Campgrounds near La Joya, New Mexico offer campers access to diverse terrain spanning mountains, canyons, and high desert landscapes. Located at elevations between 4,600 and 6,500 feet, this region experiences dramatic temperature shifts between day and night. Water availability varies significantly by season, with most primitive sites requiring campers to bring their own supply.
What to do
Trail riding in Cibola National Forest: Multiple forest service roads connect to Water Canyon Campground, providing access points for riders with their own horses. "We have never really explored further than our camp site, as our children are small and out number us. But for 12-36 hours, it is a beautiful stay that includes campfires, lizards and the occasional equestrian that lets our kids treat their horses," reports one visitor to Water Canyon Campground.
Wildlife viewing at Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge: Located minutes from equestrian-friendly accommodations. "We live in Albuquerque, but wanted to spend a day hiking the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge. Kiva RV Park is just a 5 minute drive from the NWR, so we stayed there on a Friday night, so we could get up bright and early for our hiking the next day," writes a camper who visited Kiva RV Park & Horse Motel.
Mountain biking between canyons: Forest roads connect multiple canyons in the Manzano Mountains. "Right next to trailheads. Great Mountain biking on forest roads that link canyons. Toilets but no water so come prepared," notes a visitor to Red Canyon Campground.
What campers like
Affordable camping options: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate the free camping available at several sites. "This is a FREE campground but plans are in the works to started charging in 2 years at $10/night. There are gravel tent and parking pads, picnic tables, fire rings, pit toilets and garbage," explains a Water Canyon Campground visitor.
Shade coverage: The mature trees provide crucial relief during hot summer months. "Campground itself is great. Nice area, picnic tables, firepits, vault toilets, trash and best of all, free," reports a camper at Water Canyon Campground.
Wildlife encounters: The natural setting allows for animal observation. "Very green and lush with deer visiting our site at dusk!" shares a camper who stayed at Manzano Mountains Camp.
What you should know
Interstate noise levels: Highway proximity affects some horse campgrounds near La Joya, New Mexico. "Not all was perfect. Aside from the less-than-friendly wifi... It is almost literally right next to the interstate. There's no denying those traffic noise is real. We slept with no issues, but if traffic noise doesn't act like white noise for you...you might want to look somewhere else," advises a Kiva RV Park visitor.
Seasonal conditions: Winter closures affect accessibility to many sites. "This area is very wooded. Could get muddy when it rains. Lots of sites. Big rig friendly," notes a visitor to Manzano Mountains Camp.
Facilities maintenance: Vault toilets require periodic servicing. "There are nice fire pits and picnic spots. However, though there are bathrooms at the location, they are really smelly and flies surround them," reports a visitor to Red Canyon Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Scout for shaded sites: Some campgrounds offer variable sun exposure. "We had a nice shady site, some others seemed more exposed," notes a visitor to Red Canyon Campground.
Be prepared for after-hours disturbances: Occasional nighttime activity can disrupt sleep. "We had a great night with a campfire and a good view of the stars and moon. All was well until someone started illegally cutting down trees at 2 in the morning. After an annoying couple of hours they were gone, most of our group were wide awake and tried to go back to sleep," cautions a scout leader who stayed at Red Canyon Campground.
Pack accordingly for primitive sites: Many locations lack amenities. "There is no drinking water or cell reception from AT&T or Verizon. Pets allowed on a leash. Also there are free roaming cattle we saw on the main road in but none in the campground though there was poop evidence that they've been around," advises a Water Canyon Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions for large vehicles: Access roads vary in quality and width. "There are campsites available but not for big rigs. We have a 40 foot toy hauler and the dirt roads and narrowness would not allow for us. If you have something maybe 18' or less and 4wd you could probably make it fine. We stayed right at the entrance near the picnic area," advises an RVer who visited Water Canyon Campground.
Sewer connection limitations: Be prepared for basic hookups. "The sewer hookup is just an open pipe. No threads. A little stinky when you take the cover off," notes a Kiva RV Park visitor regarding the horse-friendly facilities.
Connectivity challenges: Cell service varies significantly between locations. "Connectivity was spotty. I did get a phone call while using the bathroom in the lower campground," reports a camper at Red Canyon Campground.
