Water Canyon Group Campground
Open for the 2026 reservation season, which runs March 13 through November 30. From October through March, the campground operates first-come, first-served and may close periodically due to unsafe weather conditions. Reservations are made through Recreation.gov.
Flood Watch issued September 21 at 1:02AM MDT until September 23 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of central, east central, north central, northeast, southeast, and west central New Mexico, including the following areas, in central New Mexico, Central Highlands, Eastern Lincoln County, Estancia Valley, Lower Rio Grande Valley, Middle Rio Grande Valley including the Albuquerque Metro Area, San Agustin Plains and Adjacent Lowlands, Sandia and Manzano Mountains including Edgewood, South Central Highlands, South Central Mountains and Upper Tularosa Valley. In east central New Mexico, De Baca County and Guadalupe County. In north central New Mexico, East Slopes Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Espanola Valley, Glorieta Mesa Including Glorieta Pass, Jemez Mountains, Northwest Highlands, Santa Fe Metro Area and Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains. In northeast New Mexico, Eastern San Miguel County, Far Northeast Highlands, Harding County and Northeast Highlands. In southeast New Mexico, Chaves County Plains and Southwest Chaves County. In west central New Mexico, Southwest Mountains, West Central Highlands and West Central Mountains. * WHEN...From Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris. Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers are possible. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - A dangerous surge of monsoon moisture will arrive Tuesday and Wednesday with widespread heavy rain. Scattered occurrences of flash flooding are likely, and there will probably be some main stem river and tributary flooding, as the most likely rain amount by Wednesday afternoon exceeds 2 inches in many locations along and east of the central mountain chain, and 1 inch in many locations westward to the continental divide. Stronger storms will produce torrential rainfall at rates over 2 inches per hour, and storms will train repeatedly in succession over some locations, with locally heavier rain amounts reaching 4 to 6 inches over portions of central and eastern New Mexico. Heavy rain will likely continue Wednesday night over eastern areas, then showers and storms with locally heavy rainfall are forecast to return along and east of the continental divide again on Thursday. - Rapid runoff and flash flooding will be most likely in complex terrain, below recent burn scars, low-lying areas, urban areas, normally dry arroyos, and near rivers and streams. As the event unfolds, locations with saturated ground will also become prone to rapid runoff and flash flooding from additional rounds of storms. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
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…
Mountainair Ranger District Whiskey Fire Closure Order 03-03-04-26-21
The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands has issued a new closure order (03-03-04-26-21) for Whiskey Fire to extend the previously described closure area of National Forest System (NFS) lands, including the roads, and trails within the described area and shown on the attached map on the…
About
Water Canyon Group Campground is located in the Magdalena Mountains of the Cibola National Forest at an elevation of 6,800 feet. This group site is designed for larger gatherings, accommodating up to 75 people, and features a covered pavilion, an additional shelter structure, and a large communal fire pit. Individual picnic tables and fire rings are also provided throughout the site. Vault toilets are available, but there is no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. The campground is accessed via Water Canyon Road off Highway 60, passing a picnic area before continuing uphill on a gravel road. The final 500 feet of road may not be suitable for large RVs due to unpaved conditions. A locking gate provides security for the group site. The surrounding area offers excellent birding opportunities and access to several trails in the Magdalena Mountains. The Magdalena Ranger District manages the site, with reservations available through Recreation.gov during the primary season.
Directions
From Highway 60, turn onto Water Canyon Road and follow it to its end, passing the picnic area. Continue uphill on the gravel road to reach the group campground. The final 500 feet of road is unpaved and may not be suitable for large RVs.
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 | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 854-2281 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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