Fourth Of July Campground

Closed — The campground operates seasonally from April through November. During the first-come, first-served season of October through March, the campground may close periodically due to unsafe weather conditions or snow. Call the Mountainair Ranger District at +1 (505) 847-2990 to confirm gate access during winter months.

About

Fourth of July Campground is situated at the mouth of Tajique Canyon in the Mountainair Ranger District of Cibola National Forest. The campground serves as a gateway to the Manzano Mountain Wilderness and is renowned for hosting the largest stand of Bigtooth Maple trees in New Mexico, which transform into brilliant shades of orange and red during fall months. The campground offers 18 campsites split between two loops (Gallo and Mosca), with a mix of first-come, first-served and reservable sites. Sites feature picnic tables and fire pits, with vault toilets available throughout the campground. The area accommodates tents and pop-up campers only, as the narrow forest roads and small sites cannot accommodate larger RVs. Multiple trailheads provide direct access to hiking and equestrian trails, including the Albuquerque Trail, Crimson Maple Trail, and Fourth of July Trail. The heavily-used campground attracts visitors year-round for its scenic beauty, wildlife viewing opportunities, and proximity to wilderness trails. During winter months, access may be limited due to snow and weather conditions.

Directions

From Tijeras: head southbound on Highway 337 and take a right on Highway 55 to travel through the town of Tajique. Take a right just past the Tajique cemetery onto Torreon Tajique Loop Road and follow for approximately 7.3 miles, passing the Albuquerque Trailhead, until you reach Fourth of July Campground. From Manzano: head north on Highway 55 and take a left before the town of Tajique onto Torreon Tajique Loop Road and follow for approximately 7.3 miles.

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