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CEDAR CREEK (Sam Tobias)
FSU.S. Forest Service — RUIDOSO · New Mexico · Lincoln National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Lincoln National Forest |
| Location | RUIDOSO · New Mexico · Lincoln National Forest · 33.36139, -105.68472 · Map |
| Sites | 4 public sites counted from the federal listing — 3 group standard electric; 1 group shelter nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 4 sites Water hookups at 0 of 4 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 4 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 4 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 35 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 3 sites · 30 ft: 3 sites · 35 ft: 3 sites · 40 ft: 0 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 575-257-4095 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview Located on the outskirts of Ruidoso, Cedar Creek provides a wonderful space for groups visiting for the day or staying overnight. With a picnic shelter and three group campsites, the recreation area is ideal for an outing in Lincoln National Forest.
A popular pastime is is hiking and mountain biking along the scenic multi-use trails adjacent to the Sam Tobias Memorial Group Campground. There are opporunities to see a number of different wildlife, including Mule deer and Elk in the area. Recreation Hiking and biking are among the most popular activities here, with options like the T90 fitness Trail which extends 1.3 miles and includes exercise stations. Bilking trails T120 A-D and T121 A& B are also nearby. Also we have an expert-only downhill mountain bike trail, located near the water tower to the east of the Campgrounds. The trail ends at the picnic area. Dogs must be kept on leash at all times while hiking. Dogs are not allowed on the Fitness trail. Facilities The group picnic shelter offers drinking water and accessible vault toilets. Non-sheltered picnic tables are open to the general public.
The group campgrounds range from 60 to 100 person capacities and the group picnic shelter fits up to 40 people. Each site comes with accessible picnic shelters, campfire rings, drinking water vault toilets and grills.
Picnic Pavilion is for day use only. If you would like to camp overnight please book one of the group campgrounds. Natural Features Cedar Creek is perched along its namesake, Cedar Creek at a 7,000 foot elevation. Lincoln National Forest, located in south-central New Mexico, is most notable as the birthplace of the original Smokey Bear. Nearby Attractions Ruidoso is a delightful town with quaint shops, restaurants and art galleries. If picnickers wish to camp overnight, they can head to Sam Tobias Memorial Group Campground.
Directions, from the listing
From Ruidoso on Mechem Drive, take Cedar Creek Road west .5 miles. Cedar Creek is the first recreational area located on the right (north).
Nearest federal campgrounds
15 mi straight-line · Fort Stanton New MexicoFSU.S. Forest ServiceAspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, NM)
24 mi straight-line · CLOUDCROFT New MexicoBLMBureau of Land ManagementValley of Fires Recreation Area
26 mi straight-line · Carrizozo New MexicoFSU.S. Forest ServiceLower Fir Group Area
27 mi straight-line · CLOUDCROFT New MexicoFSU.S. Forest ServicePines Campground
27 mi straight-line · CLOUDCROFT New Mexico
Trip Card — CEDAR CREEK (Sam Tobias)
RUIDOSO · New Mexico · Lincoln National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | RUIDOSO · New Mexico · Lincoln National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 35 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 4 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234460 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.