Red Canyon
Open — Upper Red Canyon Campground is open year-round. Lower Red Canyon Campground is closed for the season. Weather and road conditions may affect accessibility in winter; contact the Mountainair Ranger District at +1 (505) 847-2990 before visiting.
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 devic
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits:
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 s
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.
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.
Magdalena Ranger District Bear Trap Campground Closure Order # 03-03-03-24-11
The Cibola National Forest has issued a new order (03-03-03-24-11) for the continued closure of Bear Trap Campground on the Magdalena Ranger District.
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 Orde
About
Red Canyon Campground is a spacious, well-shaded facility located in the Manzano Mountains of Cibola National Forest at 7,600 feet elevation. The campground is divided into two loops: a lower loop with 28 standard campsites and an upper loop featuring 11 equestrian sites equipped with corrals and horse trailer parking. All sites include picnic tables and grills, with many also featuring fire rings. The tall pine forest provides partial to full shade across the campground. The upper loop serves as a gateway to the Manzano Wilderness, offering direct trailhead access to Red Canyon and Spruce Canyon trails for hiking and horseback riding. A communal fire ring is available in the lower loop, while the upper loop features a large group picnic area available for reservation. The campground is equipped with vault toilets and bear-safe trash receptacles. Located 7 miles west of Manzano off NM 55 on Forest Road 253, the campground offers a rustic experience with no potable water available. RVs longer than 22 feet are not recommended due to the narrow, winding access road. The upper loop remains open year-round, while the lower loop closes seasonally.
Directions
From Manzano, travel 7 miles west on NM 55, then turn onto Forest Road 253. The campground is located approximately 1.5 miles up the forest road. Note that RVs over 22 feet are not recommended due to narrow, winding roads.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 - $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 22ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (505) 847-2990 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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