Manzano Mountains

4.13

54 reviews

HC 66 BOX 202, Mountainair, New Mexico, 87036, United States

Quick Facts

7,200 ft

Price

$10 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Manzano Mountains State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,200 ft

Price

$10 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Manzano Mountains State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Manzano Mountains

$10.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

RV spots cost $40; tent camping spots are $10. All reservations are now made online and some premium sites have been converted into day-use areas.

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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What Campers Say

4.13

Satisfactory

Based on 54 reviews

192 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanspacioushiking

Some mention

crowded

"The park is praised for its natural beauty, serenity, and cleanliness. However, water supply limitations, the need for reservations, and site layout issues have been common complaints."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

HC 66 BOX 202, Mountainair, New Mexico, 87036, United States

Manzano Mountains

HC 66 BOX 202, Mountainair, New Mexico, 87036, United States

Driving directionsFrom NM-55 turn onto NM-131 in the village of Manzano. Follow the asphalt road 2 miles to the park entrance then straight ahead 1 mile on a gravel road to the campground.

Road access includes asphalt and gravel roads. The entry road includes a steep climb and rough dirt roads, which may pose challenges for larger vehicles, as noted in reviews.

Nearby places

Manzano (approximately 2 miles), Mountainair (approximately 8 miles), Albuquerque (approximately 50 miles).

Nearby supplies

Limited services in Manzano

Mountainair (8 miles away) serves as the closest source for groceries, supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Manzano Mountains

Experience nature's perfect climate at Manzano Mountains, where summer temperatures remain refreshingly cool even as the valleys below swelter. The park's elevated position creates an ideal mountain microclimate with crisp, dry air that invigorates the senses. Spring and fall emerge as the crown jewels of camping seasons here, offering golden days perfect for hiking and star-filled nights around the campfire. Winter occasionally dusts the pines with snow, transforming the landscape into a wonderland for the adventurous cold-weather camper.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Cool summer temps at 7,200' are a draw, though summer is busiest season needing reservations.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall likely pleasant in mountain pine forest, though explicit fall data is limited.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Positive spring review signal; visitors note springtime natural features and pleasant conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Open year-round but closures cited; winter access and services can be limited.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Summer months are busy; reservations months in advance are suggested.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, but closure notices due to weather events are cited in reviews.
Current Alerts: Closure notices due to weather events have been reported.

About Manzano Mountains

Escape to the tranquil heights of Manzano Mountains State Park, where towering Ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral at 7,200 feet elevation. This mountain sanctuary offers the perfect blend of comfort and wilderness, featuring electric campsites nestled among the forest, scenic hiking trails that wind through aromatic pine groves, and spacious group camping areas ideal for family reunions or outdoor gatherings. Modern amenities including vault toilets, a convenient dump station, and fresh potable water ensure a comfortable stay while you immerse yourself in nature's embrace.

Manzano Mountains State Park caters to various camping styles, including RV, tent, and group camping. There are designated sites with electricity, and a group camping site can accommodate up to 50 people.

Historical SignificanceStep back through centuries of human history just beyond the park boundaries. The haunting beauty of Quarai Mission Ruins tells tales of Spanish colonial ambitions and Pueblo resilience, while the nearby Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument preserves the remnants of thriving communities that once dominated these lands. The mysterious Abo Ruins complete this archaeological trinity, offering glimpses into the complex cultural tapestry that has shaped this region for over 800 years. Your camping adventure becomes a gateway to exploring these remarkable windows into the past.

Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's perfect climate at Manzano Mountains, where summer temperatures remain refreshingly cool even as the valleys below swelter. The park's elevated position creates an ideal mountain microclimate with crisp, dry air that invigorates the senses. Spring and fall emerge as the crown jewels of camping seasons here, offering golden days perfect for hiking and star-filled nights around the campfire. Winter occasionally dusts the pines with snow, transforming the landscape into a wonderland for the adventurous cold-weather camper.

ElevationPerched at 7,200 feet above sea level, the park offers a natural air-conditioning system that provides welcome relief from summer heat. This mountain elevation creates a unique ecosystem where cool breezes whisper through the pines even on the warmest days, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking respite from desert temperatures below.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living landscape where majestic Ponderosa pines stretch skyward, their vanilla-scented bark and long needles creating a sensory symphony. Interspersed with fragrant cedar trees, this mountain forest offers a profound sense of peace and solitude. The park's thoughtful design preserves the quiet ambiance that makes it feel like your own private wilderness retreat, where the loudest sounds are likely to be birdsong at dawn and the gentle rustle of pine needles in the breeze.

Geological RegionDiscover the dramatic beauty of New Mexico's Northwest 1 region, where the Manzano Mountains rise like ancient sentinels from the high desert floor. This geological wonderland showcases the power of tectonic forces that created these peaks, now clothed in magnificent Ponderosa pine forests. The unique position of these mountains creates diverse ecosystems and microclimates that support an incredible variety of plant and animal life, making every hike an opportunity for discovery.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Information missing

Check-out

Information missing

Stay Limit

No information provided

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum number of guests per site is unknown.

Groups

The group site can accommodate up to 50 people and about 10 parking spaces. It was noted as always open and is a fantastic option for large groups.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is laid out in loops, with group sites and day-use areas segregated from individual sites.

Reservation PlatformsOnline reservations only.

Walk-in AvailabilityPreviously available walk-up sites have now been converted to reservation-only sites.

Cancellation PolicyReservations are online, and details on cancellation rules are not found.

AccessibilityThe park offers handicap access, but specific accessibility details are not elaborated upon in the source.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious, with some large and private, while others are closely spaced. Certain sites are better suited for smaller RVs due to narrow roads.

PrivacyThe privacy varies by site. Some sites are noted for being private due to bushes and trees, while others are closely spaced.

Recommended SitesReserve electric sites months in advance for summer; avoid site #2 if using a camper.

Amenities available

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities at Manzano Mountains State Park include hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and exploring nearby historical sites. Beach or water-based activities are not available as there is no lake or river within the park.

HikingThe park features several hiking trails, described as easy to moderate. These trails lead through the Ponderosa pine forest and offer a chance to see wildlife. One user mentioned seeing two deer on the outer loop trail.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a notable activity. Visitors have spotted black squirrels, wild turkeys, and various bird species.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsChallenging road conditions, hard and rocky tent sites, and lack of water hookups.

Active AlertsClosure notices due to weather events have been reported.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed in designated fire pits; gathering wood is prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Information missing

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services likely in Mountainair, approximately 8 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available, but there is no mention of recycling services. Several reviews commend the cleanliness and maintenance of the park.

Water FeaturesNo nearby lakes or rivers.

Camp HostCamp hosts are described as helpful and friendly in past reviews, although some recent reviews mention diminished host presence.

Weather at Manzano Mountains

Reviews

4.1

54 reviews

Satisfactory

Manzano Mountains is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

The park is praised for its natural beauty, serenity, and cleanliness. However, water supply limitations, the need for reservations, and site layout issues have been common complaints.

Review Summaries

Based on 54 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently highlight the park's peaceful atmosphere, spacious sites, and clean facilities. The vault toilets are particularly commended for their cleanliness. The park's proximity to hiking...

Based on 54 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints center around the lack of water hookups, low water pressure at spigots, locked water sources, and the absence of camp hosts during certain times. Additionally, some users find the site...

Based on 54 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring sufficient water or prepare to fill up at the dump station. Make reservations early, especially for electric sites. For firewood, gather it from nearby Cibola National Forest as collection...

Based on 54 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The park is more crowded during the summer, requiring reservations well in advance. Visitors appreciate the cool temperatures at the 7,200' elevation during warmer months. However, the park has been...

Based on 54 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Nice State Park, smaller than many adds to the quiet serenity.' - Christopher Pipes 2. 'Can’t ask for a better, clean and quiet place in the mountain.' - Kien Phan 3. 'Very pretty campground set...

Based on 54 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #6 and 7 are noted as the best electric sites. Site #11 is the only first-come, first-served site with electricity. Site #4 is described as having an amazing view but is a dry site.

Based on 54 reviews