USDA Forest Service - Smokey Bear Ranger District — Attraction in New Mexico

Their website says you can buy permits with cash at the district office. This is not entirely accurate as the lobby is not even open and they refuse to take cash. And if you buy your permit online, they hit you with a $2.50 "in"convenience fee, even though that is less work for them.... It is very frustrating when you research something from someone's website before going to the location and the information is wrong. The local person blamed the webmaster. Covid has been happening since March and the posting was for permits being sold beginning November 16. Their missed communication...

The Smokey Bear Ranger Station is the place to start your adventures into the Lincoln National Forest. Everything you need to know can be answered here by the Ranger staff. You'll find plenty of info, maps, permits, souvineers, etc, plus a great place to rest if you need a break. Also, everything you ever wanted to know about Smokey the Bear! Kids love to wonder here while parents find out what they...

We pulled in at 3:40pm (Fri) to get information and they had already closed. Hours posted online and on the building said they close at 4pm. This was on a Friday and now closed until Monday. There is no way for us to get the information we need before we leave, during our stay. It’s great to see our tax dollars and forest service usage fees working so well. Too bad I can’t...