Campground 3.4 mi · Campground
Contact
- Phone 575-682-7570
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-11.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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