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Water Canyon Picnic Area
FSU.S. Forest Service — Cibola National Forest and Grasslands
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Cibola National Forest and Grasslands |
| Location | Cibola National Forest and Grasslands |
| Sites | 1 public sites counted from the federal listing — 1 group picnic area |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 1 sites Water hookups at 0 of 1 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 1 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 1 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Not reported in the federal data |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Pets | Allowed at 1 sites, as reported |
| Amenities, as reported | Vault toilets |
| Phone | 575-854-2281 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview At the base of the Water Canyon Recreation Area sits a picnic ground nestled in the Magdalena Mountains. Four first come first served picnic sites have tables and grills that can be walked to from the shared parking area with a vault toilet. In addition, there is one group picnic shelter that is available for reservation. The group picnic shelter includes six picnic tables, one serving table, and one large pedestal grill.
Recreation
Facilities Vault toilets, a shared gravel parking area, four walk-to picnic areas, one large group picnic shelter, trash receptacles, and informational kiosks are available on site.
Natural Features Mountain views. Access to trails. Shaded areas.
Nearby Attractions Mesa Trail #013 is one of the first trails located up the road beyond the picnic area. In addition, Water Canyon Campground sits uphill of the picnic area by following the gravel road into the Water Canyon Recreation Area. Campsites and trails await here as well.
Directions, from the listing
Heading West on highway 60, take a left onto Water Canyon Road and follow this road as it turns from pavement to gravel. After approximately four miles along this road, the picnic area will be on your left.
Trip Card — Water Canyon Picnic Area
Cibola National Forest and Grasslands
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Cibola National Forest and Grasslands |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Not reported |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 1 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10344807 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.