Capilla Peak Campground

Star4.42
36 reviews
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Scenic ViewsStargazing

Quick Facts

9,200 ft

Price

$10 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

April - November

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Mountainair Ranger District site

Official Website
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Capilla Peak Campground
$10.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single Site: $10 Per Night. Reservable Group Day Use Pavilion: $45 for up to 50 visitors.
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$45.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
505-847-2990null
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What Campers Say

4.42

Recommended

Based on 36 reviews

33 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquiethikingwell-maintained

"User reviews for Capilla Peak Campground are largely positive, emphasizing its scenic views, cleanliness, and quiet atmosphere. However, some users have noted issues with road access and campsite etiquette."

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Campground Map

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Capilla Peak Campground

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Driving directions12 miles west of Manzano via NM 55 & FR 245
"Decent and graveled all the way up. No muddy roads to slide on in the rain." (Dan "Dan Of All", user review). However, "the last 3 miles up is treacherous. The road is only big enough for one vehicle to pass, bumpy, with potholes and no guard rails." (Bonnie Chanet, user review).
Nearby places
"New Canyon campsite is located 4 miles down the well-maintained road." (Julian Or zoc, user review)
Nearby supplies
"If you don't have money or don't want to pay to camp, you can go 4 miles down the well-maintained road to the New Canyon campsite which is free and primitive." (Julian Or zoc, user review)

Best Time to Camp at Capilla Peak Campground

The crystal-clear mountain air at Capilla Peak delivers some of the clearest skies you'll find anywhere, making it a stargazer's paradise. Summer brings warm days perfect for hiking, while early fall paints the landscape in golden aspens. Winter occasionally dusts the peaks with snow, transforming the campground into a quiet wonderland. The sweet spots for camping fall between June and September, when moderate temperatures and minimal precipitation create ideal conditions for your mountain adventure.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers warm days ideal for hiking; positive summer reviews cited.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Early fall highlighted for beauty and hawk migration viewing opportunities.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open starting in April; variable high-elevation weather but good shoulder-season access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter (open April–November).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: April - November
  • Current Alerts: null

About Capilla Peak Campground

Perched at a breathtaking 9,200 feet in the Manzano Mountains, Capilla Peak Campground offers an intimate escape with just eight coveted campsites. This high-altitude haven serves as your gateway to the pristine Manzano Mountain Wilderness, where eagles soar overhead and the famous Hawkwatch raptor counting station documents the annual migration of these magnificent birds of prey.
Capilla Peak Campground is primarily designed for tent camping, with options for group picnicking. It is not suitable for large RVs or trailers due to the narrow and challenging access road.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

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Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Capilla Peak Campground offers opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife observation. Users have noted access to various trails, including the Crest Trail. The campground is adjacent to the Hawkwatch raptor observation station, making it an excellent spot for bird watching.
HikingHiking opportunities are abundant, with access to trails like the Crest Trail. Some trails are short, while others are extensive, offering variety for all skill levels.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a notable activity at the campground. Deer sightings are common, and the proximity to the Hawkwatch raptor observation station enhances bird-watching experiences.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Be aware of bears, use the vaults." (Matthew Boxholder, user review) "Road is only big enough for one vehicle to pass, bumpy, with potholes and no guard rails." (Bonnie Chanet, user review).
Active Alertsnull
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Capilla Peak Campground

Reviews

4.4
36 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Capilla Peak Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Capilla Peak Campground are largely positive, emphasizing its scenic views, cleanliness, and quiet atmosphere. However, some users have noted issues with road access and campsite etiquette.
Review Summaries
Based on 36 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the campground for its stunning 360-degree views, quiet and secluded environment, well-maintained sites, and proximity to hiking trails. "Awesome campground, amazing views," says Jeremy...
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Based on 36 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the challenging and narrow access road, unsuitable for large RVs or trailers, and reports of occasional noisy and disruptive campers. Some users noted graffiti on trails and...
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Based on 36 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own potable water as there is none available on-site. Avoid bringing large RVs or trailers due to tight and steep road conditions. For those seeking more primitive camping, the nearby New...
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Based on 36 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer and fall reviews highlight the area's beauty and quietness, though the narrow access road remains a consistent concern. During weekends, it is generally less crowded.
Based on 36 reviews

Camper Quotes

"If you like quiet and solitude, you are home here." – Dan "Stunning views on all sides, and the actual campsites are great." – Julian Or Zoc "If you reach the campground, you are rewarded with a...
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Based on 36 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsites with awnings over picnic tables are favored by users for added shelter. Site-specific mentions emphasize the spaciousness and cleanliness of individual sites.
Based on 36 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews were mentioned.
Based on 36 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews regarding pets were mentioned.
Based on 36 reviews

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Last updated February 2, 2026
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