Red Canyon Campground provides accessible camping opportunities in the Manzano Mountains, approximately 75 miles from Socorro. The campground sits at an elevation of 7,700 feet among pine forests, creating cooler summer temperatures than the surrounding lowlands. Several glamping accommodations near Socorro offer varying levels of amenities, with most sites available from spring through late fall when temperatures are most favorable.
What to do
Trail access from camp: Red Canyon Campground connects directly to hiking trails, making it convenient for day hikes without driving to trailheads. "Nice kid-friendly trails adjacent to the campground," notes Gavin J. about the Red Canyon Campground.
Mountain biking on forest roads: The network of forest roads provides excellent mountain biking opportunities connecting different canyons. John H. explains that Red Canyon offers "Great Mountain biking on forest roads that link canyons," making it possible to explore multiple areas in one outing.
Wildlife viewing at dusk: The quiet forest setting attracts deer and other wildlife, particularly in the evening hours. Jacob S. reports from Springtime Campground, "We stayed in the camping area near the trailhead. Very green and lush with deer visiting our site at dusk!"
What campers like
Natural shade coverage: Campers appreciate the mature pine forest that provides natural shade at many sites. According to Gavin J., "We had a nice shady site, some others seemed more exposed," noting the importance of site selection at Red Canyon.
Secluded camping spots: The relative seclusion of campgrounds like Red Canyon creates a quiet backcountry feel. "Beautiful secluded spot in the Manzanos," writes one camper about their experience at the campground.
Adirondack shelters: Some camping areas feature rustic Adirondack-style shelters that provide structure for tent camping. Dennis P. describes Turner Inn & RV Park: "Once there, you're rewarded with Adirondack shelters and shaded sites. We even had split firewood at our site courtesy of a fire crew, I think."
What you should know
Early season advantages: Campgrounds can become heavily used and sometimes misused during peak seasons. Carson P. advises, "I'd recommend going before Memorial Day while the sites are still clean," noting that later in the season some visitors "leave the sites completely trashed. Fire pits buried and unusable, beer cans and trash everywhere."
Limited amenities: Most glamping sites near Socorro are primitive with basic facilities only. John H. clarifies about Red Canyon: "Toilets but no water so come prepared," highlighting the need to bring sufficient water supplies.
Access road conditions: Some camping areas require vehicles with higher clearance or 4WD capabilities. "The road in may require 4×4 depending on any precip or how one drives," warns Dennis P. about accessing certain sites.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly trails: Several campgrounds offer trails suitable for children directly from the camping area. "Beautiful campground with large spaces. Not crowded," notes Bob C. about Red Canyon Campground, adding that the spaciousness provides room for families to spread out.
Bear safety: Bear activity requires proper food storage at many sites. Jennifer A. mentions, "There are vault toilets, trash bins, and bear boxes," indicating that wildlife precautions are necessary for family safety.
Bathroom considerations: Toilet facilities vary widely in cleanliness and condition. One camper reports, "Though there are bathrooms at the location, they are really smelly and flies surround them," suggesting families might want to prepare alternatives.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Turner Inn & RV Park provides complete hookups for RVs seeking more amenities. Mary L. shares about her stay: "Campsites are level full hook ups. Nice people they have Wi-Fi nice bathrooms there's a really great grocery store downtown called the B St., Café. It was $36 if I paid cash and that was with a 10% discount."
Signal strength varies: Cellular reception can be unpredictable in the mountains. Bob C. notes, "Connectivity was spotty. I did get a phone call while using the bathroom in the lower campground," while another camper mentions, "I did have spotty T-Mobile service, others had phone service as well but I'm not sure of their provider."
Water pressure quality: Water hookups at developed RV sites provide reliable pressure for RV systems. Eric P. reports, "Great camp with most hook ups. They don't have sewer but they do have a dump station. Very nice place. Good water pressure. Great TV reception from Alb, NM TV stations."
