Reservable campsites and first come, first served campites.
About
Weighing in at a massive 1.6 million acres, this National Forest is divided into four Ranger Districts: the Sandia, Mountainair, Mt. Taylor, and Magdalena. When you add in the National Grasslands, the recreational opportunities are endless.
Here you’ll find some of the best mountain biking in New Mexico. We’re particularly fond of Otero Canyon and the slickrock of Red Rocks Trail. There’s also the grueling climb to the top of Sandia Peak. It’s 10,000 feet of lung-busting good times.
For those interested in summit views without the all the aerobics, the Sandia Peak Tramway offers a more genteel way to the top. However you get up there, you’ll be treated to a panoramic view of the Rio Grande Valley. Sunset is the best time to catch those classic New Mexico
Weighing in at a massive 1.6 million acres, this National Forest is divided into four Ranger Districts: the Sandia, Mountainair, Mt. Taylor, and Magdalena. When you add in the National Grasslands, the recreational opportunities are endless.
Here you’ll find some of the best mountain biking in New Mexico. We’re particularly fond of Otero Canyon and the slickrock of Red Rocks Trail. There’s also the grueling climb to the top of Sandia Peak. It’s 10,000 feet of lung-busting good times.
For those interested in summit views without the all the aerobics, the Sandia Peak Tramway offers a more genteel way to the top. However you get up there, you’ll be treated to a panoramic view of the Rio Grande Valley. Sunset is the best time to catch those classic New Mexico colors. If the 10,378 foot peak isn’t high enough for you, hot air balloon rides can be booked from Albuquerque.
Of course, there’s tons of hiking too. One of our faves is the Strawberry Canyon hike, a 2.5-mile trek up to McGaffey Lookout Tower and another set of stunning panoramic views.
With most campgrounds not more than an hour’s drive from Albuquerque, you’ll have your pick of the area’s traditional sites, cabins, or lodges. But remember, it’s a desert. Bring good, sturdy boots and lots of water.
Though it isn’t very expansive, Bear Trap Campground is popular for reasons besides its cool name. The mountain forest setting is very inviting and it’s only two miles from Withington Lookout. They are two very steep miles, but you got this. Just be prepared to supply your own water and pack some Clif Bars to avoid those hunger pangs.
This forested camp tucks you far away from the urban grind so you can really kick back and relax, but despite its name, Water Canyon Campground isn’t somewhere where you want to show up empty-handed when it comes to hydration. Hikers may enjoy the nearby Mesa Trailhead, and hunting is an additional recreational opportunity.
A secluded group site from the main campground, Water Canyon Group Campground could serve as the next retreat for you and your most badass friends. We say that because it isn’t flush with amenities, just opportunities to make it out there in the wild. Do supply your own drinking water. Going without that is neither wise nor admirable.
Consider yourself lucky to snag a spot at Hughes Mill Campground. This pair of sites is more popular than riding shotgun in a Tesla, and is a great spot to stay if you’d like a challenging seven mile hike to Mt. Withington Lookout. Supply your own water, you’ll need it.
A visit here is one small step for man and one giant leap for mankind. Luna Park Campground has rad volcanic rock formations that give it a moon-like appearance. This is a very popular picnic spot, but be sure to pack the shades, sunscreen, and your favorite hat. There’s little to no shade here and you’ll also need to supply the H2O.
Springtime Campground is a lightly used area with Adirondack-style shelters to make camping a little more comfy. Hiking to Apache Kid WIlderness is a popular recreation activity and will most likely have you feeling like this guy. Another option is horseback riding up to San Mateo Peak Lookout. Please be prepared to supply your own water.
There are a number of short trails to pick up from Fourth of July Campground including Crimson Maple (0. 5 miles), Spring Trail Loop (0. 25 miles), and the Fourth of July Trail (1. 3 miles by either foot or horse). If that’s baby steps to you, take the Fourth of July Trail because it’ll hook you up with both the Manzano Mountain Wilderness and Man Read more...
Red Canyon Campground features well-shaded sites that are a great entry point for the Manzano Wilderness via the Red and Spruce Canyon trails. These trails are equestrian-friendly and camp accommodates corrals and parking for horse trailers. There are 11 picnic shelters, but you will need to supply your own water.
Capilla Peak Campground has some spectacular views of the Manzano Mountains, Rio Grande, and Stancia Valleys. Take advantage of the access to the Manzano Mountain Wilderness for hiking or just enjoy a hearty meal with majestic views in the picnic shelter area. Just like life, it’s choose your own adventure.
Located close to the geographic center of the state, New Canyon Campground is a solid spot for hikers. Explore the area by foot or horse on New Canyon Trail #101 (2. 1 miles). Nearby Tajique was once a Tigua pueblo and the seat of the San Miguel Mission. Don’t forget to supply your own water.
A choice spot for large groups to take advantage of the area’s amazing mountain biking, Cedro Peak Group Campground is located in the Manzanita Mountains at 7,400 feet. You’re not just limited to biking though—the region’s 80 miles of trails can accommodate hikers, horseback riding, and off-roading. These trails have some absolutely gorgeous views Read more...
Located at over 7,000 feet of elevation, Lobo Canyon Campground’s pinon, juniper, and ponderosa pine provides some fine shade and privacy for its visitors, meaning a little boom-chicka-wow-wow isn’t out of the question. There is one group site and a group picnic area first built back in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC). Take a sce Read more...
Sites at Coal Mine Campground are located on gently sloped ground amongst pinon, juniper, gambel oak, and mature ponderosa pine trees. A loop road gives you access to sites and a quarter mile nature trail that is accessible by a historic bridge built by the Job Corps. Drive past the campground on State Highway 547 to get a glimpse of 11,301-foot M Read more...
Tajique Campground (pronounced "Tah-HEE-key") is a small camp located by the creek of the same name. It’s located at 6,800 feet of elevation and during the spring snowmelt, the creek flows freely. If you’re wondering about fishing, that’s a negative, but the water sure does help create some ambience. In May, the creek dries up until the next monso Read more...
Ojo Redondo Campground is just southwest of Mt. Sedwick, the highest peak in the Zuni Mountains. It’s full of ponderosa pine, douglas fir, and aspen trees, plus a scenic meadow adjacent to campsites. Take the Zuni Mountain Historic Auto Tour to better understand the history of the area. The closest town is Thoreau, but it was not named after Henry Read more...
A petite camp located in a ponderosa forest, Red Cloud Campground is located near an old mining district. It can get busier than the Secretary of State’s flight itinerary during the fall hunting season, but is lightly used at other times of the year. Please supply your own H2O. Dehydration will never be the next Derelicte.
Located on what was once the historic railroad logging and sawmill town of McGaffey, McGaffey Campground lies west of the Zuni Mountains at 8,000 feet of elevation. Mature ponderosa pine trees provide a scenic home away from home and shade, while small hills lend privacy. Please practice a little extra TLC here and respect the area. The area is al Read more...
At Quaking Aspen Campground, aspen and mature ponderosa pine trees provide a welcome respite from the heat. This is the most recently renovated campground in the Mt. Taylor Ranger District and it’s chock full of history in railroad logging. Lake McGaffey is only a few miles down the road for a special summer catfish fishing opportunity.
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Cibola National Forest
America the beautiful, indeed! Don’t miss out on the wild and scenic slice of New Mexico.
Sat to Sun: Closed
Weighing in at a massive 1.6 million acres, this National Forest is divided into four Ranger Districts: the Sandia, Mountainair, Mt. Taylor, and Magdalena. When you add in the National Grasslands, the recreational opportunities are endless.
Here you’ll find some of the best mountain biking in New Mexico. We’re particularly fond of Otero Canyon and the slickrock of Red Rocks Trail. There’s also the grueling climb to the top of Sandia Peak. It’s 10,000 feet of lung-busting good times.
For those interested in summit views without the all the aerobics, the Sandia Peak Tramway offers a more genteel way to the top. However you get up there, you’ll be treated to a panoramic view of the Rio Grande Valley. Sunset is the best time to catch those classic New Mexico
Weighing in at a massive 1.6 million acres, this National Forest is divided into four Ranger Districts: the Sandia, Mountainair, Mt. Taylor, and Magdalena. When you add in the National Grasslands, the recreational opportunities are endless.
Here you’ll find some of the best mountain biking in New Mexico. We’re particularly fond of Otero Canyon and the slickrock of Red Rocks Trail. There’s also the grueling climb to the top of Sandia Peak. It’s 10,000 feet of lung-busting good times.
For those interested in summit views without the all the aerobics, the Sandia Peak Tramway offers a more genteel way to the top. However you get up there, you’ll be treated to a panoramic view of the Rio Grande Valley. Sunset is the best time to catch those classic New Mexico colors. If the 10,378 foot peak isn’t high enough for you, hot air balloon rides can be booked from Albuquerque.
Of course, there’s tons of hiking too. One of our faves is the Strawberry Canyon hike, a 2.5-mile trek up to McGaffey Lookout Tower and another set of stunning panoramic views.
With most campgrounds not more than an hour’s drive from Albuquerque, you’ll have your pick of the area’s traditional sites, cabins, or lodges. But remember, it’s a desert. Bring good, sturdy boots and lots of water.
Activities in the park
18 campgrounds in Cibola National Forest
Though it isn’t very expansive, Bear Trap Campground is popular for reasons besides its cool name. The mountain forest setting is very inviting and it’s only two miles from Withington Lookout. They are two very steep miles, but you got this. Just be prepared to supply your own water and pack some Clif Bars to avoid those hunger pangs.
This forested camp tucks you far away from the urban grind so you can really kick back and relax, but despite its name, Water Canyon Campground isn’t somewhere where you want to show up empty-handed when it comes to hydration. Hikers may enjoy the nearby Mesa Trailhead, and hunting is an additional recreational opportunity.
A secluded group site from the main campground, Water Canyon Group Campground could serve as the next retreat for you and your most badass friends. We say that because it isn’t flush with amenities, just opportunities to make it out there in the wild. Do supply your own drinking water. Going without that is neither wise nor admirable.
Consider yourself lucky to snag a spot at Hughes Mill Campground. This pair of sites is more popular than riding shotgun in a Tesla, and is a great spot to stay if you’d like a challenging seven mile hike to Mt. Withington Lookout. Supply your own water, you’ll need it.
A visit here is one small step for man and one giant leap for mankind. Luna Park Campground has rad volcanic rock formations that give it a moon-like appearance. This is a very popular picnic spot, but be sure to pack the shades, sunscreen, and your favorite hat. There’s little to no shade here and you’ll also need to supply the H2O.
Springtime Campground is a lightly used area with Adirondack-style shelters to make camping a little more comfy. Hiking to Apache Kid WIlderness is a popular recreation activity and will most likely have you feeling like this guy. Another option is horseback riding up to San Mateo Peak Lookout. Please be prepared to supply your own water.
There are a number of short trails to pick up from Fourth of July Campground including Crimson Maple (0. 5 miles), Spring Trail Loop (0. 25 miles), and the Fourth of July Trail (1. 3 miles by either foot or horse). If that’s baby steps to you, take the Fourth of July Trail because it’ll hook you up with both the Manzano Mountain Wilderness and Man Read more...
Red Canyon Campground features well-shaded sites that are a great entry point for the Manzano Wilderness via the Red and Spruce Canyon trails. These trails are equestrian-friendly and camp accommodates corrals and parking for horse trailers. There are 11 picnic shelters, but you will need to supply your own water.
Capilla Peak Campground has some spectacular views of the Manzano Mountains, Rio Grande, and Stancia Valleys. Take advantage of the access to the Manzano Mountain Wilderness for hiking or just enjoy a hearty meal with majestic views in the picnic shelter area. Just like life, it’s choose your own adventure.
Located close to the geographic center of the state, New Canyon Campground is a solid spot for hikers. Explore the area by foot or horse on New Canyon Trail #101 (2. 1 miles). Nearby Tajique was once a Tigua pueblo and the seat of the San Miguel Mission. Don’t forget to supply your own water.
A choice spot for large groups to take advantage of the area’s amazing mountain biking, Cedro Peak Group Campground is located in the Manzanita Mountains at 7,400 feet. You’re not just limited to biking though—the region’s 80 miles of trails can accommodate hikers, horseback riding, and off-roading. These trails have some absolutely gorgeous views Read more...
Located at over 7,000 feet of elevation, Lobo Canyon Campground’s pinon, juniper, and ponderosa pine provides some fine shade and privacy for its visitors, meaning a little boom-chicka-wow-wow isn’t out of the question. There is one group site and a group picnic area first built back in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC). Take a sce Read more...
Sites at Coal Mine Campground are located on gently sloped ground amongst pinon, juniper, gambel oak, and mature ponderosa pine trees. A loop road gives you access to sites and a quarter mile nature trail that is accessible by a historic bridge built by the Job Corps. Drive past the campground on State Highway 547 to get a glimpse of 11,301-foot M Read more...
Tajique Campground (pronounced "Tah-HEE-key") is a small camp located by the creek of the same name. It’s located at 6,800 feet of elevation and during the spring snowmelt, the creek flows freely. If you’re wondering about fishing, that’s a negative, but the water sure does help create some ambience. In May, the creek dries up until the next monso Read more...
Ojo Redondo Campground is just southwest of Mt. Sedwick, the highest peak in the Zuni Mountains. It’s full of ponderosa pine, douglas fir, and aspen trees, plus a scenic meadow adjacent to campsites. Take the Zuni Mountain Historic Auto Tour to better understand the history of the area. The closest town is Thoreau, but it was not named after Henry Read more...
A petite camp located in a ponderosa forest, Red Cloud Campground is located near an old mining district. It can get busier than the Secretary of State’s flight itinerary during the fall hunting season, but is lightly used at other times of the year. Please supply your own H2O. Dehydration will never be the next Derelicte.
Located on what was once the historic railroad logging and sawmill town of McGaffey, McGaffey Campground lies west of the Zuni Mountains at 8,000 feet of elevation. Mature ponderosa pine trees provide a scenic home away from home and shade, while small hills lend privacy. Please practice a little extra TLC here and respect the area. The area is al Read more...
At Quaking Aspen Campground, aspen and mature ponderosa pine trees provide a welcome respite from the heat. This is the most recently renovated campground in the Mt. Taylor Ranger District and it’s chock full of history in railroad logging. Lake McGaffey is only a few miles down the road for a special summer catfish fishing opportunity.
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Public campgrounds (book externally) —