John F Kennedy
Permanently closed. The campground was shut down years ago due to vandalism and is now gated off. The site serves only as a trailhead parking area with no camping permitted.
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
John F Kennedy Campground was a developed Forest Service campground located in Cibola National Forest at the western base of the Manzano Mountains in Valencia County, New Mexico. The campground sat at approximately 6,148 feet elevation and once offered 12 camping units in a setting of pinyon, juniper, and Gambel oak. The facility has been permanently closed for many years due to persistent vandalism issues. The camping area is now gated off and only ruins remain of the former campground infrastructure. The Forest Service no longer lists it among active campgrounds in Cibola National Forest. Today, the site serves only as a trailhead parking area providing access to Trigo Canyon Trail (185), Salas Trail (184), and Comanche Canyon Trail (182). Access requires navigating rough dirt roads best suited for high-clearance 4WD vehicles, particularly after rain when large mud puddles can form. No facilities remain at the site. The Mountainair Ranger District manages the area.
Directions
Located approximately 10 miles northeast of Belen via rough dirt roads from the Tome Hill area. High-clearance 4WD vehicle recommended, especially after rain. Contact Mountainair Ranger District at +1 (505) 847-2990 for current road conditions.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (505) 847-2990 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Trigo Trailhead - Cibola NF | |
| Cibola NF Camping & Cabins |
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