Bon Burt Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bonito Lake is located in the Lincoln National Forest in southern New Mexico.


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Summary

The lake offers a number of recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and picnicking. With its clear, cool waters and scenic surroundings, Bonito Lake is a popular destination for visitors from near and far.

One of the main attractions at Bonito Lake is the fishing. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout, and cutthroat trout, making it a great spot for anglers of all skill levels. Boat rentals are available, as well as a fishing pier for those who prefer to fish from shore.

In addition to fishing, there are hiking trails around the lake that offer great views of the surrounding forest. The trails range from easy to moderate, and there are options for both short and long hikes.

Another popular activity at Bonito Lake is camping. There are several campgrounds in the area, offering both primitive and developed camping options. There are also picnic areas around the lake, making it a great spot for a day trip.

Interesting facts about Bonito Lake include its history as a reservoir for the city of Alamogordo, as well as its reputation as a haunted site. According to local legend, the lake is home to the ghost of a young woman who drowned in the lake many years ago.

The best time of year to visit Bonito Lake depends on the activities you are interested in. Fishing is best in the spring and fall, when the water is cooler. Hiking and camping are popular throughout the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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