Capilla Peak Campground
4.3312 reviewsnull
Capilla Peak Campground
$10.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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$45.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Single Site: $10 Per Night. Reservable Group Day Use Pavilion: $45 for up to 50 visitors.
About this campground
Perched at a breathtaking 9,200 feet in the Manzano Mountains, Capilla Peak Campground offers an intimate escape with just eight coveted campsites. This high-altitude haven serves as your gateway to the pristine Manzano Mountain Wilderness, where eagles soar overhead and the famous Hawkwatch raptor counting station documents the annual migration of these magnificent birds of prey.
Capilla Peak Campground is primarily designed for tent camping, with options for group picnicking. It is not suitable for large RVs or trailers due to the narrow and challenging access road.
Historical SignificanceThe landscape here tells a story of resilience and renewal. Fourteen years ago, wildfire swept through these mountains, claiming much of the forest and destroying five of the eight original picnic pavilions that sheltered campers. Today, nature has reclaimed the land with new growth, while the remaining structures stand as monuments to the area's endurance. The fire's legacy has opened up even more spectacular vistas, creating a unique blend of regenerating forest and panoramic viewpoints.
Weather and SeasonsThe crystal-clear mountain air at Capilla Peak delivers some of the clearest skies you'll find anywhere, making it a stargazer's paradise. Summer brings warm days perfect for hiking, while early fall paints the landscape in golden aspens. Winter occasionally dusts the peaks with snow, transforming the campground into a quiet wonderland. The sweet spots for camping fall between June and September, when moderate temperatures and minimal precipitation create ideal conditions for your mountain adventure.
ElevationAt 9,000 feet above sea level, Capilla Peak delivers that crisp mountain air that makes every breath feel like a gift. This lofty perch puts you above the heat of the valleys below while keeping you close enough to the treeline for shelter and shade. The altitude adds an extra dimension to your camping experience—cooler nights perfect for campfires, brilliantly clear days, and that satisfying feeling of being on top of the world.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to have your breath taken away—and not just from the altitude. Capilla Peak rewards visitors with absolutely stunning 360-degree panoramas that stretch from the rugged Manzano Mountains to the vast Rio Grande Valley below. To the east, the Estancia Valley unfolds like a golden carpet, while westward views capture the distant Sandia Mountains. Every campsite offers its own picture-perfect vista, whether you're sipping morning coffee as the sun illuminates the peaks or watching alpenglow paint the mountains pink at sunset.
Geological RegionNestled within the magnificent Manzano Mountain Wilderness of the Cibola National Forest, Capilla Peak sits at the crossroads of New Mexico's most dramatic landscapes. This ancient mountain range rises like an island between two vast valleys—the Rio Grande to the west and the Estancia to the east. The geology here tells a million-year story of uplift and erosion, creating the dramatic ridgelines and deep canyons that make this wilderness area a geological wonderland worth exploring.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly described for this campground.
Sites SizeStandard-sized campsites.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are described as being reasonably spaced out, offering privacy. User reviews mention that they are not too close to each other.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Several campsites have protective shelters over tables." (Alejandro Saavedra, user review).
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
"Group pavilion accommodates up to 50 visitors."
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutnull
Open and Closed SeasonApril - November
Reservation Platforms"Reservations are coming soon to Recreation.gov for this day-use site."
Walk-in Availability"Few people come up here and it is almost never full even on weekends." (Dan "Dan Of All", user review).
Cancellation PolicyReservation systems are coming soon to Recreation.gov for the group day-use site.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Capilla Peak Campground offers opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife observation. Users have noted access to various trails, including the Crest Trail. The campground is adjacent to the Hawkwatch raptor observation station, making it an excellent spot for bird watching.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are abundant, with access to trails like the Crest Trail. Some trails are short, while others are extensive, offering variety for all skill levels.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a notable activity at the campground. Deer sightings are common, and the proximity to the Hawkwatch raptor observation station enhances bird-watching experiences.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
No water sports are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- "All sites have fire pits." (Dan "Dan Of All", user review).
- Quiet hours are "Camping etiquette issues reported include noise from campers partying till 12 to 1 AM." (Forrest, user review).
Hazards
General hazards"Be aware of bears, use the vaults." (Matthew Boxholder, user review) "Road is only big enough for one vehicle to pass, bumpy, with potholes and no guard rails." (Bonnie Chanet, user review).
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 29%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 3.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
Address: Mountainair Ranger District, 40 Ranger Station Rd., Mountainair, NM 87036. Phone: 505-847-2990
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo specific information is available about trash and recycling facilities on-site.
Proximity to water featuresnull
Common complaints"Camping spot reviews are great, but graffiti and noisy campers can be a problem." (Forrest, user review).
Host"We met the lady who works at the observation tower at the peak just up the road. Real sweetheart." (Dan "Dan Of All", user review).
Campground Map
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Driving directions12 miles west of Manzano via NM 55 & FR 245
"Decent and graveled all the way up. No muddy roads to slide on in the rain." (Dan "Dan Of All", user review). However, "the last 3 miles up is treacherous. The road is only big enough for one vehicle to pass, bumpy, with potholes and no guard rails." (Bonnie Chanet, user review).Nearby places
"New Canyon campsite is located 4 miles down the well-maintained road." (Julian Or zoc, user review)
Nearby supplies
"If you don't have money or don't want to pay to camp, you can go 4 miles down the well-maintained road to the New Canyon campsite which is free and primitive." (Julian Or zoc, user review)
Camper Reviews
4.3
12 reviews
Capilla Peak Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Capilla Peak Campground are largely positive, emphasizing its scenic views, cleanliness, and quiet atmosphere. However, some users have noted issues with road access and campsite etiquette.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praise the campground for its stunning 360-degree views, quiet and secluded environment, well-maintained sites, and proximity to hiking trails. "Awesome campground, amazing views," says Jeremy...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include the challenging and narrow access road, unsuitable for large RVs or trailers, and reports of occasional noisy and disruptive campers. Some users noted graffiti on trails and...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own potable water as there is none available on-site. Avoid bringing large RVs or trailers due to tight and steep road conditions. For those seeking more primitive camping, the nearby New...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer and fall reviews highlight the area's beauty and quietness, though the narrow access road remains a consistent concern. During weekends, it is generally less crowded.
Based on 12 reviewsCamper Quotes
"If you like quiet and solitude, you are home here." – Dan
"Stunning views on all sides, and the actual campsites are great." – Julian Or Zoc
"If you reach the campground, you are rewarded with a...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsites with awnings over picnic tables are favored by users for added shelter. Site-specific mentions emphasize the spaciousness and cleanliness of individual sites.
Based on 12 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews were mentioned.
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews regarding pets were mentioned.
Based on 12 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025