Water Canyon Group Campground

Star4.26
98 reviews
Scenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

12 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens USDA Forest Service site

Official Website
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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
Water Canyon Group Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The facility rates for RV non-electric sites during the first-come-first-served season are $10 nightly, as per the authoritative source. Displayed...
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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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Provider
505-287-8833
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What Campers Say

4.26

Satisfactory

Based on 98 reviews

90 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanhikingwell-maintained

Some mention

cell service

"User reviews highlight the natural beauty, seclusion, and cleanliness of the campground. However, multiple users mention the lack of cell service and potable water as drawbacks."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Water Canyon Group Campground

34.0261, -107.1366


Best Time to Camp at Water Canyon Group Campground

At Coal Mine Campground, the high-elevation climate creates a delightful escape from desert heat, with optimal camping conditions featuring crisp mountain air and temperatures peaking around 46°F during the best weeks. These prime camping periods reward visitors with spectacular clear skies 77% of the time, perfect for stargazing through the pine canopy. The dry mountain air keeps humidity low, creating comfortable conditions for hiking and exploring while ensuring cozy evenings around the campfire.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 7% in OK

Open May–Oct; high-elevation cool temps make summer an ideal escape from heat.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Oaks provide seasonal color; reviews note enjoyment in early fall.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Open beginning May 15; reviewers find spring visits enjoyable with pleasant temps.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground operates May 15–Oct 14; closed during winter months.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15–October 14, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground operates from May 15–October 14, 2025. Peak season dates are included within this range.
  • Current Alerts: "Campground closed (gates and restrooms locked) as of 4/18/2020," per a user review.

About Water Canyon Group Campground

Tucked away in the breathtaking upper reaches of west-central New Mexico's Cibola National Forest, Coal Mine Campground offers a refreshing escape at 7,400 feet above sea level. This mountain retreat near Grants welcomes both tent campers and RV enthusiasts seeking solitude among towering pines, ancient junipers, and stately oaks. The campground's gently sloping terrain creates natural privacy between sites, each equipped with fire rings, picnic tables, and grills for memorable outdoor meals. While the facilities maintain a rustic charm with vault toilets and well-maintained parking spurs, visitors should note that the campground's remote location means bringing your own water supply is essential for your mountain adventure.
Water Canyon Group Campground is specifically designed as a group camping area. It offers basic facilities suitable for tent and RV camping, although there are no utility hookups.
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Stay Limit
14 nights

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a range of recreational activities including hiking, scenic drives, and picnicking. The Lobo Canyon Trail begins in the campground and connects to a network of trails in the area.
HikingThe Lobo Canyon Trail starts in the campground and provides access to multiple trails in the Cibola National Forest. 'A lot of trails to explore,' and 'Some trails are still under construction,' according to reviews.
Wildlife viewingThe area is home to a variety of wildlife. 'A lot of wildlife in this small mountain range,' as one reviewer noted.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include steep/narrow road access to the campground, occasional extreme winds, and wildlife such as bears and cattle.
Active Alerts"Campground closed (gates and restrooms locked) as of 4/18/2020," per a user review.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Water Canyon Group Campground

Reviews

4.3
98 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Water Canyon Group Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the natural beauty, seclusion, and cleanliness of the campground. However, multiple users mention the lack of cell service and potable water as drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 98 reviews

What Campers Love

- Scenic views and natural beauty. - Clean and well-maintained vault toilets. - Shady and secluded campsites. - Opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. - Free or very low cost.
Based on 98 reviews

Common Concerns

- No cell phone reception. - No potable water on-site. - Narrow and steep roads leading to the campground, making access difficult for some vehicles.
Based on 98 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring your own drinking water. - Ensure your vehicle can handle steep and narrow roads. - Arrive early, especially on weekends, as it can get crowded.
Based on 98 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate the campground is enjoyable in spring, summer, and early fall. Winter visits are possible but may be challenging due to unpredictable weather and winds.
Based on 98 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This campground is really awesome! Just wish there was cell phone reception.' 2. 'Sites were well spaced and fairly level. Would have liked to explore more.' 3. 'The views are spectacular, the...
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Based on 98 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites are not identified by number, but one reviewer mentioned a site suitable for a Class A motorhome, and others noted that sites are level and spacious.
Based on 98 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets and picnic areas have been noted as accessible. No additional details on accessibility are available.
Based on 98 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not specifically mentioned in reviews.
Based on 98 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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