John F Kennedy
Closed — Permanently closed for camping. The campground has been gated and only ruins remain. The area is accessible as a trailhead parking area for hiking.
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
John F Kennedy Campground was once an established Forest Service campground in Cibola National Forest with 12 camping units at an elevation of 6,148 feet. Located at the western base of the Manzano Mountains near Belen, the campground provided access to several canyon trails in the area. The facility was closed due to persistent vandalism issues and has been permanently shuttered, with the camping area now gated off. Today, only ruins remain of the former campground infrastructure. The site continues to serve as a trailhead parking area for three popular hiking routes: the Trigo Canyon Trail (185), the Salas Trail (184), and the Comanche Canyon Trail (182). Access requires navigating rough dirt roads that are best suited for high-clearance 4WD vehicles, particularly after rain when large mud puddles and ponds can form. The area was affected by the 2007 Trigo Fire, which impacted the condition of local trails. While camping is no longer available at this location, the trailhead provides access to scenic canyon hikes in the Manzano Mountains, including routes to waterfalls and higher elevation peaks.
Directions
From Belen, NM, take NM-47 south for 5.8 miles, then turn east onto a dirt road toward the mountains. Continue to the former John F. Kennedy Campground, now gated.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | — |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | — |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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