Capitan Travel Guide

Tourist 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 AU$187 per night from 28 Jan to 29 Jan
AU$187
28 Jan - 29 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Capitan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and housekeeping. Popular attractions Smokey Bear Museum and Smokey Bear National Monument are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (72 reviews)
We had a great stay.

Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026

Smokey Bear Motel
MCM Elegante Lodge & Suites Ruidoso

MCM Elegante Lodge & Suites Ruidoso

3 out of 5
107 Sierra Blanca Dr Ruidoso NM
Stay at this golf hotel in Ruidoso. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a golf course and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 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 10 Jan 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
The price is AU$125 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
AU$125
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ruidoso. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
Comfortable

Reviewed on 18 Jan 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 centre and tennis courts. Popular attractions Pillow's Funtrackers and Wingfield Park are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (404 reviews)
It was clean a little run down and weird rules about putting everything back the way it was before check in pool was warm but half taped off

Reviewed on 20 Jan 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 Wi-Fi, 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 16 Jan 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 Wi-Fi, 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 22 Sept 2025

Casey's Cabins
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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

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 Museum and Gift Shop

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Smokey Bear Museum and Gift Shop during your travels in Capitan. Find time to visit the casinos in this family-friendly area.

Smokey Bear Museum and Gift Shop

Smokey Bear Museum

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

Smokey Bear Museum