Lincoln National Forest New Mexico

Lincoln National Forest Overview

Located in southeastern New Mexico, Lincoln National Forest encompasses more than 1.1 million acres across the Sacramento, Guadalupe, and Capitan mountain ranges. The forest offers a striking contrast to the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert, with elevations ranging from approximately 4,000 to over 11,500 feet. Visitors can experience everything from desert canyons and grasslands to lush pine forests, alpine meadows, and mountain peaks. The forest is also known as the birthplace of Smokey Bear, whose story is closely tied to the region.

Outdoor recreation opportunities abound throughout the forest. Popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, fishing, off-highway vehicle riding, hunting, and scenic driving. Notable attractions include the White Mountain Wilderness, the Osha Trail near Cloudcroft, and the beautiful Sitting Bull Falls oasis, where a waterfall cascades through a limestone canyon.

he forest offers numerous campgrounds ranging from primitive sites to developed facilities with picnic tables, fire rings, water access, and restrooms. Dispersed camping is permitted in many areas of the forest, allowing visitors to camp in more remote settings while following Forest Service regulations.

Make a Reservation for Lincoln National Forest

Amenities

• BBQ Grills
• Boat Launch/Ramp
• Campsite Tables
• Cell Service - None
• Cell Service Fair
• Cell Service Poor
• Drinking Water
• Dumpsters
• Fire Pit
• Fire Rings
• Golden Age & Access Passports accepted
• Grills
• Pets OK
• Picnic Tables
• Trash Collection

Activities

• ATVing
• Backpacking
• Bird Watching
• Boating
• Canoeing
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Historic Sites
• Horseback riding
• Hunting
• Kayaking
• Mountain Biking
• OHVing
• OTV Trails/Riding
• Photography
• Picnicking
• Rock Climbing
• Stargazing
• Swimming
• Wildlife Viewing
• Winter/Snow Sports