Bonito Lake

The experience is wonderful, great place to get away from your everyday work load. Not to mention the calming effect it can have on you.

Paid for a space, went hiking, came back and they sold our space to semone else. They would not give me my money back on my ticket. The wonderful people to whom they sold my spot to graciously allowed us to stay with them. Will NOT go back due to staff. But the scenery is beautiful

We enjoyed the beautiful lake, horse back riding and camping grounds. Picture perfect natural elements. My son and I also enjoyed running away from snakes lol. It's very hard when you are a single mom with a 15 yr old son who rather be with his friend in a remote location where you can converse and laugh with one another. Priceless doesn't cost a dime.

Bonito lake is a small lake without many extras. If you are looking to camp the old fashioned way and get away from modern life I highly suggest you try this out. If you want luxery camping then stay in town... I would avoid the city of Alamogordo campgrounds- they are crowded and you're paying for basically nothing. The forest service campground at South Fork is better but fills up fast on the weekends. At least there you will get a designated spot and have space between you and your neighbors. If you really want peace and quiet drive up the dirt road past the lake and camp in the national forest for free. There is also the opportunity to rent horses up the dirt road that are reasonably priced- looks a little run-down but the horses and people are friendly if you are! There is also a neat little cafe and store that has been there forever and I've heard that they are building a newer more modern building to provide better service. It's a good place to stop for necessities without having to go back into town and if you're tired of camping fare you can get a decent meal. This is a great area in general for families on a budget- there are over 80 hiking trails in the area and nice little streams to play in. Call ahead of time (the forest service) to find out about fire restrictions in case of dry weather.

I loved the peaceful waters, gorgeous woods, and the wonderful people that run the lake. Thanks for the greatest 1st camping trip ever! I had an awesome time there! My kids loved every minute of it too! We spent 2 nights there and we did not want to leave. Keep up the good work guys!

Very nice campgrounds. Good shade, friendly campers, clean bathrooms. Staff could use more people skills, but I doubt they make much so you get what the city of Alamogordo is willing to pay for. The lake is down due to drought. It's the same story no matter where you go. Fishing was very good. It was definitely worth the trip. Will be back again. When reading some of the other reviews on Bonito Lake take into account that some people set their standards way too high for a campground that was designed for roughing it and reasonably priced family fun.

i like to go fishing at bonita lake/creek/ and dam because it is fun!!!! and there are lots of stuff to do there and visit

My family has been coming to Lake Bonito since 1991 and each time is the same. The people that run the horse stables at Argentina Trailhead were rude and told us we could not rent a horse because they can refuse service to anyone and we had one person over 200lbs with us. The horse was for the kids, though. Also, the campsite was covered with horse manuer and we spent almost an hour clearing the site. Of course, the forest is beautiful, but overall...bad experience! I spent more time in Ruidoso than did at camp because it was more friendly!

Our family planned to camp together at Westlake---we told old man about our family joining us-told us to pay in advance for them. We did-two nights & two vehicles. When Family arrived, old man wouldn't let them in! They sold our paid spaces to someone else! Wouldn't give us refund on tickets we paid for and couldn't use. Hateful---won't go back.

The lake has been in a drought and is dry-about 20ft of visible beach on circumference. Campgrounds around lake are not worth fees; unfriendly staff. Better fishing at northern lakes or Elephant Butte. This was our worst camping experience ever.