Quaking Aspen Campground offers primitive camping at 8,000 feet elevation in the Cibola National Forest near Continental Divide, New Mexico. Located just 30 minutes from Gallup, this forested campground provides a cool mountain retreat even during summer months with temperatures typically 15-20 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands. Sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and level tent pads, though campers should bring their own water as none is available on-site.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Access excellent singletrack near Quaking Aspen Campground where numerous trails wind through the Zuni Mountains. "Amazing hiking and mtb'ing trails. And, a nice lake," notes one visitor who calls it "The Best $5 campsite."
Explore El Morro National Monument: Located just minutes from Ramah, this historic site features ancient inscriptions and a dramatic sandstone bluff. "Morro National Monument nearby is spectacular," according to a camper who stayed at El Morro RV Park and enjoyed the proximity to natural attractions.
Visit the Zuni Mountains: The area offers diverse geological features including orbicular granite formations. One camper reports: "If you're looking for a less-traveled escape from Albuquerque, or just want the chance to explore the under-valued Zuni mountains and western New Mexico landscape, this campground is an excellent place to spend some time on the cheap."
Hike Mt. Taylor: From Coal Mine Campground, access trails to the highest peak in northwest New Mexico. "Head up to the Gooseberry Trailhead to hike to the top of Mt Taylor the highest mountain in NW New Mexico," suggests a visitor who spent three nights at the campground.
What campers like
Peaceful, spacious sites: Coal Mine Campground offers well-spaced camping spots with basic amenities. "All sites have table, barbecue, and fire pit/ring. There is a nice hiking trail available from the campground. La Mosca lookout is a nice drive from the campground with beautiful views," shares a satisfied camper.
Cool mountain temperatures: The higher elevation provides relief from summer heat. A camper at Quaking Aspen notes: "The elevation at which the cg is at is 8000' makes for cool days and nic crisp cool nights, even in the summertime."
Quiet nights for stargazing: The remote location offers exceptional night skies. "Quiet? Absolutely. Stars? All over the place. When summer heat was beginning to knock everywhere else in late May, it was serious blanket weather up here," describes one visitor to Quaking Aspen.
Convenient overnight stops: USA RV Park in Gallup provides easy access from I-40. "Great rv park for an excellent price. Really well done park and facilities, maybe even the best camp store I have ever visited. Gallup is a super interesting place and could have easily spent way more time than we did," writes a recent guest.
What you should know
Water availability: Most forest service campgrounds don't provide water. One camper at Quaking Aspen notes: "Densely wooded PRIMITIVE campground with trails and fishing but NO WATER. It was cool and shady in August so we quite enjoyed it as a stopover."
Reservation systems: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others don't. At Lavaland RV Campgrounds, "Registration was easy and online. Check in was simple," reports a camper.
Wildlife awareness: The Zuni Mountains host diverse wildlife. "We saw abundant wildlife while working in the Zunis, including several brown bears, deer, and elk. While we didn't have any run ins with these guy in camp, be aware that large animals are present in the area and be sure to take necessary bear-proofing precautions," advises a Quaking Aspen visitor.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds have limited operating seasons. Coal Mine Campground operates from May 15 to September 15, and a visitor notes: "Camping fees for this campground are increasing to $10 per night next season."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Not all campgrounds cater to children. A visitor to Lavaland RV warns: "There is no kid amenities at this property. There is a small dog run. No grass."
Brewery stops for parents: Lavaland RV Campgrounds features an on-site brewery that adults appreciate. "There's an on-site brewery and bar but we didn't stop in," mentions one camper, while another adds, "I was most excited about the brewery on-site, but sadly I was too tired once we got there. Would stay again for a chance to drink the beer."
Food delivery options: When cooking seems like too much work, some campgrounds offer convenient alternatives. One USA RV Park visitor shares: "We were able to get pizza delivered to our RV site which was a big hit with the kids."
Yurt camping Continental Divide options: For families seeking more comfort, El Morro RV Park and Cabins offers unique yurt accommodations near Continental Divide, New Mexico. One camper describes the experience: "My parents stayed in the cabin and loved it, we stayed in our camper van. We really enjoyed talking with some of the folks who live there and it's a very welcoming community."
Tips from RVers
Site sizes and leveling: Many Continental Divide camping areas accommodate various RV sizes. At Quaking Aspen, one visitor advises: "Some pull through spots for smaller camping units. I would not recommend this campground for large RVs."
Hookup availability: Options range from primitive to full-service. At USA RV Park, campers appreciate that "They had all of the amenities I wanted, showers clean bathrooms, lots of pull through sites, and a pool. Just a mile off of I-40. I thought it was very well priced."
Road conditions: Access varies between campgrounds. For Quaking Aspen, a visitor notes: "In our little sedan we didn't have trouble, but I think there are other forest service roads you'd want a jeep for."
Campground layouts: Site spacing differs significantly between locations. "Small campground with massive campsites. This campground could easily squeeze double, if not triple, the sites out of these woods, but someone decided to let everyone breath a little here," observes a Quaking Aspen camper.
