Rocky Canyon Campground
03 reviews3697 Hwy 35 N., HC 68 Box 50 Mimbres, NM 88049
Quick Facts
7,376 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
10 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Quick Facts
7,376 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
10 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Rocky Canyon Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
There is no fee for use of this campground.
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
Provider575-388-8201
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 3 reviews
5 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewslocation
"Reviews praise the campground's secluded and rustic nature, with tall pines providing shade and cooling. Vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables are appreciated, though access is noted as challenging and requiring a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle."
Fees & Passes at Rocky Canyon Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: 14-day stay limit applies
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Gila National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at Rocky Canyon Campground
Rocky Canyon's high-elevation climate delivers refreshingly cool temperatures even during the warmest months, with gentle canyon breezes providing natural air conditioning throughout summer days. The typically dry conditions make for comfortable camping, though winter transforms this retreat into a more challenging adventure when snow and ice gate access to only the most determined visitors. Spring and fall offer ideal conditions with crisp mornings giving way to sun-warmed afternoons.
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)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Operating Season: Open year-round but access may be seasonally limited by snow and icy road conditions.
About Rocky Canyon Campground
Tucked away in a pristine canyon where tall pines whisper ancient secrets, Rocky Canyon Campground offers an authentic escape into nature's embrace. This intimate, rustic retreat has long been cherished by equestrians and outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude far from the crowds. With its minimal facilities and maximum tranquility, Rocky Canyon invites you to experience camping as it was meant to be—simple, peaceful, and deeply connected to the wild landscape.
Rocky Canyon Campground is designed primarily for primitive and tent camping, with no RV sites or pull-throughs. The camping experience is rustic and secluded.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you discover the enduring legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps woven throughout Rocky Canyon. The masterful stonework crafted by CCC workers during the 1930s stands as a testament to American resilience and ingenuity during the Great Depression. These hand-laid stone structures, built with skill and pride by young men who helped shape our nation's outdoor heritage, continue to enhance the campground's rustic charm while serving practical purposes decades after their creation.
Weather and SeasonsRocky Canyon's high-elevation climate delivers refreshingly cool temperatures even during the warmest months, with gentle canyon breezes providing natural air conditioning throughout summer days. The typically dry conditions make for comfortable camping, though winter transforms this retreat into a more challenging adventure when snow and ice gate access to only the most determined visitors. Spring and fall offer ideal conditions with crisp mornings giving way to sun-warmed afternoons.
ElevationPerched at 7,376 feet above sea level, Rocky Canyon Campground offers a refreshing high-altitude haven where the air is crisp and clean. This elevated position creates a natural climate refuge, delivering temperatures typically 15-20 degrees cooler than the valleys below. The thin mountain air and elevated perspective provide not just physical relief from summer heat, but a sense of rising above the everyday world into a more pristine realm.
Natural Features and SceneryRocky Canyon reveals itself as a hidden sanctuary where towering pines mingle with sturdy oaks, creating a diverse forest canopy that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the canyon floor. The landscape tells two stories—one written by nature in the form of dramatic canyon walls and ancient trees, and another penned by human hands through the artistic CCC stonework that gracefully complements the natural surroundings. This harmonious blend of wilderness and historic craftsmanship creates a uniquely photogenic setting.
Geological RegionCarved by millennia of natural forces, Rocky Canyon showcases the dramatic interplay between rock and forest. The canyon's steep walls create a natural amphitheater that shelters a thriving ecosystem where pine and oak trees have adapted to the unique microclimate. This geological formation not only provides the campground's signature seclusion but also creates the perfect acoustic environment where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birdsong, and the occasional clip-clop of horses on the trail.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo accessibility features are explicitly mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as having plenty of space and providing good separation for privacy, as noted in both official sources and user reviews.
Sites PrivacySites are secluded, with good separation between them, as confirmed by user reviews and authoritative information.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesPlan to arrive early for the best selection of sites. Sites provide good separation and privacy.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14-day stay limit applies
Groups
No designated group camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 10 tent sites, each with a picnic table and most including a grill. The layout offers good separation for privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round but access may be seasonally limited by snow and icy road conditions.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not required, as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailability is first-come, first-served. 'Not that many sites, so plan to be there early,' according to user reviews.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Rocky Canyon Campground is popular for hiking and day hikes. User reviews also note limited hiking options but highlight the primitive camping experience.
Hiking
Hiking is available, but options are limited. One older review mentions day hikes as a recreational activity.Winter Activities
No winter activities, such as snowshoeing or ice fishing, are mentioned.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports like kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are noted.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings.
Hazards
General hazardsRoad access to the campground is rough and requires a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle. Heavy rains could make conditions difficult. Limited potable water access.
Weather at Rocky Canyon Campground
37
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 59%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 16.7 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
Weather History
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Wilderness Ranger District, Address: 3697 Hwy 35 N., HC 68 Box 50 Mimbres, NM 88049, Phone: (575) 536-2250, Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Common complaintsLimited hiking opportunities. The road to the campground is rough and requires a high-clearance vehicle. Limited parking.
Campground Map
3697 Hwy 35 N., HC 68 Box 50 Mimbres, NM 88049
Driving directionsFrom Mimbres, NM, follow New Mexico Highway 35 north approximately 9 miles to Forest Road 150. Turn right onto Forest Road 150, proceeding 12.5 miles to Rocky Canyon Campground on the left.
Forest Road 150 can be very rough, and high clearance 4x4 vehicles are advised.Nearby places
Mimbres: 9 miles, Tajique: 8.8 miles, Tajique to 'Y' intersection: additional 4.5 miles
Nearby supplies
Supplies are best accessed from Mimbres or other nearby towns as there are no on-site supplies.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
3 reviews
Rocky Canyon Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews praise the campground's secluded and rustic nature, with tall pines providing shade and cooling. Vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables are appreciated, though access is noted as challenging and requiring a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews emphasize the campground's off-the-beaten-path location, tall pines, and rustic charm. Vault toilets and fire rings are also mentioned as beneficial amenities.
Based on 3 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints about accessibility are common, with users warning against attempting the drive in anything other than a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle. Limited hiking options are another drawback mentioned.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend arriving early due to the limited number of campsites and first-come, first-serve policies. They also suggest using high-clearance 4x4 vehicles for access.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Year-round access is noted, though snow and icy conditions may limit usability during winter months. Summer reviews highlight the cooler canyon temperatures compared to surrounding areas.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
"VERY AWESOME CAMPGROUND OFF THE BEATEN TRACK!!!" - Jeremy Newton; "Good campsite for families, lots of space." - Evelyn; "Limited hiking options." - Casper Side Winder
Based on 3 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Specific sites are not mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed, as noted in the authoritative sources.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
0
0 review
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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