Mcgaffey Campground
Open for the 2026 season. Operating dates are May 1 through October 15. No potable water is available; bring your own supply. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect for Mt. Taylor Ranger District from May 8 through August 31, 2026, which allows campfires only in agency-provided fire rings.
Flood Watch issued October 30 at 12:31AM MDT until November 2 at 11:00AM MST by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of north central, northwest, and west central New Mexico, including the following areas, in north central New Mexico, Far Northwest Highlands, Jemez Mountains, Northwest Highlands and Tusas Mountains Including Chama. In northwest New Mexico, Chuska Mountains and Northwest Plateau. In west central New Mexico, San Francisco River Valley, Southwest Mountains, West Central Highlands, West Central Mountains and West Central Plateau. * WHEN...From early Sunday morning through Monday morning. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Another round of widespread rainfall is expected Sunday into Monday with rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches near and west of the Continental Divide. This rainfall will occur over very saturated soils which will increase runoff. These are also areas that are still recovering from the last flood event. River rises are likely, but rises are not expected to be as high as the last flood event. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Hydrologic Outlook issued October 29 at 2:39PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
ESFABQ * IMPACTS...River, creek, washes and arroyos may reach out of banks. Rock, mud and debris may flow into roadways and flash flooding can not be ruled out, especially in urban areas. * CONFIDENCE...High confidence in widespread rainfall, with low confidence in river and flash flooding. * WHAT...A strong Pacific storm system will interact with a atmospheric river streaming into the Desert Southwest and Four Corners region, producing widespread rain which will focus in the mountains. * WHERE...Four Corners and surrounding region, including Aztec, Bloomfield, Farmington and Shiprock. * WHEN...Sunday into Monday. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...River basins are already saturated from last week's rainfall and flooding, making additional runoff more efficient and can more easily cause flooding problems. The greatest precipitation amounts are forecast in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, which will create high flows in the Animas and La Plata Rivers. These rivers feed the San Juan River, which saw record flooding last week. Continue to monitor forecasts for the updates as this situation unfolds. Follow NWS Albuquerque on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/NWSAlbuquerque and on X at: www.x.com/NWSAlbuquerque
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…
About
McGaffey Campground sits in what was once a historic railroad logging and sawmill town, west of the Continental Divide in the Zuni Mountains of New Mexico. Built in 1937, it is the largest campground on the Mt. Taylor Ranger District, featuring 29 individual campsites, 21 picnic sites, and 3 group sites (Wingate, Torreon, and Tampico). Mature ponderosa pine trees provide scenic settings and shade throughout the facility. The campground lies at approximately 8,000 feet elevation and has a volunteer host on site during the operating season. Amenities include vault toilets and picnic tables, but potable water is not available so campers must bring their own supply. The maximum vehicle length is 22 feet, making this campground unsuitable for large RVs or trailers. Sites are available first-come, first-served with a 14-day stay limit. To reach McGaffey, take Exit 33 from I-40 east of Gallup, drive south through Fort Wingate, and continue 8 more miles on SR 400 to the campground entrance on the southwest side of the road.
Directions
Take Exit 33 from I-40 east of Gallup, then drive south through Fort Wingate. Continue 8 more miles on SR 400 to the campground entrance on the southwest side of the road.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 - $100 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 22ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 22ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (505) 346-3900 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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