Cebolla Mesa
4.4615 reviewsCebolla Mesa
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Camping is free at this site.
About this campground
Perched on the edge of wilderness, Cebolla Mesa Campground offers an intimate escape into New Mexico's raw beauty. This secluded haven features five dispersed camping sites nestled within an aromatic piñon-juniper woodland, where ancient trees frame spectacular vistas of the Rio Grande Gorge. Here, 800 feet above the ribbon of water that carved this dramatic landscape, campers find themselves in a world where eagles soar at eye level and the vast sky stretches endlessly overhead.
Cebolla Mesa Campground offers primitive, tent, and RV camping options. Group camping, cabin lodging, and glamping are not available.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsThe high desert climate at Cebolla Mesa brings dramatic seasonal contrasts that shape each camping experience. Summer days unfold under brilliant azure skies, with warm temperatures that invite early morning exploration before afternoon winds sweep across the mesa. These characteristic breezes carry the scent of juniper and remind visitors of the landscape's untamed nature. Winter transforms the campground into a stark wonderland, where freezing temperatures and occasional snow dustings create a pristine, contemplative atmosphere perfect for those seeking solitude and crisp, star-filled nights.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryStanding at the rim of Cebolla Mesa feels like discovering a secret viewpoint at the edge of the world. The Rio Grande Gorge reveals itself in layers of geological time, its walls painted in earthen hues that shift from amber to deep shadow as the sun arcs overhead. The campground's position offers unobstructed panoramas where the river appears as a silver thread winding through the canyon depths below. Surrounding piñon pines and gnarled junipers provide natural windbreaks and frame these commanding views, creating intimate spaces within the vast landscape.
Geological RegionCebolla Mesa Campground sits atop one of nature's most dramatic stages—a high desert plateau where millions of years of geological forces have created a masterpiece of erosion and time. The piñon-juniper woodland that characterizes this region represents an ancient ecosystem perfectly adapted to the arid conditions and rocky soils. Below, the Rio Grande continues its patient work, flowing 800 feet beneath the campground through the magnificent gorge it has carved from volcanic basalt and sedimentary layers, creating a living testament to the power of water and time in shaping the American Southwest.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not described in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Sites SizeSites are described as gravel and level, with some being suitable for smaller RVs or trailers. One user noted, 'I was able to get the best campsite at the far left of the trailhead, right at the edge of the cliff. Not only does that site have the best views, it's also the largest.'
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary, with the campground being described as 'quiet and secluded' by some users. However, it can get busy on weekends, as one reviewer noted: 'Weekend got busy.'
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFar left site at the trailhead recommended for its size and views.
Best Campsites"I was able to get the best campsite at the far left of the trailhead, right at the edge of the cliff. Not only does that site have the best views, it's also the largest."
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
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Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
No group camping facilities are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutFive sites dispersed around the trailhead for Trail #102.
Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Cebolla Mesa Campground provides excellent opportunities for hiking, fishing, viewing scenery, and picnicking. The trailhead for the Cebolla Mesa Trail, which descends 800 feet to the Rio Grande, is accessible from the campground.
Hiking
The Cebolla Mesa Trail leads hikers approximately 1 mile down to the Rio Grande, with a challenging 800-foot elevation loss. According to one user, 'Trail down to the river is about 1hr each way, can get hot in the afternoon so take plenty of water.'Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in the Rio Grande at the bottom of the Cebolla Mesa Trail. This area is designated as 'Special Trout Waters,' and restrictions are in place to conserve Rio Grande cutthroat trout.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities are inferred from the scenic and natural setting of the campground, but no explicit details are mentioned.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned, but the campground might have limited accessibility during snowy conditions due to its remote location.Water Sports
No information about non-motorized water sports is provided.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
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- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazards"It gets windy, and hot there's no shade." "Fly problem," and "road hazards in muddy conditions" noted in reviews.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 47%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 17 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo information is provided about trash and recycling facilities on-site. Users did not mention any issues related to waste disposal.
Proximity to water featuresThe Rio Grande is accessible via the Cebolla Mesa Trail, about 1 mile down with 800 feet of elevation loss.
Common complaintsReviews mention rough roads, lack of shade, a fly problem, and pit toilets needing maintenance.
Hostnull
Campground Map
Driving directions8.3 miles Southwest of Questa. Take State Highway 522, 4.9 miles south from Questa to Forest Road #9. Drive west for 3.4 miles to campground. Forest Road #9 is a dirt/gravel road and is hazardous in muddy conditions.
Forest Road #9 is dirt/gravel, slow and rough when towing a trailer; hazardous in muddy conditions.Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.5
15 reviews
Cebolla Mesa is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the campground's remote and scenic nature, with multiple comments about its stunning views, quiet atmosphere, and free access. However, some users noted maintenance issues with vault toilets, a bumpy access road, and lack of shade.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews
What Campers Love
- 'Great remote campground! Only a few miles off highway 522.'
- 'Beautiful views of the canyon and river with plenty of hiking trails.'
- 'Lovely free campsite. Clean pit toilet, tables, fire...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
- 'The toilet was in need of maintenance.'
- 'The road in is slow and rough when towing a trailer.'
- 'It gets windy, and hot; there's no shade.'
- 'Only downside here when I visited was a fly...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring plenty of water, especially if hiking the Cebolla Mesa Trail.
- Suitable for high-clearance vehicles; 4x4 is not required but makes the drive easier.
- Look out for petroglyphs on the trail...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring and fall are popular seasons due to moderate temperatures and dry conditions. Summer can be hot with limited shade, and winter access may be challenging due to snow and road conditions.
Based on 15 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'Primitive gratis pit toilet equipped site sitting directly on the rim of the Rio Grande North Wild River corridor.'
- 'Trail down to the river is about 1hr each way, can get hot in the afternoon...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
- Best campsite: 'I was able to get the best campsite at the far left of the trailhead, right at the edge of the cliff. Not only does that site have the best views, it's also the largest.'
- Users...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews addressed accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 15 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and one user mentioned it being an 'excellent spot for a dog walk.'
Based on 15 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025