Capilla Peak
Currently closed for seasonal closure. The campground typically operates May through October. Forest Road 245 may be subject to temporary closures during wet conditions to protect the road surface.
Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions
To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device in effective working order.
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits: Using any type of vehicle that does not comply with an applicable state law.Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.Operating a vehicle in violation of speed, load,…
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…
Six Mile Fire Area Closure Order 03-03-05-26-07 Terminated
U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest ServiceCibola National Forest & National Grasslands TERMINATION OF CLOSURE ORDER FOR THE SIX MILE FIRE AREAMagdalena Ranger DistrictPursuant to 16 U.S.C. 551 and Title 36 CFR 261.50(a), the prohibitions listed in Order Number Order #03-03-03-26-07 Area…
Mt. Taylor Ranger District Stage 1 Fire Restriction Order 03-03-02-26-04
Order Number: 03-03-02-26-04The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands will implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on the Mt. Taylor District located within the State of New Mexico. See attached map.This Order shall be in effect from Friday May 8, 2026 at 8:00 AM through Monday Aug. 31, 2026…
Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts Stage 1 Fire Restriction Order 03-03-00-26-05
Order Number: # 03-03-00-26-05The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands will implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on the Mountainair, and Sandia Ranger Districts located within the State of New Mexico. See attached maps.These Orders shall be in effect from Friday May 8, 2026 at 8:00 AM…
Magdalena Ranger District Stage 1 Fire Restriction Order 03-03-03-26-06
Order Number: # 03-03-03-26-06The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands will implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on the Magdalena Ranger District located within the State of New Mexico. See attached map.This Orders shall be in effect from Friday May 8, 2026 at 0800 through Monday Aug. 31,…
Area Closure for Sandia Crest “Switchback” Hazard Tree and Fuel Reduction Project
The Cibola National Forest & Grasslands has issued order (03-03-05-26-02) for an area closure on the Sandia Ranger District.This Order shall be in effect from April 1st, 2026, at 0600 through January 15th, 2027, at 0600, unless rescinded.The purpose of this area closure order is for the protection…
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions for Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands
The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands has implemented Stage II Fire Restrictions per Order 03-03-07-26-03 on National Forest System lands, roads and trails within the exterior boundaries of the Cibola National Forest, Kiowa/Rita-Blanca Ranger District, as depicted on the attached maps…
Magdalena Ranger District Bear Trap Campground Closure Order #03-03-03-26-01
The Cibola National Forest has issued a new order (03-03-03-26-01) for the continued closure of Bear Trap Campground on the Magdalena Ranger District. Bear Trap Campground will continue to remain closed. This Order shall be in effect from January 1, 2026, at 12:00 a.m. through December 31, 2026,…
Mountainair Ranger District Capilla Road Temporary Winter Closure Order
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and prevent natural resource damage from vehicular traffic during the winter months while the ground/soil is saturated within the closure area.
Area Closure for Sandia Crest House Structure within the Sandia Crest Recreation Site 03-03-05-25-09
The Sandia Crest House within the Sandia Crest Recreation Site to include the structure located at the top of the Sandia Crest at the end of New Mexico State Highway 536 as specifically shown in Exhibit A map will be closed for public health and safety of an abandoned structure until a permit is…
Area Closure for Sandia RD Rec Residence and Property at 69 Casa Loma Road #03-03-05-25-10
Area closure for the Casa Loma recreation residence at 69 Casa Loma road to include the structures and property located at the second driveway after crossing the Forest boundary prior to the dead-end of Casa Loma Road accessed off of New Mexico State Highway 14 as specifically shown in Exhibit A…
Area Closure for Recreation Residence Structures and Property at 91 Casa Loma Road 03-03-05-25-11
The Casa Loma recreation residence at 91 Casa Loma road to include the structures and property located at the last driveway after crossing the Forest boundary at the dead-end of Casa Loma Road accessed off of New Mexico State Highway 14 as specifically shown in Exhibit A map.The purpose of this…
Occupancy & Use Prohibitions Forest Order #03-03-00-23-03
This Order imposes a 14-day stay limit; places restrictions on alcoholic beverage consumption and parking; and bans public nudity. The purpose of this Order is to protect National Forest and Grassland resources and to provide for public health and safety. This Order shall be in effect from…
About
Capilla Peak Campground perches at 9,200 feet in the Manzano Mountains of Cibola National Forest, providing dramatic views of the Rio Grande Valley to the west and Estancia Valley to the east. This small 8-site campground offers a peaceful escape with direct access to the Manzano Mountain Wilderness and the Hawkwatch International raptor counting station, making it popular with hikers and birders alike. The campground features vault toilets and picnic tables but has no potable water, so campers must pack in all drinking water. All sites are standard nonelectric with a mix of first-come, first-served and reservable options through Recreation.gov. A group picnic pavilion accommodating up to 50 people is also available for day-use reservation. Access to Capilla Peak requires navigating Forest Road 245, which demands a high-clearance vehicle. None of the campsites have designated parking spurs, making the campground unsuitable for large trailers or RVs. Given the elevation, weather can be highly variable, and campers should prepare for rapidly changing mountain conditions.
Directions
From Manzano, travel 12 miles west via NM 55 and Forest Road 245. High clearance vehicle recommended.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (505) 847-2990 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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