This location was absolutely ideal! We visited during the spring holiday, and there was still a smattering of snow around. The majority of the camping areas were shut, forcing us to look for alternatives off the beaten track. There was a good selection of at least six sites along this unpaved road. It's just a stone's throw from route 532, known as 127A. We set up camp at the road's end, right before a private entrance. Another visitor had mentioned that the stream was dry, but we discovered it flowing peacefully, likely due to the melting snow. We encountered no issues driving our truck and pop-up down the road and the camping sites were spaced out enough that we had no sight of other campers. We also didn't experience any traffic, possibly due to the lingering chill. The town of Ruidoso was just a short distance away, with Ski Apache even nearer. The coordinates are 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.

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!