CEDAR CREEK (Sam Tobias)

Show on map575-257-4095
901 MECHEM DR.
RUIDOSO, NM 88345

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.

Camp site features

Across 3 camp sites:

  • Group sites: all 3 sites
  • Longest RV: 35 ft
  • Largest party: 100 people

Directions

From Ruidoso on Mechem Drive, take Cedar Creek Road west .5 miles. Cedar Creek is the first recreational area located on the right (north).

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

18 reviews
5 stars
12
4 stars
3
3 stars
2
1 stars
1
Mike G
Loop:Grp3
Site:
Reviewed 2 years ago
Highly recommend this site. Site was easy to get to, clean, and fun for kids.
Diane C
Loop:Cedar
Site:
Reviewed 3 years ago
Hello, We have rented the Pavillion at Cedar Creek a few times in the past, always very nice. Wednesday the 10th I reserved the Pavillion for Sunday the 14th. Ranger Daniel called and informed me there was going to be a controlled burn at Cedar Creek, it should be okay by Sunday. My husband and I went to see it Friday the 12th, it was still smoldering and quite smokey. We decided to go ahead with our plans of using it on Sunday. We had 4 small grandchildren in our party and found the area was so full of ash and soot we left and went to a public park. We appreciated Daniel's consideration by informing us of the controlled burn, we were disappointed we could not use the Pavillion. Thank you Diane Campbell
Ernest M
Loop:Grp3
Site:
Reviewed 3 years ago
Awsome time with my family, we wanted to perfect blend between tent camping and glamping and this location was it! We had our own personal restrooms, parking lot, entrance, running water, electricity, and shelter! Loved it and so did my family. Definitely coming back!
Terri A
Loop:Grp2
Site:
Reviewed 3 years ago
This site is always wonderful.
Armando G
Loop:Grp1
Site:
Reviewed 3 years ago
Muy limpio y muy satisfecho de la estancia, poca lluvia y muy silencioso
Ellen H
Loop:Grp1
Site:
Reviewed 3 years ago
There were MANY, MANY hikers that made themselves at home on our tables when we were present in the pavilion. MANY, MANY bikers that just drove right by us when we were in the camp area. I realize this has become a societal issue but two families brought pack lunches and sat down at tables just outside the pavilion. Hikers just make their way through the camp area all the time. The multiple trails have contributed to this intrusion. This visit was not enjoyable because of the multiple, daily intrusion. Unfortunately, I do not have a solution for their rudeness.
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Season dates

Peak season

May 15, 2027 – Sep 14, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

May 15, 2028 – Sep 14, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

Availability not checked yet

No availability

We don't have availability data yet for camp sites at .

Interested in seeing what camp sites you can reserve here? Check it now, or watch this campground so we keep checking it for you.