Information board at Coal mine campground
Entrance to Coal Mine Campground
Bridge leading to the trail

Coal Mine

Closed — Closed for winter season. The campground typically closes during winter months due to snow and cold weather conditions at the 7,400-foot elevation.

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…

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.

Termination of Stage 1 Fire Restriction Order for Mountainair and Sandia Ranger District

The Cibola NF & NGs has lifted Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective Monday July 21, 2025, on the Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts.

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…

Termination of Stage 2 Fire Restriction Order for Mountainair and Sandia Ranger District

U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service Cibola National ForestTERMINATION OF STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTION ORDERMOUNTAINAIR AND SANDIA RANGER DISTRICTS Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 551 and Title 36 CFR 261.50(a), the prohibitions listed in Order Number Order #03-03-00-25-07 Stage 2 Fire…

Stage 1 Fire Restriction Order for Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts

With increased live fuel moisture levels and green up, the Cibola NF & NGs leadership has lowered previously implemented Stage 2 fire restrictions to Stage 1 fire restrictions on the Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts effective June 18, 2025 under Order 03-03-00-25-12.The purpose of this Order…

Magdalena Ranger District Stage 1 Fire Restriction Order #03-03-03-25-08

The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands will implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on all National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Magdalena Ranger District as described per order 03-03-03-25-08 and as shown on the attached map.This Order shall be in effect from Thursday May 22, 2025 at…

Fort Wingate Missile Launch Closure # 03-03-02-25-01

The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety during the U.S. Army’s planned missile launch, including pre-launch periods, near the Fort Wingate Army Depot.

Termination of Capilla Peak Temporary Winter Closure Order #03-03-04-25-02

Termination order of CAPILLA ROAD TEMPORARY WINTER CLOSURE ORDER# 03-03-04-25-02effect at 10:00 a.m. March 13, 2025

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

Coal Mine Campground is situated in the upper portion of Cibola National Forest in west-central New Mexico, approximately 10 miles northeast of Grants at an elevation of 7,400 feet. The campground sits atop a hill with sites arranged along a loop road on gently sloping ground, surrounded by a mature forest of ponderosa pine, juniper, and gambel oak trees. A historic bridge built by the Job Corps in 1967-1968 provides entrance to the trail system. The campground offers 15 paved camping sites, each capable of accommodating up to 10 people. All sites include picnic tables and campfire rings with grills. Parking spurs are paved, making the sites accessible for both tents and RVs, though trailers are limited to less than 22 feet in length. There are no utility hookups available. Accessible vault toilets are provided, but drinking water is not available, so visitors must bring their own supply. The Lobo Canyon Trail begins within the campground and connects to a network of trails in the area, some still under construction. The campground is located near the Continental Divide Trail and Mt. Taylor, the highest peak in the area at 11,301 feet. El Malpais National Monument and Conservation Area is accessible within a short drive, featuring extensive ancient lava flows, La Ventana Natural Arch, and the Sandstone Bluffs Overlook. The city of Grants, about 12 miles away, offers additional amenities and a mining museum with an underground tour.

Directions

From Grants, take New Mexico State Highway 547 north for 10 miles to the campground.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups No
Water Hookups No
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store No
Price $10

Vehicle

Max RV Length 45ft
Max Trailer Length 45ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (505) 287-8833

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Information board at Coal mine campground
Entrance to Coal Mine Campground
Bridge leading to the trail
Information Kiosk at Coal Mine Campground
Restrooms at Coal Mine Campground
A campsite at Coal Mina CG
 Coal Mine Campground

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