The Cibola National Forest encompasses Quaking Aspen Campground, a USDA Forest Service facility that sits at 8,000 feet elevation in the Zuni Mountains. Located about 15 minutes from Interstate 40, this campground provides access to forested terrain that contrasts sharply with the desert landscape visible from the highway below.
Campers consistently note the cleanliness of facilities and the spaciousness of individual sites. "Bathrooms were spectacularly clean," reports Irelend A., while others emphasize the generous site spacing that allows privacy even when the campground fills up. The elevation creates notably cooler conditions than surrounding areas, with reviewers mentioning blanket weather even during late spring visits. Sites feature level gravel tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings with grills.
The campground offers approximately 20 sites accommodating RVs up to 22 feet, with both pull-through and back-in options available. No hookups or potable water are provided, but vault toilets and dumpsters serve the facility. Firewood is available on-site, and campfires are permitted. The $5 nightly fee makes this an economical choice, though some visitors report the payment system occasionally malfunctions.
Forest Service roads extend south from the campground toward hiking trails and dispersed camping areas, though these routes require higher clearance vehicles. Cell service remains limited near the entrance. Wildlife including bears, elk, and deer inhabit the area, making proper food storage essential. The season typically runs May through September, with no reservation system requiring first-come availability.
For different amenities, Turkey Springs sits less than a mile southeast with additional facilities.
Description
The campground offers a respite from the heat in a setting of aspen and mature ponderosa pine trees, approximately 6 miles south of Fort Wingate. This is the most recently renovated campground on the Mt. Taylor Ranger District. This area has a rich history of railroad logging, and the original town of McGaffey was built in the vicinity of McGaffey Lake a few miles down the road. Remember to pay attention to road conditions and your vehicle's abilities before driving off of the main road.
Closed For the Season
This campground is closed for the season from October 16, 2025 through May 14, 2026.
Closed For the Season
This campground is closed for the season from October 16, 2025 through May 14, 2026.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundQuaking Aspen Campground is located in New Mexico
Directions
From the east side of Gallup, NM, on State Rt. 118, take Interstate 40 east 7.6 miles to Exit 33 (McGaffey - State Rt. 400). At end of exit ramp, turn right onto Rt. 400 and go 5.3 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign into campground.
Coordinates
35.40704961 N
108.53937236 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/26/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/26/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/26/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/26/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 1 hr 57 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 2 hrs 16 min from Farmington, NM
- 2 hrs 47 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 2 hrs 55 min from Flagstaff, AZ



























