Lobo Canyon Picnic Ground

Star3.08
14 reviews
10 miles northeast of Grants, NM (Specific road address not provided)

Quick Facts

7,437 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Open May 15 - Septem...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Cibola National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions
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

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USFS
Provider
505-287-8833
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What Campers Say

3.08

Mixed Reviews

Based on 14 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."

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Campground Map

10 miles northeast of Grants, NM (Specific road address not provided)

Lobo Canyon Picnic Ground

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.

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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season is May 15–Sept 15; summer described as pleasant with moderate temps and blue skies.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
2.0 / 5

Site closes Sept 15, so fall access is very limited.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 15 (late spring); spring access is limited but conditions can be pleasant.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Seasonal closure: open May 15–Sept 15; winter visitation not supported.

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.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Potentially free with a limit of 14 days (user review source).

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.
HikingHiking is available at the site, though no specific trails or difficulty levels are provided.
BikingMountain biking is an activity that visitors can engage in, though no specific trails or terrain descriptions are provided.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential 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.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Lobo Canyon Picnic Ground

Reviews

3.1
14 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed 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 14 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...
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Based on 14 reviews

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....
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Based on 14 reviews

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...
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Based on 14 reviews

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 14 reviews

Camper 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...
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Based on 14 reviews

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 14 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the reviews or official sources.
Based on 14 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies and features are not discussed in the sources.
Based on 14 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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