Water Canyon Group Campground
Open — Open year-round with reservations required. Winter weather and snow may limit access and gate operations. No potable water available on site.
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
Water Canyon Group Campground is located in the Magdalena Mountains of Cibola National Forest, tucked away at 6,800 feet elevation about 21 miles west of Socorro. The group site can accommodate up to 75 people and includes a shelter structure, large fire pit, picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. Vault toilets are available on site. The campground is part of the larger Water Canyon Recreation Area, which features multiple individual campsites and a picnic area below. The surrounding forest and mountains provide excellent opportunities for birding, hiking, mountain biking, and star-gazing. Forest Road 39 leads to the group campsite and can be followed as the North Fork Trail for hiking. The nearby Mesa Trail is also accessible from the recreation area. The location is popular with locals for four-wheeling along Water Canyon Road and exploring the scenic mountain terrain. Campers should note that no potable water is available at the campground, so all water must be packed in. The gravel road access may be affected by weather conditions, particularly snow at this elevation, and the gate may be closed during winter months.
Directions
From Highway 60, turn onto Water Canyon Road and follow it to the end. Pass the picnic area on the left and continue uphill toward the campground. The group campsite is further along the gravel road after passing the entrance to the main campground on the right. The group campsite will also be on the right.
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 | $55 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 854-2281 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Water Canyon Group Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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