Capilla Peak

1 review

Capilla Peak

Quick Facts

9,200 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens booking site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

9,200 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens booking site

Get Directions

Capilla Peak

No fees available

Campsite Fees

This site (and a separate day-use picnic pavilion) is available for reservation on Recreation.gov. Mobile payment may be available via the...

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

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(505) 847-2990

What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 1 reviews

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Best Time to Camp at Capilla Peak

At this lofty elevation of 9,200 feet, the weather commands respect and attention. The campground's exposed sites leave you fully immersed in the mountain environment, where conditions can shift dramatically throughout the day. Summer afternoons often bring thunderstorms rolling across the peaks, while evenings cool quickly even in warm months. Come prepared for wind, sudden temperature drops, and the full spectrum of high-altitude weather patterns that make mountain camping both challenging and exhilarating.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

About Capilla Peak

Perched at 9,200 feet in the Manzano Mountains, Capilla Peak Campground offers eight intimate sites where sweeping wilderness vistas meet the sky. This high-elevation retreat serves as your gateway to mountain wilderness adventures, though its exposed setting and elevation make it best suited for tent campers and smaller vehicles seeking an authentic alpine experience.

An 8-unit campground featuring 'unique camping structures.' The campground is a mix of first-come, first-served and reservation sites. Sites are exposed and located at high elevation; not suitable for large trailers or RVs.

Weather and SeasonsAt this lofty elevation of 9,200 feet, the weather commands respect and attention. The campground's exposed sites leave you fully immersed in the mountain environment, where conditions can shift dramatically throughout the day. Summer afternoons often bring thunderstorms rolling across the peaks, while evenings cool quickly even in warm months. Come prepared for wind, sudden temperature drops, and the full spectrum of high-altitude weather patterns that make mountain camping both challenging and exhilarating.

ElevationStanding at approximately 9,200 feet above sea level, this high-elevation campground places you firmly in the alpine zone of the Manzanos. The exposed sites offer no shelter from the elements, creating an unfiltered mountain experience where thin air, intense sun, and dramatic weather are part of your stay.

Natural Features and SceneryFrom your campsite, the world unfolds in layers of mountain ridges and valley floors stretching toward distant horizons. The Manzano Mountain Wilderness spreads out before you, its rugged terrain accessible via trails leading directly from the campground. To the west, the Rio Grande Valley creates a patchwork of civilization far below, while the Estancia Valley stretches eastward into high desert country. During migration seasons, the nearby hawkwatch station becomes a front-row seat to one of nature's great spectacles, as raptors ride thermal currents along the mountain spine.

Geological RegionManzano Mountains / Manzano Mountain Wilderness

Campsite details

Sites Size8-unit campground at 9,200 ft; sites have no designated parking spurs and are unsuitable for large trailers/RVs.

Sites PrivacySites are very exposed.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended CampsitesSites are exposed and remote—prepare for rapidly changing high-elevation weather and limited or no cellular service; download the Recreation.gov mobile app before arrival if relying on mobile payment or reservations. Do not plan to bring large trailers or RVs.

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Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive are not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutEight units with unique camping structures; no designated parking spurs for individual campsites and very exposed layout.

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov (some campsites and the day-use picnic pavilion are available for reservation)

Walk-in AvailabilitySome campsites are first-come, first-served (walk-up); other campsites are reservable

Activities you can enjoy

Offers scenic views and wilderness access; visitors can access Manzano Mountain Wilderness and the Hawkwatch raptor counting station. High elevation means sites are exposed and weather can be inclement.

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsVery exposed sites and high elevation; inclement weather is common. Not suitable for large trailers or RVs due to lack of parking spurs.