Capitan, NM

Travel Guide

The town of Capitan holds dear the memory of the original Smokey Bear. The cub was rescued after a devastating fire in 1950 in the Lincoln National Forest, leaving him orphaned. Fire rangers made him an American mascot for preventing forest fires. Smokey was buried here after a successful 25-year career as a spokesman.
The town of Capitan holds dear the memory of the original Smokey Bear. The cub was rescued after a devastating fire in 1950 in the Lincoln National Forest, leaving him orphaned. Fire rangers made him an American mascot for preventing forest fires. Smokey was buried here after a successful 25-year career as a spokesman.
Only you can prevent a forest fire. Definitely worth a stop when in the area. You get to see the full history of Smokey, from the time he was a baby rescued from the fire until his death, including grave site.
Smokey Bear Motel

Smokey Bear Motel

2 out of 5
316 Smokey Bear Blvd Capitan NM
The price is ￥18,184 per night from Feb 1 to Feb 2
￥18,184
￥19,922 total
Feb 1 - Feb 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Capitan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Smokey Bear Museum and Smokey Bear National Monument are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (68 reviews)
Snacks in the room

Reviewed on Dec 29, 2025

Smokey Bear Motel
MCM Elegante Lodge & Suites Ruidoso

MCM Elegante Lodge & Suites Ruidoso

3 out of 5
107 Sierra Blanca Dr Ruidoso NM
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Ruidoso. Enjoy free WiFi, a golf course, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Room was clean and comfortable. Nice happy hour and the free breakfast was better than most other hotels I’ve stayed at. Staff was super friendly and helpful.

Reviewed on Jan 10, 2026

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MCM Elegante Lodge & Suites Ruidoso
Ruidoso Mountain Inn

Ruidoso Mountain Inn

2.5 out of 5
25971 US Highway 70 Ruidoso NM
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ￥11,067 per night from Jan 22 to Jan 23
￥11,067
￥13,318 total
Jan 22 - Jan 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ruidoso. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
Good

Reviewed on Jan 15, 2026

Ruidoso Mountain Inn
See all 1,547 properties in Capitan
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Crown Point Resort

Crown Point Resort

3 out of 5
220 Crown Drive Ruidoso NM
Stay at this condo in Ruidoso. Enjoy free parking, a fitness center, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Pillow's Funtrackers and Wingfield Park are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (403 reviews)
Absolutely loved the view and location of our room.

Reviewed on Jan 14, 2026

Crown Point Resort
Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins

Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins

3 out of 5
215 Main Road Ruidoso NM
Stay at this cabin in Ruidoso. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Grindstone Lake and Wingfield Park are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (386 reviews)
The girls front desk were very helpful and welcoming. The room very clean and cozy vibe.

Reviewed on Jan 16, 2026

Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins
Casey's Cabins

Casey's Cabins

3 out of 5
2640 Sudderth Drive Ruidoso NM
Stay at this cabin in Ruidoso. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a gift shop. Popular attractions Wingfield Park and Cree Medows Public Golf Course are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (69 reviews)
Everything was perfect

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2025

Casey's Cabins
See all properties in Capitan
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Only you can prevent a forest fire. Definitely worth a stop when in the area. You get to see the full history of Smokey, from the time he was a baby rescued from the fire until his death, including grave site.

Smokey Bear Historical Park

4.5/5(43 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Smokey Bear Historical Park, a lovely green space in Capitan. Amble within the natural setting or visit the casinos in this family-friendly area.

Smokey Bear Historical Park

Smokey Bear National Monument

You can take time to visit Smokey Bear National Monument during your travels to Capitan. Amble around the area's parks or experience its museums.

Smokey Bear National Monument

Smokey Bear Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Smokey Bear Museum in Capitan. Amble around the area's parks or experience its museums.

Smokey Bear Museum

Cities near Capitan

Roswell showing shopping

Roswell

Carrizozo is a town in Lincoln County, New Mexico and is the county seat with a population of 996 at the 2010 census. Founded in 1899, the town provided the main railroad access for Lincoln County, and the town experienced significant population growth in the early decades of the 1900s. However, with declining relevance of the railroad, the population of the town has gradually declined. The town is located at the intersection of U.S. Route 54 and U.S. Route 380.

Carrizozo