Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping in the Sandia District is located in the [Cibola National Forest](https://thedyrt.com/camping/new-mexico/near/cibola-national-forest-and-grasslands) and National Grasslands. The area features rugged terrain with elevations that can influence temperatures, ranging from 30°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Nearby attractions include the Sandia Peak Tramway and hiking trails in the Sandia Mountains.

Please consult the Manzanita Mountains Trail System Map to find a dispersed site: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd555098.pdf

Look for Motorized Dispersed Camping info in the bottom left portion of the map. **When looking for the Dispersed Camping Sites, look for small, rectangular boxes with a site number in it and a pointer that directs you to the site. 

There are NO AMENITIES at these sites.
Cell phone coverage is not guaranteed.
It is the recreationist’s responsibility to use a map if you choose to explore the area.
It is a multi-user area.
Trail(s) that are associated with each dispersed site are open for the following uses: Hiking, Mountain Biking, 2 Wheel Motorized Vehicles and Horseback Riding.

Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping - Sandia District

Join the fun near Ponderosa. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Ponderosa, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Ponderosa and user-submitted reviews.

Ponderosa

The Best Camping Near Ponderosa, New Mexico

I like it. A bit less traveled than other nearby campground. Road almost more accessible to this camp ground for low clearance. Might scrape a bit going up final ramp to Cedro peak one, but not terribly either. Some local traffic passes through regularly, including an Amazon delivery van a day. 
To be honest I didn’t make it all the way in to the pin shown on the dyrt, had no issues anyway. Not even a ranger visit. 

Roughish road, nice quiet spots

Have to drive up the forest service road off the pavement. A little rough but I have a lifted outback no issues! Highly recommended. 

Great place

The road up to the camping area is decent. There are big ruts headed into the camping area that are impassible to low clearance vehicles but nice spots otherwise.

A little rough getting but nice spot 

Yeah, today, unfortunately, I went four wheeling in a bus. Everybody says it's rough, but easily doable. And I found that the place is full of massive amounts of ruts everywhere. And the other smaller parking spaces are all on a cliff. Go figure.

4 Wheeling in a bus isn't fun... 

Road was ruff but with our Tundra and 20' long off road camper, no problem. 200 yards from vast mtb trail system. Fantastic ride!

Photos of Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping - Sandia District

Real photos from real campers