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Established Camping

Cibola National Forest McGaffey Campground

Closed For the Season

This campground is closed for the season from October 16, 2024 through May 14, 2025.

McGaffey Campground is located near the Cibola National Forest, featuring forested terrain with a mix of pine and juniper trees. Temperatures can range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby attractions include the Zuni Mountains and Bluewater Lake State Park, offering opportunities for hiking and fishing.

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Location

Cibola National Forest McGaffey Campground is located in New Mexico

Detail location of campground

Directions

From the east side of Gallup, NM, on State Rt. 118, take Interstate 40 east 7.6 miles to Exit 33 (McGaffey - State Rt. 400). At end of exit ramp, turn right onto Rt. 400 and go 7.8 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign onto a gravel road and go 0.4 miles to campground entrance.

Coordinates

35.36687238 N
108.52343718 W

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  • WiFi
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  • Verizon
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  • AT&T
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  • T-Mobile
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General Info


Reviews

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1 Star

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34%

3.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 11, 2023

Tall trees, far from I40, clean bathrooms

Great little campground if you love quiet. No hookups whatsoever so fill your water before you get here. The restrooms are some of the cleanest we’ve seen so there’s a big plus! The forest service website says 22’ max trailer but that’s not what we found! I’m in a 38’ motor home and there were NO tight spots at all! Site 10 is back in but we had 30’ to spare. No tow car this time. There’s an east 3 mile trail for those who like to hike/walk. You are 10 miles from I40 so no vehicular noise to deal with. NO cell service - at least AT&T so bring your Starlink if you’ve got it.

SiteOso 10
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jul. 26, 2022

Great campground! Plenty of space!

We discovered McGaffey while searching for a campsite that permitted fires , and I’m so glad we did. The sites are spread out and well-maintained. There is a trail alongside for hiking or bikes. There is no water or cell service, so plan on bringing a couple gallons with you. We’ve already been back a second time this month and will keep it at the top of the list as one of our favorites.

Siteunknown
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Cibola National Forest McGaffey Campground by Libby A., July 26, 2022
Reviewed Oct. 16, 2021

Entrance closed

As of 10/15 the entrance was barricaded. The website did not give closure dates.

Month of VisitOctober

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Cibola National Forest McGaffey Campground?

    Cibola National Forest McGaffey Campground is located at 7762 feet.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Cibola National Forest McGaffey Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is unknown.