Manzano Mountains
00 reviewHC 66 BOX 202, Mountainair, New Mexico, 87036, United States
Manzano Mountains
$10.00 - $40.00 / 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
RV spots cost $40; tent camping spots are $10. All reservations are now made online and some premium sites have been converted into day-use areas.
About this campground
Escape to the tranquil heights of Manzano Mountains State Park, where towering Ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral at 7,200 feet elevation. This mountain sanctuary offers the perfect blend of comfort and wilderness, featuring electric campsites nestled among the forest, scenic hiking trails that wind through aromatic pine groves, and spacious group camping areas ideal for family reunions or outdoor gatherings. Modern amenities including vault toilets, a convenient dump station, and fresh potable water ensure a comfortable stay while you immerse yourself in nature's embrace.
Manzano Mountains State Park caters to various camping styles, including RV, tent, and group camping. There are designated sites with electricity, and a group camping site can accommodate up to 50 people.
Historical SignificanceStep back through centuries of human history just beyond the park boundaries. The haunting beauty of Quarai Mission Ruins tells tales of Spanish colonial ambitions and Pueblo resilience, while the nearby Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument preserves the remnants of thriving communities that once dominated these lands. The mysterious Abo Ruins complete this archaeological trinity, offering glimpses into the complex cultural tapestry that has shaped this region for over 800 years. Your camping adventure becomes a gateway to exploring these remarkable windows into the past.
Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's perfect climate at Manzano Mountains, where summer temperatures remain refreshingly cool even as the valleys below swelter. The park's elevated position creates an ideal mountain microclimate with crisp, dry air that invigorates the senses. Spring and fall emerge as the crown jewels of camping seasons here, offering golden days perfect for hiking and star-filled nights around the campfire. Winter occasionally dusts the pines with snow, transforming the landscape into a wonderland for the adventurous cold-weather camper.
ElevationPerched at 7,200 feet above sea level, the park offers a natural air-conditioning system that provides welcome relief from summer heat. This mountain elevation creates a unique ecosystem where cool breezes whisper through the pines even on the warmest days, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking respite from desert temperatures below.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living landscape where majestic Ponderosa pines stretch skyward, their vanilla-scented bark and long needles creating a sensory symphony. Interspersed with fragrant cedar trees, this mountain forest offers a profound sense of peace and solitude. The park's thoughtful design preserves the quiet ambiance that makes it feel like your own private wilderness retreat, where the loudest sounds are likely to be birdsong at dawn and the gentle rustle of pine needles in the breeze.
Geological RegionDiscover the dramatic beauty of New Mexico's Northwest 1 region, where the Manzano Mountains rise like ancient sentinels from the high desert floor. This geological wonderland showcases the power of tectonic forces that created these peaks, now clothed in magnificent Ponderosa pine forests. The unique position of these mountains creates diverse ecosystems and microclimates that support an incredible variety of plant and animal life, making every hike an opportunity for discovery.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe park offers handicap access, but specific accessibility details are not elaborated upon in the source.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious, with some large and private, while others are closely spaced. Certain sites are better suited for smaller RVs due to narrow roads.
Sites PrivacyThe privacy varies by site. Some sites are noted for being private due to bushes and trees, while others are closely spaced.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesReserve electric sites months in advance for summer; avoid site #2 if using a camper.
Best CampsitesSite #6 and #7 are highly recommended for electric hookups; site #4 offers great views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Information missing
Check-out
Information missing
Stay Limit
No information provided
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum number of guests per site is unknown.
Groups
The group site can accommodate up to 50 people and about 10 parking spaces. It was noted as always open and is a fantastic option for large groups.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is laid out in loops, with group sites and day-use areas segregated from individual sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, but closure notices due to weather events are cited in reviews.
Reservation PlatformsOnline reservations only.
Walk-in AvailabilityPreviously available walk-up sites have now been converted to reservation-only sites.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are online, and details on cancellation rules are not found.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational opportunities at Manzano Mountains State Park include hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and exploring nearby historical sites. Beach or water-based activities are not available as there is no lake or river within the park.
Hiking
The park features several hiking trails, described as easy to moderate. These trails lead through the Ponderosa pine forest and offer a chance to see wildlife. One user mentioned seeing two deer on the outer loop trail.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a notable activity. Visitors have spotted black squirrels, wild turkeys, and various bird species.Winter Activities
Winter activities like cross-country skiing are not supported during the park's closure in certain winter months.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not applicable due to the lack of water bodies.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed in designated fire pits; gathering wood is prohibited.
- Quiet hours are Information missing
Hazards
General hazardsChallenging road conditions, hard and rocky tent sites, and lack of water hookups.
Active alertsClosure notices due to weather events have been reported.
Weather forecast
73
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Moderate snow fall
Precipitation: 39.800000000000004%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 28%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 14.1 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Light Snow - (39.80% chance)
Light snow expected
Moderate snow fall
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
Nearest emergency services likely in Mountainair, approximately 8 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesSummer months are busy; reservations months in advance are suggested.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, but there is no mention of recycling services. Several reviews commend the cleanliness and maintenance of the park.
Proximity to water featuresNo nearby lakes or rivers.
Common complaintsIssues with locked water spigots, rocky tent sites, crowded camping spots, and narrow roads for large vehicles.
HostCamp hosts are described as helpful and friendly in past reviews, although some recent reviews mention diminished host presence.
Campground Map
HC 66 BOX 202, Mountainair, New Mexico, 87036, United States
Driving directionsFrom NM-55 turn onto NM-131 in the village of Manzano. Follow the asphalt road 2 miles to the park entrance then straight ahead 1 mile on a gravel road to the campground.
Road access includes asphalt and gravel roads. The entry road includes a steep climb and rough dirt roads, which may pose challenges for larger vehicles, as noted in reviews.Nearby places
Manzano (approximately 2 miles), Mountainair (approximately 8 miles), Albuquerque (approximately 50 miles).
Nearby supplies
Limited services in Manzano
Mountainair (8 miles away) serves as the closest source for groceries, supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Manzano Mountains has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The park is praised for its natural beauty, serenity, and cleanliness. However, water supply limitations, the need for reservations, and site layout issues have been common complaints.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Users frequently highlight the park's peaceful atmosphere, spacious sites, and clean facilities. The vault toilets are particularly commended for their cleanliness. The park's proximity to hiking...
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Common Concerns
Complaints center around the lack of water hookups, low water pressure at spigots, locked water sources, and the absence of camp hosts during certain times. Additionally, some users find the site...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring sufficient water or prepare to fill up at the dump station. Make reservations early, especially for electric sites. For firewood, gather it from nearby Cibola National Forest as collection...
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Seasonal Insights
The park is more crowded during the summer, requiring reservations well in advance. Visitors appreciate the cool temperatures at the 7,200' elevation during warmer months. However, the park has been...
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Camper Quotes
1. 'Nice State Park, smaller than many adds to the quiet serenity.' - Christopher Pipes
2. 'Can’t ask for a better, clean and quiet place in the mountain.' - Kien Phan
3. 'Very pretty campground set...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site #6 and 7 are noted as the best electric sites. Site #11 is the only first-come, first-served site with electricity. Site #4 is described as having an amazing view but is a dry site.
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features are not thoroughly reviewed, but handicap access is listed as a facility.
Pet-Friendly Features
The park is described as very dog-friendly, and multiple visitors appreciated the pet-friendly policies.
Last updated August 10, 2025