Black Bear Group Area

Cloudcroft, New Mexico

Book this listing through our partner Recreation Gov

About Black Bear Group Area

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 Deerhead 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.

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.

Black Bear Group Area Reviews

Have you stayed here? Be the first to leave a review!

Top Spots in or near Cloudcroft

Osha Loop Trail

Cloudcroft, New Mexico
5.0
2.51 mi / 331 ft gain

Camp at Bluff Springs

Cloudcroft, New Mexico
5.0
0 mi / 100 ft gain

Hike the Salado Canyon Trail

Salado Canyon Trail, New Mexico
3.4 mi / 307 ft gain

Hike Alamo Canyon Loop Trail

Alamogordo, New Mexico
-6.6 mi / 1205 ft gain

Hike Oliver Lee State Park Dog Canyon

Alamogordo, New Mexico
0.7 mi / 101 ft gain

Explore White Sands National Monument

Alamogordo, New Mexico
4.7

Camping and Lodging in Cloudcroft

Upper Fir Group Area
Cloudcroft, New Mexico

Upper Fir Group Area

Lower Fir Group Area
Cloudcroft, New Mexico

Lower Fir Group Area

Slide Group Area
Sunspot, New Mexico

Slide Group Area

Alamogordo / White Sands KOA Journey
Alamogordo, New Mexico

Alamogordo / White Sands KOA Journey

Aspen Group Area
Bent, New Mexico

Aspen Group Area

Cedar Creek (Sam Tobias)
Ruidoso, New Mexico

Cedar Creek (Sam Tobias)

Unfortunately, we don't have up-to date pricing data for this listing, but you can check pricing through Recreation Gov.

Book Now

Add your business today to reach The Outbound's audience of adventurous travelers.