Is Mcgaffey Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

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

Are there showers at Mcgaffey Campground?

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

How many campsites does Mcgaffey Campground have?

Mcgaffey Campground has 29 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Mcgaffey Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Mcgaffey Campground?

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

Mcgaffey Campground

4.48

48 reviews

Peace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Oklahoma Primitive Camping Oklahoma Hiking Camping Oklahoma

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

29 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

29 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Mcgaffey Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Mcgaffey Campground

35.3707, -108.5227

Weather at Mcgaffey Campground

Best Time to Camp at Mcgaffey Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of mild daytime temperatures (typically 60–75°F) and fully accessible trails at 8,000 ft, making it ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and abundant wildlife viewing. Afternoon monsoon showers are common in July–August, so plan strenuous outings for mornings and expect cool nights (35–45°F) at camp. Weekends in July and August can be moderately busy, but the campground's spacious sites and shady ponderosa canopy keep it feeling remote compared with lower-elev. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: mild 60–75°F days, cool nights; afternoon monsoon showers possible.

Planning Tips

About Mcgaffey Campground

McGaffey Campground sits at 8,000 feet in Cibola National Forest, offering high-elevation alpine camping with cool summer nights and expansive sunset views. The U.S. Forest Service manages this small campground with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables spread across well-separated sites. Campers come for the quiet, the altitude relief from lowland heat, and access to hiking and mountain biking trails through ponderosa pine country.

McGaffey Campground supports primitive and tent camping. RV camping is possible but without electrical or water hookups. The campground does not feature group sites, cabins, or glamping options.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of mild daytime temperatures (typically 60–75°F) and fully accessible trails at 8,000 ft, making it ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and abundant wildlife viewing. Afternoon monsoon showers are common in July–August, so plan strenuous outings for mornings and expect cool nights (35–45°F) at camp. Weekends in July and August can be moderately busy, but the campground's spacious sites and shady ponderosa canopy keep it feeling remote compared with lower-elev. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: January, February

Elevation8000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies terrain shaped by ancient volcanic activity and erosion, creating natural alcoves among rolling hills. Ponderosa pine forests thrive here in the rain shadow of the Continental Divide, where the Zuni Mountains rise like an island from the surrounding high desert plateau. Some sites tuck into the woods while others offer views across the landscape. One reviewer highlights Site 5 for sunset views and prairie dog sightings. The wooded lots and small hills enhance seclusion, with users describing spacious sites that feel well-separated.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodgings or accommodations are provided at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo structured cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly detailed in the provided information.

Site SizeCampsites are spacious, with 29 individual sites, many of which provide adequate space and privacy.

PrivacyPrivacy is enhanced by wooded lots and small hills. User reviews confirm that some campsites offer seclusion: 'Some sites tucked into the woods, some have a view.

Total Campsites29 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 5 for the view of the sunsets and open pasture." – Todd In-AZ. "Some sites tucked into the woods, some have a view." – Jenna S.

Best CampsitesSite 5 earns specific praise from a user who stayed four nights and recommends it for sunset views and prairie dog watching. Reviews confirm that some sites are tucked into the woods while others offer more open views, suggesting variety in the campground's layout.

Amenities available

McGaffey Campground, located in the Zuni Mountains west of the Continental Divide, stands at an elevation of approximately 8,000 feet amidst mature ponderosa pine trees. It is the largest campground in the Mt. Taylor Ranger District and offers scenic settings with small hills providing some privacy. The campground features vault toilets and picnic tables at campsites but has no showers, electricity, or flush toilets. Fire pits and grills are available at each site, although fire restrictions may apply based on weather conditions. Drinking water is not explicitly mentioned as available. The campground is considered suitable for hammock camping due to its wooded lots. Trash and recycling facilities are not described. Cell phone service is unavailable at the campground.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

McGaffey Campground offers activities such as hiking and wildlife viewing. The high-altitude setting and wooded environment provide opportunities for relaxing and enjoying nature. Nearby trails and wildlife make the location suitable for outdoor enthusiasts.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at McGaffey Campground.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

48 reviews

Recommended

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

McGaffey Campground receives high praise for its scenic beauty, peace, and affordability. Users describe it as a quiet and serene camping spot with spacious sites and clean vault toilets. The lack of modern amenities like showers and electricity is a common drawback mentioned.

Review Summaries

Based on 48 reviews

What Campers Love

- Scenic settings with views of sunsets - High-altitude location with cool summer temperatures - Clean vault toilets - Well-separated sites offering privacy - Affordable fees ($10/night) -...

Based on 48 reviews

Common Concerns

- Lack of electricity and showers - No cell phone service - Occasional fire restrictions - Reports of road sharing with large trucks

Based on 48 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 5 is specifically recommended for its sunset views and open pasture settings. Other sites are noted for their privacy and wooded surroundings.

Based on 48 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Be prepared for no cell phone service and limited amenities. - Visit Site 5 for great sunset views and prairie dog sightings. - Bring your own firewood and water, as availability is uncertain. -...

Based on 48 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is generally the most popular season, with mild temperatures and opportunities for star-gazing. Rain showers are common but usually short-lived. Fall might be equally pleasant due to the cool...

Based on 48 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'We found this place by accident and fell in love with it immediately. Site 5 was our home for 4 nights.' 2. 'No showers, electricity, or flush toilets. However, the sites are on mostly wooded...

Based on 48 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features.

Based on 48 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically mention pet-related experiences or policies.

Based on 48 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want affordable alpine camping with privacy, cool summer temperatures, and don't need electric hookups.

Skip if

You require power hookups or need a campground host on-site.

Nearby Campgrounds

HC 73 BOX 3419, Prewitt, New Mexico, 87045, United States

Bluewater Lake sits at 7,428 feet in northwest New Mexico's high desert, where canyon walls meet a sizable reservoir. The campground has 14 sites ranging from primitive to electric hookups, with fees from $10 to $15 per night. Two main sections (Lakeside and Canyonside) offer different experiences, though many sites aren't level. RVers should bring leveling blocks.

$10.00 - $15.00 / night

Campgrounds

Cibola National Forest and Grasslands

Mcgaffey Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Mcgaffey Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Quaking Aspen campground offers a respite from the heat in a setting of aspen and mature ponderosa pine trees. Approximately 6 miles south of Fort Wingate, this is the most recently renovated campground on the Mt. Taylor Ranger District. The area has a rich history of railroad logging and the original town of McGaffey was built in the vicinity of McGaffey Lake a few miles down the road. Pay attention to road conditions and your vehicle's abilities before driving off of the main road.</p><p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://tourmkr.com/F1iwMU6KJz" style="min-height:640px;width=100%;padding:0px;" width="100%"></iframe></p>

About the campground

The elevation is 7,600 ft. The campground, one of two in the McGaffey Lake Recreation Area, is located 3 miles from McGaffey Lake. It is rustic with Ponderosa pine and Gambel oak. Grassy fields in the area make for potential wild life viewing. Tear-drop interior road makes it difficult for RVs to make a second pass. Cibola National Forest 103 Historic US Rt. 66 passes through Gallup, NM.

Seasons & access

Open May 15 through September 15

Facilities

McGaffey Lake is 3 acres; power boats limited to electric motors. NOTE: As of 12/20/2007, the lake is dry. Check with ranger district office for status. Hiking: Strawberry Canyon Nature Trail (foot, mountain bike, interpretive) - 1.5 miles. The trail is located in McGaffey campground, about 2 miles further down State Rt. 400. Fishing: Catfish - See

Water activities

McGaffey Lake is 3 acres; power boats limited to electric motors. NOTE: As of 12/20/2007, the lake is dry. Check with ranger district office for status.

RV information

The parking aprons are dirt and gravel. Pull-throughs can accommodate large RVs.

Directions

From the east side of Gallup, NM, on State Rt. 118, take Interstate 40 east 7.6 miles to Exit 33 (McGaffey - State Rt. 400). At end of exit ramp, turn right onto Rt. 400 and go 5.3 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign into campground.

National Forest: Cibola National Forest
Ranger District: Mt. Taylor
Elevation: 7600
Rate: $5 per day.
Maximum Stay: 14
Open Season: May 15 – October 15