Coal Mine

Star4.16
67 reviews
1800 LOBO CANYON RD, GRANTS, NM, USA 87020
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Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open from May 15 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Cibola National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Coal Mine
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Overnight RV non-electric sites are $10 per night during peak season. Cash payments are $5 per night according to user reviews. Reservation service...
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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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
505-287-8833
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What Campers Say

4.16

Satisfactory

Based on 67 reviews

39 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanwell-maintainedsites

Some mention

noise

"Coal Mine Campground is widely appreciated for its serene atmosphere, cleanliness, and proximity to natural attractions. While many reviewers praise its quietness and scenic beauty, some raise concerns about occasional noise from large groups and issues with trash left behind by other campers."

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Campground Map

1800 LOBO CANYON RD, GRANTS, NM, USA 87020

Coal Mine

1800 LOBO CANYON RD, GRANTS, NM, USA 87020

Driving directionsFrom Grants, take New Mexico State Highway 547 for 10 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, but user reviews mention washboarded conditions on parts of the route.
Nearby places
Grants (12 miles, approximately 15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Grants, NM (12 miles away) offers groceries, dining, lodging, and fuel options.

Best Time to Camp at Coal Mine

At Coal Mine Campground, Mother Nature paints each season with a distinctive brush. Summer arrives as a gentle friend, offering refreshingly cool days that provide sweet relief from the desert heat simmering in nearby Grants below. As autumn approaches, crisp mountain air carries the earthy scent of changing seasons. Winter transforms this woodland retreat into a potential wonderland, where snow may dust the pine boughs and create a serene, crystalline landscape that rewards the hardy cold-weather camper with unmatched solitude and beauty.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and most popular in summer; offers refreshingly cool days at elevation.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Oct 14; high-elevation forest likely offers pleasant/autumn conditions and scenery.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens May 15; late spring/shoulder season pleasant but shorter spring access window.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter (seasonal closure), so winter rating not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15 to October 14.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 15 to October 14 annually.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts are specified, but closures during winter are mentioned in reviews.

About Coal Mine

Escape to the tranquil embrace of Coal Mine Campground, where the whisper of wind through towering pines replaces the din of daily life. Tucked away in the heart of Cibola National Forest, this hidden gem welcomes adventurers seeking authentic wilderness experiences. Your basecamp features thoughtfully spaced non-electric sites perfect for tent camping and cozy small RVs, each equipped with sturdy picnic tables and fire pits complete with grills for memorable outdoor meals. While the campground's vault toilets provide necessary conveniences, the absence of drinking water encourages a true back-to-basics experience—so pack your water containers and embrace the simplicity of forest living.
Coal Mine Campground primarily caters to primitive camping experiences, offering facilities for both RV and tent camping. No utility hookups or luxury accommodations are provided, making it ideal for those seeking a rustic, back-to-nature experience.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time aligns with reservation policies, often at 11:00 AM local time.
Check-out
Check-out time aligns with reservation policies, often by 12:00 PM local time.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Coal Mine Campground provides limited but enjoyable recreational opportunities. The main attraction is the Coal Mine Canyon Nature Trail, a scenic half-mile trail beginning at the campground. The nearby Sandia and Manzano Mountains offer scenic drives and additional hiking. Wildlife viewing is possible in the surrounding forested area. While no formal programs or organized activities are described, the natural setting and nearby attractions provide plenty of exploratory potential.
HikingThe Coal Mine Canyon Nature Trail begins at the campground and offers a short, scenic half-mile hike through the forest. Additional hiking opportunities are available nearby, though some are under construction. The surrounding area includes a network of trails, and visitors can explore the El Malpais National Monument for extended outdoor experiences.
Wildlife viewingThe campground’s forested setting, surrounded by mature pine, juniper, and oak trees, offers opportunities for wildlife viewing. Specific wildlife sightings are not detailed, but the quiet, natural environment suggests potential encounters with local fauna.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife such as bears and mountain lions may be present, as noted in user reviews. Additionally, the campground is located near a correctional facility.
Active AlertsNo active alerts are specified, but closures during winter are mentioned in reviews.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Coal Mine

Reviews

4.2
67 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Coal Mine is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Coal Mine Campground is widely appreciated for its serene atmosphere, cleanliness, and proximity to natural attractions. While many reviewers praise its quietness and scenic beauty, some raise concerns about occasional noise from large groups and issues with trash left behind by other campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 67 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean and accessible vault toilets, well-maintained campsites with fire pits and grills, and scenic surroundings. Many reviewers highlight the peaceful atmosphere and the...
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Based on 67 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of drinking water, occasional noise disturbances from large groups, and issues with trash not being properly disposed of by some campers. Limited cell service is...
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Based on 67 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should bring their own water, as none is available on-site. Reviews recommend early arrival for the best site selection, especially on busy weekends. Visitors should be prepared for a lack of...
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Based on 67 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular during summer months when weather conditions are favorable. Winter closures limit access during colder months. Noise levels may increase during holiday weekends,...
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Based on 67 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Awesome little campground by Mt. Taylor. Plenty of camping spots, super clean and well maintained." - Jeremy Meeks. "Sites are mostly spread out and secluded. Nice area." - Jeremy Stephens....
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Based on 67 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 006 is highlighted as desirable for its shade and space, though some reviewers note challenges with leveling trailers. Site 011 is noted for convenience in backing in larger vehicles. Site 002...
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Based on 67 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets are described as accessible, and some paved parking spurs make the campground partially suitable for individuals with disabilities. No other specific accessibility features are noted.
Based on 67 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Reviews do not provide specific information regarding pet policies or experiences with pets.
Based on 67 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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