Water Canyon Campground, Socorro, NM

Magdalena Ranger District

Cibola National Forest

Free Camping Near Socorro, NM

This is a free, developed campground offered by Cibola National Forest, with about 10-12 campsites, many of which are large enough for small to mid-sized trailers and motorhomes. There is a group campsite with pavilion nearby, and a picnic area for day-use. There is also a trailhead nearby.

Authority

Magdalena Ranger District logo

Magdalena Ranger District

Cibola National Forest

District Office

Tel: (575) 854-2281

Official campground webpage

Particulars

GPS: 34.0246, -107.1331

Elevation: 6,886 feet

Reservations: First come, first served

Camping Fee: None

Permit: None

Max stay: 14 days in a 45-day period

Amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilet, trash cans

Submitted by

Admin Staff

Admin Staff

Boondocker's Bible

Camping at Water Canyon Campground

This campground is located at an elevation of 6,800 feet in the Magdalena Mountains about 21 miles west of the City of Socorro. It’s a popular destination for locals due to four-wheeling along Water Canyon Road, the nearby picnic grounds, and the group campground with pavilion.

The road into the campground is all paved except for when you get to campground entrance which turns to firm-packed dirt and gravel. There is a tight turn into the campground, which may be a challenge for long trailers, but anything 30 feet or less should make it with no problems.

This is a busy campground on the weekends due to families in nearby Socorro visiting picnics and campouts. But from Monday to Thursday, it’s fairly light. Parties, kids, and loud noises run rampant on Fridays and Saturdays.

Associated Documents

Cibola National Forest Order 3-03-00-23-03, Occupancy rules, camping limits, alcohol possession, public nudity, (eff: May 20, 2023, term: December 31, 2027)
Motor Vehicle Use Map, Magdalena Ranger District, Page 1, Illustrates dispersed camping restrictions & OHV restrictions, (eff: January 1, 2023)
Motor Vehicle Use Map, Magdalena Ranger District, Page 2, Illustrates dispersed camping restrictions & OHV restrictions, (eff: January 1, 2020)

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