Quick Facts

7,600 ft

Price

$5 - $12/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

38 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Mountainair Ranger District site

Official Website
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Red Canyon Campground
$5.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single sites cost $10 per night, equestrian sites cost $12 per night, and day use requires a $5 vehicle fee. Payment is only accepted in cash or...
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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$15.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
505-847-2990
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What Campers Say

4.56

Top-Rated

Based on 100 reviews

98 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshadehiking

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, hiking opportunities, and peaceful atmosphere. However, complaints about poor road maintenance, lack of water, and issues with noisy neighbors are common themes."

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Campground Map

Red Canyon Campground

34.6218, -106.4110

Driving directions7 miles West of Manzano, NM 55, FR 253.
The roads leading to Red Canyon Campground are described as rough and eroded with deeply eroded water channels at many parking spaces in the lower loop, making accessibility challenging for trailers/RVs.
Nearby places
Manzano (~7 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Red Canyon Campground

Perched at 7,600 feet, this mountain sanctuary offers a refreshing escape from summer heat, with crisp mornings and pleasantly cool afternoons even in July and August. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, though adventurous souls should come prepared with 4x4 vehicles to navigate the mountain roads when snow blankets the high country.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 7% in NM

Cool summer temps at 7,600 ft and abundant hiking make it an excellent summer escape.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 13% in NM

Aspen groves suggest excellent fall color; scenic vistas enhance autumn visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring trail access and positive review signals; good hiking and quieter conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open in winter but road/4x4 concerns and limited services reduce winter appeal.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open year-round except in November.

About Red Canyon Campground

Nestled among towering pines, Red Canyon Campground offers a tranquil mountain retreat with 38 spacious camp units and 11 scenic picnic sites in its lower loop. This expansive facility serves as your gateway to extraordinary hiking adventures, including access to the pristine Manzano Wilderness trails where ancient forests and rugged peaks await exploration.
Red Canyon Campground accommodates a variety of campers, including primitive, tent, and equestrian-focused sites. Its upper loop is specifically designed for equestrian camping, while other areas are suitable for day-use and basic overnight stays.
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Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Red Canyon Campground is centered around nature-based and equestrian activities. Hiking and horseback riding are the primary attractions, with several well-maintained trails leading into the nearby Manzano Wilderness area. The location also supports activities like hunting and picnicking.
HikingThe campground serves as a trailhead for several hiking routes, including the Red Canyon, Spruce Spring, and Box Spring trails. These trails connect to the Manzano Crest Trail and offer loop options for longer hikes. The Red Canyon Trail is described as well-maintained, featuring significant elevation gains and great views, particularly near Manzano Peak.
Wildlife viewingCampers have reported seeing deer in and around the campground area during their stay, especially during quieter times.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include rough road conditions, signs warning hikers of eagle attacks, and the presence of local theft activity during the night.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredBear-safe dumpsters and storage are available.

Weather at Red Canyon Campground

Reviews

4.6
100 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Red Canyon Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, hiking opportunities, and peaceful atmosphere. However, complaints about poor road maintenance, lack of water, and issues with noisy neighbors are common themes.
Review Summaries
Based on 100 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include clean vault toilets, beautiful hiking trails, and scenic views from the nearby Manzano Crest Trail. The campground is described as well-kept with plenty of shade, making it a good...
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Based on 100 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent concerns include rough roads with large potholes, lack of potable water, and occasional noise from generators or other campers. Some users also noted theft incidents and poorly maintained...
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Based on 100 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water supply as none is provided. A 4x4 vehicle may be necessary to navigate the rough roads. Visiting on weekdays is recommended for a quieter experience.
Based on 100 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is less crowded during weekdays and outside of peak summer months. Winter visits may require a 4x4 vehicle due to road conditions.
Based on 100 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Fantastic camping spot - one of the best in New Mexico." "The hiking trails were great and full of interesting species." "Red Canyon Trail to Manzano Peak is perhaps one of the best-kept local...
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Based on 100 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The upper loop is praised for its equestrian facilities, while the lower loop has more parking and picnic sites. Some users recommend avoiding weekends due to noise and crowds.
Based on 100 reviews

Accessibility Features

Equestrian facilities make the campground accessible for horse campers, though steep grades and rough roads may limit access for others.
Based on 100 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground allows pets, but there are no additional facilities specifically catering to them. One review noted a warning sign about eagle attacks on dogs.
Based on 100 reviews

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Last updated February 2, 2026
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