Red Canyon
Both camping loops are currently open. The upper loop operates year-round while the lower loop is open April through November. During first-come, first-served season (October through March), the campground may close temporarily due to weather. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov starting April 1.
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…
Mt Taylor Ranger District - Stage II Fire Restriction Order
The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands will implement Stage II Fire Restrictions on the Mt. Taylor Ranger District beginning Thursday June 18 at 8:00 a.m. due to increased fire danger. The purpose of this Order is to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during periods of high…
Area Closure Order Terminated for Doc Long Picnic Area on Sandia Ranger District
Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands has terminated a closure order for Doc Long Picnic Area within the Sandia Ranger District.The purpose of the order issued on June 6, 2026 was to provide for public safety in coordination with New Mexico Department of Game & Fish in dealing with a…
About
Red Canyon Campground offers a peaceful mountain camping experience at 7,600 feet elevation in the Manzano Mountains of central New Mexico. Located 7 miles west of Manzano on Forest Road 253 off Highway 55, the campground provides 39 sites split between two distinct loops tailored to different camping styles. The lower loop contains 28 standard nonelectric sites suitable for tent camping and smaller RVs. The upper loop features 11 equestrian sites with horse corrals, making it a popular staging area for horseback riding in the surrounding national forest. A group picnic day-use area is also available in the upper loop. All campsites are equipped with picnic tables and grills, while many sites also have fire rings. Facilities include vault toilets and bear-safe trash receptacles throughout the campground. Campers must bring their own water as no potable water is available on site. Due to the narrow access roads and limited site space, recreational vehicles longer than 22 feet are not permitted; larger vehicles may park at Ox Canyon Trailhead approximately 1.5 miles south.
Directions
From Manzano, NM, travel 7 miles west on Highway 55 to Forest Road 253. The campground is located at 7,600 feet elevation in the Manzano Mountains.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $10 - $12 |
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 |
Useful Links
| Red Canyon Campground - USFS | |
| Red Canyon - Recreation.gov |
Photos
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