Mills Canyon Campground

4.35

73 reviews

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Quick Facts

5,160 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,160 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands site

Official Website

Get Directions

Mills Canyon Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Currently, no fees are charged for camping at Mills Canyon Campground, but there have been discussions about adding a fee based on a 2022 bulletin...

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

575-374-9652

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.35

Recommended

Based on 73 reviews

59 Google reviews

Most mentioned

clean

"Users consistently praise Mills Canyon Campground for its stunning natural beauty, solitude, and historical interest. However, the challenging access road is a frequent topic of discussion, with many reviewers emphasizing the need for high-clearance or 4WD vehicles."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Mills Canyon Campground

36.0484, -104.3767

Driving directionsTraveling from Abbot, NM at the intersection of US Hwy 56 and NM Hwy 39, drive south on NM Hwy 39 for approximately 16 miles. Turn west onto Mills Canyon Road #600 and continue driving west approximately 9 miles to the campground. From Roy, NM, drive north approximately 10 miles on NM Hwy 39, then turn west onto Mills Canyon Road #600 and continue west for approximately 9 miles to the campground.

Mills Canyon Road #600 is described as unpaved, narrow, and winding with steep sections and is not recommended for cars or vehicles pulling trailers. High-clearance vehicles are suggested, and 4WD is recommended for the lower canyon road.

Nearby places

Abbot, NM (16 miles, approximately time not provided)

Roy, NM (10 miles, approximately time not provided)

Nearby supplies

Fuel and food supplies are available in Springer, NM, and Mosquero, NM (which also features a country store). Precise distances and travel times are unspecified.

Best Time to Camp at Mills Canyon Campground

Mills Canyon reveals distinct personalities throughout the year. Winter transforms the canyon into a crystalline wonderland where temperatures dip into the crisp 20s, perfect for those who relish the quiet beauty of frost-kissed mornings. Summer brings desert warmth with temperatures climbing into the 80s and 90s, turning the canyon into a sun-drenched sanctuary. Yet it's during the magical transitions of spring and fall that Mills Canyon truly shines—when gentle breezes carry the scent of wildflowers or rustling autumn grasses, creating ideal conditions for exploration. Throughout it all, the expansive New Mexico sky delivers seemingly endless days of brilliant sunshine.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.5 / 5

Summer reviews note intense heat, sparse shade and a mostly dry river—less comfortable seasonally.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 13% in NM

Autumn reviews emphasize pleasant weather and solitude; generally recommended season.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring/late-spring visits show pleasant hiking and occasional river flow (e.g., May campsite).

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 13% in NM

Winter is 'crystalline' and scenic but cold (temps in the 20s) and offers limited services.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No specified peak season prices or dates.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round
Current Alerts: No active alerts were specified.

About Mills Canyon Campground

Tucked away in the dramatic depths of the Canadian River Canyon, Mills Canyon Campground beckons adventurers seeking solitude and raw natural beauty. This hidden gem offers 12 intimate camping spots, each equipped with fire pits, grills, and tables where stories are shared under starlit skies. As a primitive camping destination, Mills Canyon embraces simplicity—vault toilets serve the basics while the absence of potable water reminds visitors to come prepared for an authentic wilderness experience.

Mills Canyon Campground offers a mix of primitive and standard camping accommodations, including tent and RV-friendly sites. It also includes facilities for equestrian camping.

Historical SignificanceMills Canyon whispers stories of the past to those who pause to listen. Scattered throughout the landscape, remnants of early settlements stand as silent testimonies to the pioneers who once called this rugged terrain home. Ancient roads, now reclaimed by nature, invite modern explorers to trace the footsteps of history while discovering crumbling stone foundations and weathered artifacts that spark the imagination about life in this remote canyon decades ago.

Weather and SeasonsMills Canyon reveals distinct personalities throughout the year. Winter transforms the canyon into a crystalline wonderland where temperatures dip into the crisp 20s, perfect for those who relish the quiet beauty of frost-kissed mornings. Summer brings desert warmth with temperatures climbing into the 80s and 90s, turning the canyon into a sun-drenched sanctuary. Yet it's during the magical transitions of spring and fall that Mills Canyon truly shines—when gentle breezes carry the scent of wildflowers or rustling autumn grasses, creating ideal conditions for exploration. Throughout it all, the expansive New Mexico sky delivers seemingly endless days of brilliant sunshine.

ElevationPerched at 5,160 feet above sea level, Mills Canyon Campground offers a high-desert experience that can quite literally take your breath away. This elevation creates a unique microclimate where cool mountain air meets desert warmth, resulting in refreshing temperature swings between day and night. Visitors arriving from lower elevations should take time to acclimate, as the thinner air at this altitude can initially leave some feeling winded—a small price to pay for the pristine air and expansive views.

Natural Features and SceneryAt 5,160 feet, Mills Canyon Campground serves as a natural amphitheater where three distinct ecosystems converge in spectacular fashion. Desert woodlands dotted with hardy junipers blend seamlessly into sweeping prairie grasslands, while the canyon walls create a dramatic backdrop that changes color with the shifting light. This remote sanctuary offers an escape from the modern world, where the only sounds are wind through the canyon, the distant call of birds, and the crackling of evening campfires—a place where tranquility isn't just found, it envelops you.

Geological RegionThe Canadian River Canyon stands as nature's masterpiece, carved over millennia into a stunning tapestry of geological wonder. Here, desert woodland merges with prairie grasslands while canyon walls reveal layers of Earth's history in their stratified faces. This unique convergence of ecosystems creates a living laboratory where visitors can witness the fascinating interplay between arid desert adaptations and prairie resilience, all contained within the protective embrace of ancient canyon walls.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No specified time

Check-out

No specified time

Stay Limit

No specified limit found

Guests Allowed Per Site

Max guests unspecified

Groups

There are no specific details about group camping sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground features upper rim sites with horse corrals and lower canyon sites closer to the river.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable since the campground operates on a first-come-first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are required; cancellations do not apply.

AccessibilityThere is no specific information provided about accessibility features for campers with disabilities.

Site SizeLarge campsites with ample space for tents and vehicles are available.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary. While some reviewers highlighted the solitude and remoteness, one user commented, "Campsites too close together. No privacy.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesThe lower canyon sites are recommended for those with high-clearance vehicles, while the upper rim sites, with horse corrals, are better for those with standard vehicles or larger rigs. A pop-up canopy is suggested during summer for shade.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Mills Canyon Campground offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, picnicking, and hunting. The area is known for its scenic beauty and history, which makes it an appealing destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

HikingSeveral hiking trails and old roads are available for exploration, offering opportunities to enjoy the canyon's scenic beauty and historical ruins. Users mentioned trails leading down to the lower campground and other areas. One review highlighted, "Wish I had time to hike some of the trails," while another noted, "There are a few hiking trails, old settlement buildings, and information panels for the canyon."

ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.

Wildlife viewingThe remote location offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. One user noted finding fresh bear tracks during their visit and emphasized the importance of keeping bears wild.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHazards include challenging and steep roads, dangerous in wet conditions, and dense vegetation with thorns and snakes. Wildlife such as bears may be present, requiring secure food storage. Also, there are no cell signals in the canyon.

Active AlertsNo active alerts were specified.

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.

Fire PolicyCampfires may be restricted depending on seasonal regulations. Campers should check for specific fire restrictions before visiting.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No specified quiet hours

Emergency ServicesKiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands Office (714 Main St., Clayton, NM, 88415), Phone: 575-374-9652. Hours: M-F 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m (closed on federal holidays). Closest hospital or emergency services are unspecified.

Trash & RecyclingUsers frequently noted that the campground operates on a 'pack it in, pack it out' system, meaning visitors are expected to take all their trash with them upon departure.

Water FeaturesThe campground is near the Canadian River, but access is described as difficult due to underbrush and the river being mostly dry during summer.

Camp HostNo information provided about hosts.

Weather at Mills Canyon Campground

Reviews

4.4

73 reviews

Recommended

Mills Canyon Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Users consistently praise Mills Canyon Campground for its stunning natural beauty, solitude, and historical interest. However, the challenging access road is a frequent topic of discussion, with many reviewers emphasizing the need for high-clearance or 4WD vehicles.

Review Summaries

Based on 73 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users highlight the campground's scenic beauty, clean facilities, and sense of solitude. Comments include phrases like "absolutely beautiful and serene," "clean bathrooms," and "a true hidden...

Based on 73 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints center on the difficult road access, proximity of campsites to each other, and the absence of potable water. Some reviewers also mentioned issues with bugs and weeds during certain seasons.

Based on 73 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing plenty of drinking water, high-clearance vehicles, and possibly off-road or 4WD capabilities. A pop-up canopy is suggested for shade, and users emphasize the importance of...

Based on 73 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews mention intense heat, sparse shade, and a dry river, while autumn reviews often emphasize the solitude and pleasant weather. Some reviewers experienced challenges with muddy roads...

Based on 73 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "I stop here every time I drive across the country. Epically beautiful, generally pretty solitary." 2. "The road down is an adventure, but no real problems." 3. "Bathrooms are well maintained and...

Based on 73 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Users often differentiate between the upper and lower campgrounds, with the upper offering corrals for horses and being more accessible for larger vehicles. One reviewer noted, "The upper campground...

Based on 73 reviews