Water Canyon Campground

Cibola National Forest, Cibola National Forest and Grasslands, New Mexico

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As of September 2026, Water Canyon Campground is a campground in Cibola National Forest, New Mexico with 7 campsites. Water Canyon Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

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Water Canyon Campground is located at 34.0255° N, 107.1324° W.

people allowed on 6 of 7 sites: 6
people allowed on the largest site: 75

Water Canyon Campground reservations and next available dates

September 2026

October 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Campsites at Water Canyon Campground

5678911

Standard 6
Group 1

Amenities

restrooms
potable water

At a glance: Setting: Mountain.

Things to do: hiking, wildlife, stargazing.

All sites at Water Canyon Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the Camping loop.

Site	Type	Sleeps
5	Standard	6
6	Standard	6
7	Standard	6
8	Standard	6
9	Standard	6
11	Standard	6
Group Site	Group	75

About Water Canyon Campground

Overview

Within the Magdalena Mountains is a beautiful campground with twelve campsites and an additional group campsite tucked away at 6,800 ft elevation. These campsites are a mix of first-come first-served and reservation sites. There are several vault toilets as well as a picnic table, a fire ring, and a grill at each campsite. The group campsite offers an additional shelter structure and large fire pit. The area is great for birding and has access to several trails nearby.

Recreation

Birding, hiking, and biking are popular activities in and around the Water Canyon Recreation Area. The campsites are also great locations for star-gazing.

Nearby Attractions

Forest Road 39, which is the spur that leads to the group campsite, can be followed as the North Fork Trail and hiked. Below the campground is the Water Canyon Picnic Area and access to more trails including the Mesa Trail.

Rules and notices at Water Canyon Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 28, 2026. Check Water Canyon Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

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. Please call the ranger station ahead of time at 575.854.2281 to see if the gate is open during this time period.

There is no water at this campground.

Due to the unpaved nature of the road, the final 500ft to the campground may not be suitable for large RVs.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Water Canyon Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Water Canyon Campground?

Water Canyon Campground is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Water Canyon Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at Water Canyon Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Water Canyon Campground have?

Water Canyon Campground has 7 campsites.