Water Canyon Campground
Open — The campground may be open year-round, but winter weather and snow can affect road access and gate operations. Campers should call the Magdalena Ranger District at +1 (575) 854-2281 before visiting during winter months to confirm the gate is open.
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
Water Canyon Campground sits at 6,800 feet elevation in the scenic Magdalena Mountains of Cibola National Forest, approximately 21 miles west of Socorro. The campground features 12 individual campsites available through a mix of first-come, first-served and advance reservations, plus a separate group site that accommodates up to 75 people and includes a shelter structure and large fire pit. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Vault toilets are available throughout the campground, though potable water is not provided, so visitors must bring their own. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area through birding, hiking, and mountain biking. Forest Road 39 connects to the North Fork Trail, while the nearby Water Canyon Picnic Area provides access to additional trails including the Mesa Trail. The high elevation and minimal light pollution make this an exceptional location for stargazing. While the campground may be open year-round, winter weather conditions and snow can affect accessibility and gate operations. The campground is lightly used, offering a peaceful, primitive camping experience in a beautiful mountain setting with cool temperatures and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
Directions
From Highway 60, turn onto Water Canyon Road and follow it to the end. Pass the Water Canyon Picnic Area on the left and continue uphill to reach the campground entrance on the right. The group campsite is further along the gravel road.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 - $55 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 854-2281 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Water Canyon Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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