Tucked at the end of a mile-long dirt road in the Manzano Mountains, this forested state park campground operates year-round at elevation where summer highs reach the low 80s and nights drop into the 40s and 50s. The gravel access road stays in good condition most of the year, though Mark M. notes "when it rains hard - it tends to wash out which makes the last mile to the state park hard for some." Most sites sit level under tall shade trees, with some offering electric hookups while others accommodate dry camping.
The campground maintains a notably low-key atmosphere. "Quiet, not many people there during our mid-week stay," reports Mark M., and multiple reviewers mention the lack of large RVs. Sites vary in privacy, with some separated by trees and others more open. Several feature brick windscreens around picnic tables - a practical touch given New Mexico's spring winds. Cell service reaches 4G strength for major carriers.
Trail access begins directly from the campground, with multiple easy, kid-friendly routes including a designated track chair trail for accessibility. The state park sits about 15 minutes from Quarai Ruins and 10 minutes from small Manzano Lake in the nearby town. Water spigots appear at various locations throughout the campground, though not at every site. The facility includes vault toilets, a dump station, and allows campfires with brought firewood.
Campers planning extended stays should stock up on supplies in camping near Mountainair, the nearest town with a grocery store about 25 minutes away. No gas stations operate closer to the park. The campground typically closes November 1st but extends the season when weather permits. Reservations are available, and the remote location makes this a solid choice for campers seeking a forest setting away from highway noise.
Description
Manzano Mountains State Park is an excellent destination for hiking and camping. Nestled in the wooded foothills of the Manzanos, this park provides a quiet retreat and is a nice family get-away. Wildlife viewing, birding, and photography are great activities at this park.
Warning 7 Alerts are In Effect
There are 7 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 7 Alerts are In Effect
There are 7 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Please bring proof of your reservation with you to your campsite.
THE CUSTOMER MUST CONTACT THE PARK TO ADVISE THEM OF LATE ARRIVAL THE SITE WILL BE RELEASED FOR RESERVATIONS / FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED ON THE SECOND DAY AFTER 4:00 P.M.. NO REFUND WILL BE DUE.
Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove is prohibited, **except in State Park developed camp and picnic grounds where grills and stoves are provided by the State Park.** The use of devices fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three (3) feet of the device. Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site/improved site, or while standing in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
**The use of off-highway motor vehicles (OHVs) is prohibited in New Mexico State Parks, as stipulated by the NM OHV Act and State Park Regulations (NMSA 66-3-1011, 16-2-33 19 NMAC Ch 5 Sec 2.16 A).**
**Campsites do not have water. Potable water is available at the dump station potable water hydrant 24 hours a day. Other potable water hydrants in the park may be available when staff are on duty. Water is for use within the park’s boundaries only, for campers and visitors. Water may not be removed from the State Park per NMAC 19.5.2.13.e**
To ensure compliance with ADA regulations, vehicles parked at handicap campsites must visibly display a valid handicapped placard or possess a license plate indicating handicapped status; otherwise, relocation will be required.
Make it your goal to extinguish hot coals. If your campfire is too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave. Drown it with water, stir it with a shovel, and repeat until your campfire is out cold! Learn more from Smokey Bear.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsManzano Mountains State Park Campground is located in New Mexico near Mountainair
Public CampgroundDirections
From NM-55 turn onto NM-131 in the village of Manzano. Follow the asphalt road 2 miles to the park entrance then straight ahead 1 mile on a gravel road to the campground.
Address
HC 66 BOX 202
Mountainair, NM 87036
Coordinates
34.60340626 N
106.36099218 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 10/31/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 10/31/26- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 10/31/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 10/31/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 10/31/26
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 10/31/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 7 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 1 hr 46 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 3 hrs 17 min from Las Cruces, NM
- 3 hrs 50 min from Farmington, NM
