How much does camping cost at Red Canyon?

Camping fees at Red Canyon range from $10-$15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Red Canyon first-come first-served or reservation?

Red Canyon operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Red Canyon?

Red Canyon is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Red Canyon?

Red Canyon does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at Red Canyon?

Pets are not allowed at Red Canyon. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Red Canyon?

Red Canyon offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Red Canyon (Nm)

4.48

100 reviews

Red Canyon (Nm)

Top 13%Summer

Quick Facts

7,600 ft

Price

$10 - $15/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

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Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,600 ft

Price

$10 - $15/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Red Canyon (Nm)

$10.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

EQ S&P: $12.00; EQ: $12.00; Group : $15.00; Standard S&P: $10.00; Standard: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

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Red Canyon (Nm)

34.6170, -106.4027

Weather at Red Canyon (Nm)

Current alerts(2)

During First Come First Serve season of October through March, the campground may close periodically due to unsafe weather conditions. While the campground may be open year-round, these weather conditions may dictate when the campground is accessible and the gate opened.
There is no water at this campground.

Best Time to Camp at Red Canyon (Nm)

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the most pleasant daytime temperatures at 7,600 ft, typically ranging from the mid-60s to low 80s°F with cool nights in the 30s–50s. Trails and the upper equestrian loop are fully accessible, making hiking and horseback riding prime activities; the pine forest provides excellent shade and relief from lower-elevation heat. Expect moderate crowds on summer weekends and be prepared for common afternoon monsoon thunderstorms (especially July–August) and the Peak months: June, July, August, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 13% in US

Overview: 'Best season: summer'; pleasant daytime temps (mid-60s to low-80s).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Red Canyon (Nm)

Red Canyon Campground sits at 7,600 feet in the Manzano Mountains, split into two distinct loops: an upper section with horse corrals and trailhead access for equestrians, and a lower loop centered around a communal fire ring. The campground includes a mix of single and double sites, plus a group picnic area. Tall pines shade most sites.

Campground contains a mixture of single and double campsites, horse corrals, and a group day-use picnic area. Sites are tucked into pine forest at elevation, with partial tree shade.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the most pleasant daytime temperatures at 7,600 ft, typically ranging from the mid-60s to low 80s°F with cool nights in the 30s–50s. Trails and the upper equestrian loop are fully accessible, making hiking and horseback riding prime activities; the pine forest provides excellent shade and relief from lower-elevation heat. Expect moderate crowds on summer weekends and be prepared for common afternoon monsoon thunderstorms (especially July–August) and the Peak months: June, July, August, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation7600 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground spreads through a pine forest where tall trees filter sunlight across the sites. At 7,600 feet, the elevation keeps temperatures cooler than the valleys below. The pine canopy provides partial shade throughout the day, and the forest floor stays relatively open beneath the towering conifers.

Lodging & AccommodationsHorse corrals are available in the campground; a group picnic day-use area is provided in the upper loop.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

Group picnic day-use area (day-use) available in the upper loop
group camping not specified.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site SizeMix of single sites and double sites (several double sites with multiple sets of amenities); a group picnic day-use area is present.

PrivacyMany sites are partially shaded by tall trees.

Recommended SitesDouble sites provide multiple sets of amenities for larger groups. Choose the upper loop for horse access and trailheads; choose the lower loop for numerous individual campsites and the communal fire ring.

Best CampsitesThe upper loop works best for horse users, with corrals and direct trail access. The lower loop suits groups looking to gather around the shared fire ring. Double sites offer multiple sets of amenities if you're camping with another party.

Amenities available

There is no water at this campground.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

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From Booking Sources

4.5

100 reviews

Recommended

Red Canyon (Nm) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

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Red Canyon (Nm)

$10.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

EQ S&P: $12.00; EQ: $12.00; Group : $15.00; Standard S&P: $10.00; Standard: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

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Go if

Horse campers get the best deal here: the upper loop has corrals and direct trailhead access. Hikers after cool summer temps in the mid-60s to low 80s will appreciate the elevation when Albuquerque is baking.

Skip if

No potable water on site, full stop. If you're tent camping with kids or a large group counting on a tap, the logistics get annoying fast. Winter access is also a coin flip; call the ranger station before driving up October through March.

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Red Canyon Campground sits at 7,600 feet in the Manzano Wilderness, offering 38 sites spread across two loops in Cibola National Forest. The lower loop has tent and primitive sites near trailheads, while the upper loop features larger equestrian sites. Fees run $5-12 per night. Sites have vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and bear lockers.

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Capilla Peak Campground sits at 9,200 feet in the Manzano Mountains with eight tent sites and 360-degree views across two valleys. The campground is a base for the nearby Hawkwatch raptor counting station, where observers track migrating birds of prey each fall. Sites cost $10-$45 per night and are reasonably spaced for privacy.

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Fourth Of July Campground

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Fourth Of July Campground sits at 7,400 feet in the Cibola National Forest and Grasslands of Oklahoma, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. This small, high-elevation alpine campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Fall brings spectacular foliage and direct trailhead access for hikers and photographers seeking mountain scenery without developed amenities.

40 Ranger Station Rd., Mountainair, NM 87036

Tajique Campground sits at 6,800 feet in the Cibola National Forest with six primitive sites along Tajique Creek. It's genuinely secluded. One camper found it so quiet they thought it was abandoned. The campground has vault toilets and picnic tables but no water or trash service. Bring everything you need.

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Redondo Campground sits at 8,200 feet in the Jemez National Recreation Area, offering 62 campsites beneath towering Ponderosa Pines. Sites cost $10-15 per night and accommodate RVs up to 30 feet, though there are no hookups or potable water. The campground provides vault toilets, bear lockers, and fire rings, but you'll need to bring your own drinking water and toilet paper.

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New Canyon Campground

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New Canyon Campground sits at 7,400 feet in the Cibola National Forest, offering high-elevation relief from New Mexico's desert heat. Operated by the Cibola National Forest, this small campground features vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables among mature ponderosa pine, juniper, and oak. Campers come for cooler summer temperatures and access to forest trails and viewpoints, though water availability can be limited.

Black Canyon Campground (Santa Fe National Forest, Nm)

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Campgrounds

Red Canyon (Nm)

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Red Canyon (Nm) sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

Lower Red Canyon Campground is open for the season.Upper Red Canyon is open for the season. Sites: 38 Elevation: 7,600 Large, well shaded campground (38 units + 11 picnic sites in the lower loop). This is a good way into Manzano Wilderness via Red and Spruce Canyon trails on foot or horseback.Corrals and parking for horse trailers.This site is open for day-use or overnight camping.

Open Season: Open year round – November