Summary
It is a popular camping spot among visitors, with stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges and a variety of nearby points of interest.
Surrounding Views:
The campground is located amongst the towering ponderosa pines and offers scenic views of the Sacramento Mountains. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness from the top of nearby ridges.
Nearby Points of Interest:
The area offers a range of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Bonito Lake and Grindstone Lake are popular spots for fishing and boating. The Lincoln National Forest offers plenty of hiking trails, including the Rim Trail, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Campground Amenities:
The Wilderness Ridge Campground offers basic amenities, including picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets. There is no potable water at the campground, so visitors should bring their own water. The campground is open year-round, but reservations are required during peak season (May 1 - September 30).
Interesting Facts:
The Lincoln National Forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and elk. Visitors should take precautions to safely store food and dispose of trash to avoid attracting wildlife.
Best Time of Year to Visit:
The best time to visit the Wilderness Ridge Campground is during the summer months, when temperatures range from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit. However, visitors should be prepared for occasional thunderstorms during this time. The fall months offer cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage, making it a great time for hiking and wildlife viewing. Winter months can be cold, with occasional snowfall, but offer a unique opportunity for winter sports, such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Sources:
- US Forest Service: Wilderness Ridge Campground
- Visit Ruidoso: Wilderness Ridge Campground
- AllTrails: Wilderness Ridge Trail
- New Mexico Tourism Department: Lincoln National Forest
Nearby Campgrounds
Wilderness Ridge Campground
McKittrick Ridge Campground
McKittrick Ridge Backcountry Campground
Dog Canyon Campground
Dog Canyon - Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Mescalero Campground
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Camping Essential Practices
Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
Respect Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
Know Before You Go
Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
Minimize Campfire Impact
Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
Leave What You Find
Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.
Related Links
River Runs
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Headwaters Of All Streams Within Mckittrick Canyon Watershed To Nf Boundary
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Headwaters Of Big Canyon To Nf Boundary
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Headwaters Of Middle Fork Big Canyon And North Fork Big Canyon To Nf Boundary
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Southern Boundary Of Sec 3, T26S, R21E Along Dark Canyon To Confluence Of Dark And Fir Canyons In Sec 25, T25S, R21E
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Headwaters Of Cottonwood Canyon In Sec 32, T25S, R22E To Confluence Of Cottonwood And Dark Canyons In Sec 10, T25S, R22E
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Headwaters Of Horse Spring In Sec 13, T25S, R22E To Confluence Of Horse Spring And Horse Canyon In Sec 11, T25S, R22E
Protection Area (Administrative) Guadalupe Cave
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Wilderness Carlsbad Caverns
Wilderness Guadalupe Mountains