Hotels Near Ruidoso Downs, NM
Coming for race weekend, the All American Futurity or the Hubbard Museum of the American West? Smokey Bear Motel & RV Park in Capitan is about 35 minutes from Ruidoso Downs, with clean rooms, RV sites and plenty of room for trucks and horse trailers.
Why Stay in Capitan for Ruidoso Downs Races?
Lodging near the track fills up fast on big race weekends. Capitan gives racegoers, horse owners and trainers clean motel rooms, RV sites, easy parking for trucks and trailers, and better value, just a scenic drive from Ruidoso Downs.
Race Weekend Lodging Made Easy
Spend the day at Ruidoso Downs Race Track watching quarter horse and thoroughbred racing, visit the Hubbard Museum of the American West next door, or try your luck at the casino, then head back to Capitan for a comfortable room and a quiet night. Our motel and RV park make an easy, affordable home base for the races, Ruidoso, Alto and Ski Apache.
Simple Comfort Between Adventures
Settle into a clean room after a full day on the road, or keep your RV trip easy with a convenient Capitan stop. With Ruidoso, Alto, Lincoln and the White Mountains all within reach, you can build a flexible itinerary without staying in the busiest corridors.
A Quiet Base for Race Fans
Whether you're here for opening weekend, Labor Day's All American Futurity, or bringing horses to run, Capitan keeps things simple: a quick drive to the track in the morning and a quiet evening back at the motel, with no hassle parking your truck or trailer.
Drive Times from Our Motel to Ruidoso Downs
Smokey Bear Motel & RV Park sits in Capitan at the junction of US-380 and NM-48. Ruidoso Downs is about 27 miles away, roughly a 35-minute drive. Popular stops from our motel:
Ruidoso Downs Race Track & Casino: about 35 minutes
Hubbard Museum of the American West: about 35 minutes
Midtown Ruidoso: about 30 minutes
Alto & the Spencer Theater: about 25 minutes
Ski Apache: about 40 minutes via NM-48 and NM-532
Smokey Bear Historical Park: walking distance
Drive times are approximate and can be longer on busy race days and in winter weather.
Things to Do in Ruidoso Downs, NM
Ruidoso Downs sits just east of Ruidoso along the Rio Ruidoso, and it's an easy drive from our Capitan motel:
Ruidoso Downs Race Track: summer quarter horse and thoroughbred racing, home of the All American Futurity on Labor Day.
Billy the Kid Casino: slots and dining right at the track.
Hubbard Museum of the American West: Western art, carriages and horse history, with the Free Spirits at Noisy Water horse sculptures out front.
Midtown Ruidoso: restaurants, galleries, shops and wine tasting a few minutes up the road.
Ski Apache & Lincoln National Forest: skiing, hiking and mountain views close by.
After a day at the races, come back to Capitan for a comfortable room, easy parking and a quiet night.
Ruidoso Downs Lodging FAQs
How far is Smokey Bear Motel from Ruidoso Downs Race Track?
We're in Capitan, about 27 miles from the track, roughly a 35-minute drive.
Do you have parking for trucks and horse trailers?
Yes. Our motel and RV park have easy, open parking that works well for trucks, trailers and RVs.
Do you have RV sites near Ruidoso Downs?
Yes. Our RV park in Capitan is a convenient, affordable base for race weekends and the White Mountains.
Should I book early for the All American Futurity?
Yes. Labor Day weekend and other big race weekends are the busiest times of year in the area, so book as early as you can.
How do I get the best rate?
Book direct. Call (575) 354-2253 for current availability, check-in details and our best direct rates.