RV campgrounds near Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands range from high-desert valley locations to mountain settings with elevations between 5,000-8,000 feet. The area experiences dramatic temperature fluctuations, with summer days reaching 90°F while dropping to the 50s at night. Winter camping requires preparation for below-freezing nights, especially at higher elevations.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Red Canyon Campground provides direct access to trailheads with varying difficulty levels. "Great camp with most hook ups... Very nice place. Good water pressure. Great TV reception from Alb, NM TV stations. Lot of radio stations too," notes one visitor to Red Canyon Campground.
Mountain biking: Forest roads connect multiple canyons for excellent riding opportunities. According to a camper at Red Canyon, "This is the NFS campground in beautiful setting... Great Mountain biking on forest roads that link canyons. Toilets but no water so come prepared."
Wildlife viewing: The Manzano Mountains provide opportunities to spot deer, especially at dusk. "We stayed in the camping area near the trailhead. Very green and lush with deer visiting our site at dusk!" reports a camper from Red Canyon Campground.
Visit Petroglyph National Monument: Located just a short drive from American RV Resort, this archaeological site features ancient rock carvings. "Nice location, close to Petroglyph National Monument and downtown Amarillo. Easy access off 40," shares one visitor.
What campers like
Convenient locations: Many RV parks are strategically positioned for both urban access and outdoor recreation. One camper at Route 66 RV Resort notes, "The Campground is right off I-40... Easy shots to the Southern sky from all sites for satellite. There was a nice sized fenced dog area just down from our site and a larger one near the front by the recreation center."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities rank high among camper priorities. "Best showers ever! The front restrooms and laundry was very clean," reports a visitor to Hidden Valley RV Park.
Level sites: Concrete pads and properly graded sites make setup easier. "The level concrete pads were great and site had full hookups, picnic table and fire pit," comments a Route 66 RV Resort visitor. Another mentions, "A well laid out RV park! Most sites are pull through concrete level slabs sites with tables and fire pits at all sites."
Mountain views: The scenic backdrop of the Sandia Mountains provides a pleasant camping atmosphere. A camper at Stagecoach Stop RV Park observed, "It's clean, it's quiet and their is a view of the Sandra mountains from the Small dog enclosure. Our pups got to run around and that make everyone happy."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Campgrounds at higher elevations typically operate from April through November. Red Canyon Campground closes during winter months due to snow and freezing conditions at its mountain elevation.
Water availability: Not all campgrounds provide water hookups. "No water so come prepared," warns a visitor to Red Canyon Campground. Always check water status before arrival, especially during summer months.
Road conditions: Access to mountain campgrounds can be challenging. One Red Canyon visitor noted the importance of vehicle preparedness: "Right next to trailheads. Toilets but no water so come prepared."
Varying amenities by location: NomadLand RV Stay offers unique features not common elsewhere. "They offer free internet, free filtered water, free bags of ice, free coffee, free use of washer and dryer and a free RV wash bay that has an 'upper level' so you can reach your rv roof."
Early arrival recommended: Popular spots fill quickly, especially during weekends and holidays. "I've been here a couple times. The site itself is in a really nice area with lots of pine trees and direct trail access. The only issue is it seems a lot of people who come here don't know camp etiquette... I'd recommend going before Memorial Day while the sites are still clean," advises a Red Canyon camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some RV parks feature dedicated play areas for children. A visitor to Cuervo Mountain RV Park mentioned, "The playground was nice for our daughter."
Security features: Gated campgrounds provide peace of mind when traveling with children. A NomadLand RV Stay camper noted, "The park is gated with cameras so we felt very safe in the middle of the city in a camper."
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about local wildlife etiquette and safety. As one Red Canyon visitor experienced, "We had a great night with a campfire and a good view of the stars and moon." But remember that wildlife encounters are common in mountain settings.
Proximity to services: Stay at locations with nearby amenities when traveling with families. A NomadLand visitor shared, "There is a Walgreens, Walmart Neighborhood Market, a brewery and restaurants all within 1/4 of a mile from Nomadland."
Tips from RVers
Hookup access: RV sites vary in their utility placement and access. One Cuervo Mountain camper noted, "All sites are leveled pull thru's and hookups are conveniently located."
Water pressure management: Be prepared for varying pressure across different campgrounds. "High water pressure so pressure regulator highly recommended and sold in check in office," advises a Route 66 RV Resort visitor.
Site selection for rigs with slides: Request wider sites if your RV has multiple slide-outs. "The slides and awning were fully extended without getting close to the adjacent sites," reports a visitor to Cuervo Mountain RV Park.
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies significantly across campgrounds. A Route 66 RV Resort visitor mentioned, "The only reason for giving 4 stars was that the cellular and wifi was intermittent but I think if you get a spot closer to the clubhouse you should be good."
Late arrival procedures: Many parks accommodate after-hours check-ins. "We called ahead because we knew we were going to be pulling into the campground really late... Rick gladly accommodated us, giving us directions and site numbers we would use, then just pay in the morning," explains a Cuervo Mountain guest.
