Coal Mine Campground, near Grants, New Mexico, is a straightforward spot for those looking to unwind in nature without the frills. With clean vault toilets and a few picnic tables scattered around, it’s all about keeping it simple and enjoying the great outdoors.

This campground is a hit for its peaceful vibe, making it perfect for a quiet retreat. Visitors have enjoyed the nearby hiking trails, especially the trek to La Mosca Lookout, which offers stunning views. As one camper noted, “There was only a few people camping so it was very quiet and peaceful.”

While the amenities are basic—no showers or electric hookups—campers appreciate the level spots for tents and RVs, along with fire rings for evening gatherings. If you're prepared for a primitive experience, you’ll find it’s a great place to kick back after a long drive or a day of exploring.

For those who want to venture out, you’re close to attractions like Bluewater Lake and El Morro, making it easy to fill your days with adventure. Just keep in mind that reservations are recommended, especially during busy weekends, to avoid any surprises. Whether you’re passing through or planning a longer stay, Coal Mine Campground offers a solid base for your New Mexico adventures.

## Overview

 Coal Mine Campground is situated in the upper portion of the Cibola National Forest in west-central New Mexico. Visitors can enjoy hiking the Lobo Canyon Trail, as well as picnicking and scenic driving. 
## Recreation

 The Lobo Canyon Trail begins in the campground and leads hikers access a network of trails in the area. Some trails are still under constuction.Visitors also enjoy picnicking in the surrounding area. The Sandia and Manzano Mountains offer extensive stretches of scenic drives. 
## Natural Features

 The campground is located northeast of the town of Grants at an elevation of 7,400 feet. It lies on the top of a hill, with campsites situated on gently sloping ground. A forest of mature pine, juniper and oak trees surrounds the campground. 
## Nearby Attractions

 The El Malpais National Monument and Conservation Area can be accessed from various points within a short drive of the campground. Its extensive, ancient lava flow landscape and other scenic features draw tourists year-round. Points on interest within the monument and conservation area include the Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center, Sandstone Bluffs Overlook and La Ventana Natural Arch. A portion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail parallels the Zuni-Acoma Trail as it passes through the monument. The city of Grants is about 12 miles from the campground, offering dining and lodging options. The city also boasts a mining museum with gem and mineral displays and a self-guided tour into an underground world.
## Charges & Cancellations

 A $10.00 service charge will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees. For full details see NRRS Reservation Policy.

Coal Mine Campground

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Visited the coal mine campground after driving a 500 mile day, so it was a set-up eat and crash situation. I did make a reservation on line, but that cost more than the $5 per site fee and was not necessary even though it was memorial day weekend. The fee is great because it is primitive, no electricity, no water at all, not just hookups, but the bathrooms were nice and clean with no sinks.

If you are prepared for a primitive camp with your own water and batteries for your electronics it is great. They have fire rings, grills, picnic tables and level places for tents.There are also nice back-in sites for boondocking RVs and the road up to the campground is fine for big rigs.

I ran into two mountain biker's here from Ireland that were riding the Continental Divide trail from The Mexican border in New Mexico to the Canadian border in Montana. They were staying here since the Trail goes through here. Paddy &amp; Conner were very interesting people and I was fortunate to have run into them here.

I enjoyed my stay with a peaceful quite nights sleep and a short hike in the morning before breakfast cooked on the campfire. I would recommend this over a hotel stay if your passing through Grant's New Mexico on I40\. You can probably get a site for the night anytime your passing through.

Great for a weary traveler

We were parked in a vacant spot since Thursday and on Friday afternoon, a forest service employee came and put up a sign on our spot saying it was reserved and he told us that we would have to leave.   When we asked him why the sign wasn’t put up earlier in the week?  If it had been we would have parked somewhere else.  He got an attitude and just told us to move.  We told him that we would and he said well if you park in an available spot we would have to pay again.  Well yeah we moved and no we did not pay again.  Then to top it off, the spots he claimed were reserved never became occupied all weekend.  He did this to several people that were already parked and unhooked for the weekend.  We decided that he just didn’t want to have to patrol the weekend or something.  Never saw him again all weekend.  We didn’t let that ruin the weekend.  We had a good time overall.

Memorial Day Weekend At Coal Mine Campground

I grew up in this part of the state, but never knew this one existed.  It’s a small campsite and not much more then vaulted toilets. But it was a very beautiful campsite. There was only a few people camping so it was very quit and peaceful. Easy access to shopping in Grants and real close to many other attractions like Bluewater lake, El Morro, and the Ice Cave. I would happily camp here again.

I never knew. 

Had a relaxing, quiet three night stay from 8/10 - 8/13/21 with our Jayco Octane Lite SL161 toyhauler. The only facilities are clean vault toilets. Some pull through spots for smaller camping units. I would not recommend this campground for large RVs.

  

15 sites available with about 8 that I could comfortably park my camper in. All sites have table, barbecue, and fire pit/ring. All sites are reservable online at Recreation.gov. When arriving without a reservation and staying for more than one or two nights be aware that empty sites without a reservation posting may have a reservation that has not been posted. You could wake up and find a reservation posted at your site and have to relocate to another available site. 

  

There is a nice hiking trail available from the campground. La Mosca lookout is a nice drive from the campground with beautiful views. Head up to the Gooseberry Trailhead to hike to the top of Mt Taylor the highest mountain in NW New Mexico. 

  

Camping fees for this campground are increasing to $10 per night next season.

Quiet, relaxing basic campground 

Coal Mine campground is a beautiful little campground with paved roads &amp; spots, picnic table and fire ring at each site. It is primitive camping with pit toilets no water available. Sites of varying sizes from tent/car camp to small travel trailer or Rv. We stayed with a 30 ft class c no problem. Very quiet with easy access to Mt Taylor and only 15 min to Town of Grants for services. $10 per night self serve envelope in drop box when we were there.

Photos of Coal Mine Campground

Real photos from real campers