Mills Canyon

About

Mills Canyon Campground sits at 5,160 feet elevation on the floor of the Canadian River Canyon within northeastern New Mexico's Kiowa National Grassland. This remote destination offers 12 primitive camping units, each with a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets are provided, but campers must bring their own water and pack out all trash. The campground serves as a base for exploring the historic Mills Canyon area, including the ruins of the Mills Canyon Hotel, once part of Melvin Mills' thriving late-1800s ranching enterprise before a devastating 1904 flood destroyed the operation. The surrounding shortgrass prairie ecosystem provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and hunting. July through September offer the best wildflower displays, though daytime temperatures can exceed 100°F. Access is via Mills Canyon Road #600, a 9-mile gravel road that descends approximately 1,000 feet via narrow switchbacks. This road is not recommended for passenger cars or vehicles pulling trailers; high-clearance vehicles are strongly suggested. Cell service is extremely limited throughout the area.

Directions

From Roy, NM: Drive north on NM Highway 39 approximately 10 miles, turn west on Mills Canyon Road #600, and continue 9 miles to the campground. From Abbot, NM: Drive south on NM Highway 39 approximately 16 miles, turn west on Mills Canyon Road #600, and continue 9 miles. High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended.