Mcgaffey Campground
4.6813 reviewsMcgaffey Campground
$5.00 - $10.00 / 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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fees vary depending on access passes and fee descriptions. Reviewers mentioned a $10 nightly fee, while one reviewer stated a reduced $5 fee with an interagency lifetime pass.
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About this campground
Nestled in the Zuni Mountains where echoes of the past meet pristine wilderness, McGaffey Campground stands as a testament to both history and natural beauty. This expansive campground, the crown jewel of the Mt. Taylor Ranger District since 1937, occupies the grounds of a once-bustling railroad logging town. At 8,000 feet above sea level, towering ponderosa pines cast cooling shadows across well-maintained sites, while miles of hiking and biking trails beckon adventurers to explore the surrounding landscape. As visitor Lou Boyd notes, the abundance of trails makes this a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts seeking their next mountain adventure.
McGaffey Campground supports primitive and tent camping. RV camping is possible but without electrical or water hookups. The campground does not feature group sites, cabins, or glamping options.
Historical SignificanceMcGaffey Campground sits on grounds steeped in the rich heritage of the American West's logging era. Once home to a thriving sawmill community, the area buzzed with the sound of steam engines and lumber operations that helped build the growing territories. Today, remnants of this industrious past blend seamlessly with the restored forest, creating a unique camping experience where visitors can walk the same paths once traveled by loggers and railroad workers who shaped this mountain landscape.
Weather and SeasonsThe high-altitude climate at McGaffey brings its own delightful rhythm to camping life. Afternoon showers dance through the pines almost daily, offering refreshing interludes that cool the mountain air and release the intoxicating scent of wet pine needles. As camper Todd In-AZ discovered, these gentle rains typically pass within hours, arriving without fierce winds and leaving behind crystal-clear skies. The dry mountain air and elevation create perfect conditions for stargazing once darkness falls, while daytime temperatures remain pleasantly cool even in summer months.
ElevationPerched at 8,000 feet in the heart of the Zuni Mountains, McGaffey offers a true high-country camping experience that delights visitors seeking cooler temperatures and mountain air. This elevation provides a natural escape from desert heat, with temperatures typically 20-30 degrees cooler than the valleys below. As enthusiastic camper Lyndall H. discovered, the combination of high altitude and affordable camping rates makes McGaffey an unbeatable mountain retreat for those looking to experience New Mexico's sky island ecosystems.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a landscape where ancient ponderosa pines stretch skyward, their vanilla-scented bark and needle-carpeted floor creating a natural cathedral. The campground's terrain features gentle hills and natural alcoves that provide each site with a sense of seclusion and privacy. Nearby hiking trails wind through this mountain paradise, offering glimpses of wildlife and panoramic vistas. As visitor Lawrence Talahongva enthusiastically shares, the combination of breathtaking scenery, crisp mountain air, and well-maintained facilities creates an outdoor experience that rejuvenates both body and spirit.
Geological RegionMcGaffey Campground rests on the western slopes of the Continental Divide, where the Zuni Mountains rise like an island from the surrounding high desert plateau. This unique geological position creates diverse ecosystems where ponderosa pine forests thrive in the mountain's rain shadow. The undulating terrain, carved by ancient volcanic activity and millennia of erosion, has created natural camping alcoves among the hills. These geological features not only provide privacy for campers but also showcase the dramatic forces that shaped this corner of New Mexico's high country.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly detailed in the provided information.
Sites SizeCampsites are spacious, with 29 individual sites, many of which provide adequate space and privacy.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is enhanced by wooded lots and small hills. User reviews confirm that some campsites offer seclusion: 'Some sites tucked into the woods, some have a view.'
Total Campsites29 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Site 5 for the view of the sunsets and open pasture." – Todd In-AZ. "Some sites tucked into the woods, some have a view." – Jenna S.
Best Campsites"Site 5 was our home for 4 nights. I highly recommend it." – Todd In-AZ.
Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout"Camp spaces are nicely apart for privacy." – Stanley Smith.
Walk-in Availability"No host. We used self-pay." – Lyndall H. Walk-up sites are available.
Cancellation Policy"$10 cancellation fee may apply. Late cancellations for individual campsites will forfeit the first night's fees if canceled after 12:00 AM local time the day before the start date."
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
McGaffey Campground offers activities such as hiking and wildlife viewing. The high-altitude setting and wooded environment provide opportunities for relaxing and enjoying nature. Nearby trails and wildlife make the location suitable for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hiking
Hiking is available in the area, with user reviews mentioning a trail nearby: 'Such an amazing area with beautiful scenery, clean air and a hiking trail nearby.'Biking
Biking trails exist in the area. A user review mentions: 'Love this campground, and lots of hiking and bike trails.'Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is mentioned as a popular activity: 'So much wildlife to see when you take the time to look.'Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing are not explicitly mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not discussed or available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- "Signs on the grill and fire circle said 'no fire,' but the forestry office said we could have a fire since they had a lot of rain lately." – Lyndall H.
Hazards
General hazards"Cougar and bear country, but we saw neither." – Jenna S. "Watch out for cows on the road! They are NOT fenced in." – Lyndall H.
Weather forecast
73
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
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
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling services are not detailed in the provided information.
Proximity to water features"Lake near or what’s left of one around the corner." – Lawrence Talahongva.
Common complaints"The volunteer was very helpful. The downfall is the park no longer has power hookups." – Julio Sanchez. "No host." – Lyndall H.
Host"Camp Host wasn’t there." – Jenna S. "No host." – Lyndall H.
Campground Map
Driving directionsTake Exit 33 from I-40 east of Gallup, then drive south through Fort Wingate. Continue 8 more miles on SR 400 to the campground entrance on the southwest side of the road.
"Remember to pay attention to road conditions and your vehicle's abilities before driving off of the main road." Roads are paved for the drive-in but turn into dirt roads that are shared with large rigs hauling earth from various locations.Camper Reviews
4.7
13 reviews
Mcgaffey Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
McGaffey Campground receives high praise for its scenic beauty, peace, and affordability. Users describe it as a quiet and serene camping spot with spacious sites and clean vault toilets. The lack of modern amenities like showers and electricity is a common drawback mentioned.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews
What Campers Love
- Scenic settings with views of sunsets
- High-altitude location with cool summer temperatures
- Clean vault toilets
- Well-separated sites offering privacy
- Affordable fees ($10/night)
-...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
- Lack of electricity and showers
- No cell phone service
- Occasional fire restrictions
- Reports of road sharing with large trucks
Based on 13 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Be prepared for no cell phone service and limited amenities.
- Visit Site 5 for great sunset views and prairie dog sightings.
- Bring your own firewood and water, as availability is uncertain.
-...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is generally the most popular season, with mild temperatures and opportunities for star-gazing. Rain showers are common but usually short-lived. Fall might be equally pleasant due to the cool...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'We found this place by accident and fell in love with it immediately. Site 5 was our home for 4 nights.'
2. 'No showers, electricity, or flush toilets. However, the sites are on mostly wooded...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 5 is specifically recommended for its sunset views and open pasture settings. Other sites are noted for their privacy and wooded surroundings.
Based on 13 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 13 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mention pet-related experiences or policies.
Based on 13 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025