South Fork Eagle Creek Dispersed Camping

This place was perfect! We went during spring break, so there was still a little snow everywhere. Most campgrounds were closed, so we had to find something off the dirt paths. There were at least half a dozen spots down this dirt road. It is just off 532, called 127A. We stayed at the end of the road, just before the private gate. Another member said the creek was dry, but we found it running and very tranquil due to the snow thawing. We didn't have any trouble taking our truck and popup down the road and the camp spots were far enough apart that we couldn't see any neighbors. There wasn't any traffic either, but again that could have been because it was still very cold. Ruidoso was a few miles away, and Ski Apache even closer.

33°24'15.90"N
105°44'20.33"W

We were going to camp for a week, but packed it in after 4 days. This is NOT peace and tranquility. A very narrow canyon with lots of traffic that constantly kicks up the fine dust from the road. We spent more time getting the dust off all our gear (not to mention out of our sinuses) than we did camping. You can't get away from it, as the camping sites are all very close to the dirt road. The "mountain stream" the rangers told us about was nothing more than a dry creek bed. Others we spoke to said it's often like this because the city pumps water from an aquifer under the creek causing it to run dry often. There are so many more scenic and beautiful places in New Mexico to waste your vacation here. You have to hike a mile or mile and half down the same dirt road (with dust kicking traffic) just to get to a trailhead, then most of the forest is burned out from the Little Bear fire in 2013. Very little has grown back here. Find a different and better place to camp. The South Fork of Eagle Creek isn't it!

This spot is SUPER convenient if you're going to the ski area. It's right off the road, which is the biggest drawback, as it can be busy at the beginning and end of the day, and a little noisy.

If you stay here, make sure you know how to camp in bear country. There are black bears that roam up and down the creek. DO NOT keep food in your tent, vehicle, or trailer, DO NOT cook in your campsite.

There are no bathrooms here, and as a recurring guest, I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't do your business here, even if you do bury it. The Rio Ruidoso runs through this site and there's not enough room to stay a safe distance from it. Just go down the road to the gas station and buy some food or gas and do your business there. Or go to the park next to the gas station.

Cell service is OK at best -- two to three bars. You are down in a valley, so you may want a booster. If you stay up at Monjeau Peak, it will be windy, but MUCH better LTE.

You can stay up at Oak Grove Campground in the summer for $2 per night. There are pit toilets there, fire rings, etc.

Also - further down the road are some burned areas from the Little Bear fire. Those trees can fall at any time, so best to not hike those areas. Definitely do not camp amongst dead trees!