Lobo Canyon Picnic Ground
3.086 reviews10 miles northeast of Grants, NM (Specific road address not provided)
Quick Facts
7,437 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
Open May 15 - Septem...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
7,437 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
Open May 15 - Septem...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Lobo Canyon Picnic Ground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are mentioned for the site, and some reviews claim the area is free.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider505-287-8833
What Campers Say
3.08
Mixed Reviews
Based on 6 reviews
12 Google reviews
Most mentioned
clean
Some mention
small
"User reviews highlight that Lobo Canyon Picnic Ground is primarily a picnic area and not a campground. Some visitors were misled into thinking camping was allowed, only to find 'day use only' signs. Comments range from positive remarks about cleanliness to concerns over its overgrown and under-maintained condition."
Fees & Passes at Lobo Canyon Picnic Ground
Free
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: Potentially free with a limit of 14 days (user review source).
Cancellation: No cancellation policy is applicable, as reservations are not mentioned.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Cibola National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at Lobo Canyon Picnic Ground
Experience the best of New Mexico's high country climate during the site's May 15 through September 15 season. Summer days bring brilliant blue skies and pleasantly moderate temperatures, perfect for outdoor dining and relaxation. While winters transform the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, the picnic ground thoughtfully closes during these months, ensuring visitors always enjoy ideal conditions. The dry mountain air and abundant sunshine create perfect conditions for your outdoor adventures.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 15 - September 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open May 15 - September 15.
- Current Alerts: No current alerts provided.
About Lobo Canyon Picnic Ground
Nestled among towering Ponderosa pines at 7,437 feet, Lobo Canyon Picnic Ground offers a serene mountain retreat where history meets natural beauty. While primarily designed for day-use picnicking rather than overnight camping, this enchanting spot invites visitors to relax beneath a canopy of pines, piñons, and junipers. The centerpiece of the grounds is a charming group picnic area, lovingly crafted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, where countless families have gathered to share meals and create memories for nearly a century.
Lobo Canyon Picnic Ground is primarily a day-use picnic area. Despite being listed on some platforms as a campground, camping is not officially supported, and the area is signed for 'day use only.' Some visitors have attempted primitive roadside camping in narrow pull-offs.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at this Depression-era treasure, where the skilled hands of Civilian Conservation Corps workers shaped native stone and timber into an enduring group picnic shelter during the 1930s. This historic structure stands as a testament to American craftsmanship and the CCC's lasting legacy across our public lands, offering modern visitors a tangible connection to the past while they create new memories.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of New Mexico's high country climate during the site's May 15 through September 15 season. Summer days bring brilliant blue skies and pleasantly moderate temperatures, perfect for outdoor dining and relaxation. While winters transform the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, the picnic ground thoughtfully closes during these months, ensuring visitors always enjoy ideal conditions. The dry mountain air and abundant sunshine create perfect conditions for your outdoor adventures.
ElevationPerched at 7,437 feet above sea level, Lobo Canyon sits in that sweet spot where mountain air feels refreshingly crisp without being uncomfortably thin. This elevation brings naturally cooler temperatures—a welcome respite from lower desert heat—though visitors should remember to stay hydrated and take it easy their first day as their bodies adjust to the altitude. The elevation also means spectacular views and that clean, pine-scented mountain air that makes every breath feel rejuvenating.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a stunning tapestry of high desert meeting mountain forest, where stately Ponderosa pines stretch skyward alongside the twisted beauty of piñons and junipers. This diverse forest creates intimate pockets of shade and privacy throughout the grounds, making each picnic spot feel like your own secret grove. The interplay of sunlight through the pine boughs, the subtle fragrance of juniper, and the rich textures of this Cibola National Forest ecosystem create an enchanting backdrop for your day in nature.
Geological RegionDiscover the unique convergence of ecosystems at Lobo Canyon, where the high desert landscape of the Cibola National Forest transforms into cool mountain forests. This remarkable transition zone showcases nature's diversity, with ancient geological forces having sculpted a landscape where hardy desert species mingle with mountain conifers. The surrounding Ponderosa pine, piñon, and juniper forests tell the story of elevation and adaptation, creating a rich ecological tapestry that defines this special corner of New Mexico's high country.
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Campsite details
Sites SizeThe picnic tables and potential camping spots are described as small and narrow.
Sites PrivacyThe site offers some privacy due to the shade provided by the trees, but overall site clustering may limit privacy.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesPicnic spots are overgrown, and users suggest being prepared for limited space and sun exposure during peak hours.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Potentially free with a limit of 14 days (user review source).
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe layout consists of picnic tables in close proximity to each other, with one under a roof, as described by user reviews.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 15 - September 15.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms mentioned; likely first-come-first-served due to lack of reservations.
Walk-in AvailabilityThere is no direct mention of how walk-up availability is handled, but the lack of reservations suggests most use is first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy is applicable, as reservations are not mentioned.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The primary activities available at the Lobo Canyon Picnic Ground include picnicking, hiking, and mountain biking. There are no indications of facilities for fishing, swimming, or other recreational activities.
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Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific information about fire policies, but the high desert environment suggests fire safety precautions are necessary.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include mountain lions and wildlife presence, as noted in user reviews. Steep and rough road conditions may also pose risks for less capable vehicles.
Active alertsNo current alerts provided.
Weather at Lobo Canyon Picnic Ground
45
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 23%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 12.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Mt. Taylor Ranger District at 1800 Lobo Canyon Rd., Grants, NM 87020 (Phone: 505-287-8833). No specific information on nearby hospitals or police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15 - September 15.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the sources.
Proximity to water featuresNo water features are mentioned in the area.
Common complaints1. Misleading signage suggesting it's a campground when it is primarily a picnic site. 2. Overgrown and poorly maintained individual picnic spots. 3. Creepy ambiance noted by some users. 4. Road conditions challenging for small vehicles.
HostNo campground host information is provided.
Campground Map
10 miles northeast of Grants, NM (Specific road address not provided)
Driving directionsDrive North from the Forest Service office approximately 8 miles on Lobo Canyon Road (SR 547). Turn right onto Forest Road 193 and continue past the Lobo Canyon Volunteer Fire Department to the campground entrance on the left.
The road leading to the site includes a combination of state road (SR 547) and Forest Road 193. User reviews highlight that the dirt road conditions were improved as of June 2023, making the road flat, but some users still describe the conditions as rough in places. Vehicles should have good off-road capabilities, and caution is recommended for smaller cars.Nearby places
Grants (10 miles northeast).
Nearby supplies
Supplies are most likely available in Grants, which is 10 miles away, but no specific details on grocery stores, camping supplies, or fuel stations are provided.
Reviews from booking and map sources
3.1
6 reviews
Lobo Canyon Picnic Ground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight that Lobo Canyon Picnic Ground is primarily a picnic area and not a campground. Some visitors were misled into thinking camping was allowed, only to find 'day use only' signs. Comments range from positive remarks about cleanliness to concerns over its overgrown and under-maintained condition.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers appreciated the cleanliness of the vault toilets. One reviewer mentioned, 'The vault toilet was probably the cleanest I have ever seen, and there was no odour.' The group shelter with a...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include confusion over whether camping is allowed, as multiple reviews mention 'day use only' signage. The picnic area is described as overgrown and narrow, not suited for camping....
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors should be cautious of the road conditions and ensure their vehicle is suitable. Note that potable water is not available, so visitors should bring their own. Be prepared for limited cell...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The site is open from May 15 to September 15, and no significant seasonal trends were noted beyond typical accessibility during this period.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The dirt road coming in was redone in June 2023, so it is nice and flat.' 2. 'The vault toilet was probably the cleanest I have ever seen, and there was no odour.' 3. 'This isn't a campground and...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Individual picnic tables and the group shelter are noted for their features. The group shelter includes a fireplace and serving bench, but several spots are described as overgrown.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the reviews or official sources.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies and features are not discussed in the sources.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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