Managed by the USDA Forest Service, this established campground sits within Cibola National Forest and Grasslands at $10-$15 per night with reservations available. Sites accommodate both RVs and tents, with vault toilets, trash bins, and bear boxes provided throughout the area.
The campground features large, spaced-out sites among pine trees in the Manzano Mountains. Direct trail access connects to kid-friendly hiking routes, while forest roads provide mountain biking opportunities linking different canyons. Some sites offer shade under the pines, while others remain more exposed. Deer visit campsites at dusk, and the location provides clear night sky viewing. Cell service varies by provider, with T-Mobile showing spotty coverage.
Campers should bring their own water, as none is available on-site. John H. notes to come prepared since there are "toilets but no water." The vault toilets can develop odors and attract flies during warmer periods. Site cleanliness varies significantly depending on previous visitors, with some campers leaving fire pits buried and trash scattered. For better conditions, consider visiting before Memorial Day when sites typically remain cleaner. Those exploring the broader region can find campgrounds around Mountainair for additional options.
Description
Overview
This campground in the Manzano Mountains offers a variety of amenity and site types to fit your needs. Tucked into the pines at 7,600 feet of elevation are a mix of horse corrals, single sites, double sites, all with picnic tables and grills, and a group picnic day use area. Explore both the upper loop, with amenities for horses, and the lower loop with lots of sites to find the campsite that fits your needs.
Recreation
Communal areas are available at this campground. The lower loop has a communal fire ring and the upper loop has a large day use area as well as access to trailheads. Horse riding and hiking are popular in this area.
Facilities
All campsites have picnic tables and grills. Many sites also have fire rings. Several sites are "double" sites with multiple sets of amenities. The campgrounds are further equipped with bear safe trash receptacles and vault toilets in shared areas.
Natural Features
Many sites are partial shade due to the tall tree cover across the campground.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundRed Canyon (Nm) — Cibola National Forest And Grasslands is located in New Mexico
Coordinates
34.617025 N
106.402694 W
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 1 hr 12 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 1 hr 51 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 3 hrs 22 min from Las Cruces, NM
- 3 hrs 55 min from Farmington, NM
