Capulin Spring Picnic Site
Closed — Closed for the season. Reopens May 15, 2025. The site operates seasonally from May 15 through October 15. Reservations for the group pavilion are available through Recreation.gov.
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 devic
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits:
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 s
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.
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.
Magdalena Ranger District Bear Trap Campground Closure Order # 03-03-03-24-11
The Cibola National Forest has issued a new order (03-03-03-24-11) for the continued closure of Bear Trap Campground on the Magdalena Ranger District.
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 Orde
About
Capulin Spring Picnic Site is a beloved day-use recreation area located two miles above Sandia Peak Ski Area at 8,740 feet elevation in the Sandia Mountains. This picnic site is surrounded by heavily wooded land that affords shade to escape the heat of the day and accommodates up to fifty people. The main feature is a group picnic shelter, a modern replica of the mid-1930s Civilian Conservation Corps design. The site includes six accessible picnic tables, food prep and serving tables, and two large pedestal charcoal grills. The picnic pad, pathways, and parking areas are paved and accessible. The spring at Capulin Spring runs year-round and is a much-visited spot by birders, especially in the dry season, because thirsty birds flock to this area for a nice, cool drink of water. Look for the big log and you will find beautiful birds of all types, sizes, and colors. Additional dispersed picnic areas that do not require a reservation are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each area can accommodate a small family group and includes tables and grills. Nearby recreation includes the Capulin Peak Trail, which starts at the Capulin Snow Play Area parking lot and is about 0.6 miles to the summit with only 150 feet of elevation gain. Just below the summit are the ruins of an old mining shack and mining pit. The Capulin Spring trail is a short walk down the hill on the service road and is popular for bird watching and photography. The Sandia Mountains are home to mule deer, black bear, mountain lions, and many other species of wildlife and birds, including golden eagles often seen soaring overhead. No overnight camping is permitted at this site.
Directions
From I-40 and Exit 175, drive toward Cedar Crest on N-14. Follow N-14 (the Turquoise Trail) for approximately 6.5 miles to NM 536 (the Sandia Crest Scenic Byway). Drive 8 miles up NM 536. Look for signs on your right. Capulin is located about 2 miles past the Sandia Peak Ski area.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Nine Mile Picnic Site 0.4mi
- Balsam Glade Picnic Site 0.6mi
- Las Huertas Picnic Site 1.3mi
- Doc Long Picnic Sites - A And B 3.4mi
- Cienega Picnic Site 3.7mi
- Cedro Peak Camping Sites - Robin And Jay 13mi
- Pine Flat Picnic Sites - A And B 15mi
- Oak Yucca And Locust Group Picnic Sites 16mi
- Cerrillos Hills State Park Visitor Center - Cerrillos 22mi
Location
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 | $90 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (505) 281-3304 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!