Water Canyon Group Campground
Open for the 2026 reservation season, which runs March 13 through November 30. From October through March, the campground operates first-come, first-served and may close periodically due to unsafe weather conditions. Reservations are made through Recreation.gov.
Cannabis Possession Prohibited
Order 03-00-00-21-002 prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting a cannabis plant, any part of a cannabis plant, or any substance derived from a cannabis plant within the Southwestern Region National Forests in the State of New Mexico and the National Grasslands in the states of Texas and…
Mountainair Ranger District Whiskey Fire Closure Order 03-03-04-26-21
The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands has issued a new closure order (03-03-04-26-21) for Whiskey Fire to extend the previously described closure area of National Forest System (NFS) lands, including the roads, and trails within the described area and shown on the attached map on the…
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(Albuquerque, NM – August 27, 2026) — The Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands extends the effective dates of Stage I Fire Restrictions currently on the Kiowa and Rita-Blanca National…
About
Water Canyon Group Campground is located in the Magdalena Mountains of the Cibola National Forest at an elevation of 6,800 feet. This group site is designed for larger gatherings, accommodating up to 75 people, and features a covered pavilion, an additional shelter structure, and a large communal fire pit. Individual picnic tables and fire rings are also provided throughout the site. Vault toilets are available, but there is no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. The campground is accessed via Water Canyon Road off Highway 60, passing a picnic area before continuing uphill on a gravel road. The final 500 feet of road may not be suitable for large RVs due to unpaved conditions. A locking gate provides security for the group site. The surrounding area offers excellent birding opportunities and access to several trails in the Magdalena Mountains. The Magdalena Ranger District manages the site, with reservations available through Recreation.gov during the primary season.
Directions
From Highway 60, turn onto Water Canyon Road and follow it to its end, passing the picnic area. Continue uphill on the gravel road to reach the group campground. The final 500 feet of road is unpaved and may not be suitable for large RVs.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $55 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 854-2281 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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