Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

29 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Mcgaffey Campground
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees vary depending on access passes and fee descriptions. Reviewers mentioned a $10 nightly fee, while one reviewer stated a reduced $5 fee...
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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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.68

Top-Rated

Based on 48 reviews

48 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacyquietpeaceful

"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."

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Campground Map

Mcgaffey Campground

35.3707, -108.5227

Driving directionsTake Exit 33 from I-40 east of Gallup, then drive south through Fort Wingate. Continue 8 more miles on SR 400 to the campground entrance on the southwest side of the road.
"Remember to pay attention to road conditions and your vehicle's abilities before driving off of the main road." Roads are paved for the drive-in but turn into dirt roads that are shared with large rigs hauling earth from various locations.

Best Time to Camp at Mcgaffey Campground

The high-altitude climate at McGaffey brings its own delightful rhythm to camping life. Afternoon showers dance through the pines almost daily, offering refreshing interludes that cool the mountain air and release the intoxicating scent of wet pine needles. As camper Todd In-AZ discovered, these gentle rains typically pass within hours, arriving without fierce winds and leaving behind crystal-clear skies. The dry mountain air and elevation create perfect conditions for stargazing once darkness falls, while daytime temperatures remain pleasantly cool even in summer months.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is most popular: mild temps, hiking, short afternoon showers and excellent stargazing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Overview notes fall may be equally pleasant with cool weather and good scenery.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Afternoon showers common; pleasant but variable conditions and limited spring-specific info.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

High elevation implies snow; no winter service or activity details provided, possible limits.

Planning Tips

    About Mcgaffey Campground

    Nestled in the Zuni Mountains where echoes of the past meet pristine wilderness, McGaffey Campground stands as a testament to both history and natural beauty. This expansive campground, the crown jewel of the Mt. Taylor Ranger District since 1937, occupies the grounds of a once-bustling railroad logging town. At 8,000 feet above sea level, towering ponderosa pines cast cooling shadows across well-maintained sites, while miles of hiking and biking trails beckon adventurers to explore the surrounding landscape. As visitor Lou Boyd notes, the abundance of trails makes this a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts seeking their next mountain adventure.
    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.
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    Best Campsites

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    Amenities available

    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets

    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.
    HikingHiking is available in the area, with user reviews mentioning a trail nearby: 'Such an amazing area with beautiful scenery, clean air and a hiking trail nearby.'
    BikingBiking trails exist in the area. A user review mentions: 'Love this campground, and lots of hiking and bike trails.'
    Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is mentioned as a popular activity: 'So much wildlife to see when you take the time to look.'
    Winter Activities
    Water Sports
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & Alerts"Cougar and bear country, but we saw neither." – Jenna S. "Watch out for cows on the road! They are NOT fenced in." – Lyndall H.
    No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

    Weather at Mcgaffey Campground

    Reviews

    4.7
    48 reviews
    Top-Rated
    Top-Rated
    Mcgaffey Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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) -...
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    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

    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. -...
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    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...
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    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...
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    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

    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

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    Last updated January 5, 2026
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