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U.S. Forest Service · Lincoln National Forest

Black Bear Group Area

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.

Reservable1 sitesAccessibility info
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Group fire pit area at Black Bear Group Campground.
Conservation Legacy

Campsites

group standard area nonelectric1
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Amenities & rules

Pets allowedCampfires allowedMax vehicle length 35 ftRVs & trailersTents

Fees: Group Standard Area Non-Electric: 1 to 30 people $123/night 31 to 70 people $154/night .

Compiled from site-level records; individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.

Getting there

In southeast New Mexico, approximately 20 miles east of Alamagordo. From Alamagordo take US 82 east. Go 16 miles. Just before Cloudcroft, turn right (south) on NM 130. Go 1.4 miles. Turn left (east) on Forest Road 24B. Go .5 miles. Black Bear Group area is on right (south) side of road across from Aspen Group Area.

Campgrounds nearby

Data source: Recreation.gov RIDB, retrieved August 30, 2026. The Campsite Atlas is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Recreation.gov or any federal agency. Always confirm critical details on the official Recreation.gov page before you travel.