The Cibola National Forest consists of 1.6 million acres of forest and grasslands in New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma and is managed by four separate ranger districts, Sandia, Mountainair, Magdalena, and Mt. Taylor. There is ample free camping in the Cibola National Forest, as dispersed camping is allowed. We recently stayed in a free developed campground at Water Canyon, near Magdalena, New Mexico. This developed camping site features several vault toilets, picnic tables and fire pits, though fires weren’t allowed at the time we stayed.
Water Canyon Campground In The Cibola National Forest
Water Canyon Campground, near Magdalena, New Mexico, is a lightly used developed campground, which is still free of charge. There are also hiking trails leading in several directions from the campground and along the seasonal creek nestled at the foot of the Magdalena Mountains, at an elevation of 6,800′.
During normal climate conditions (the region is currently in the grip of a major drought) – you’ll find a trickle of water running in the small creek in Water Canyon. Bird watchers will find many species here, along with mule deer and other desert animals who seek water in the canyon. Some large cottonwood trees provide shade for campers in the lower campground, while junipers and piñon offer some shade in the upper campground area. There are both group sites and family sites available. Dispersed camping is allowed farther along the unimproved forest roads.
How To Get There
From Socorro, NM, follow US-60 18 miles to Water Canyon Road, turn left and continue 4 miles along a dirt road to the campground. Click here for Google Map Directions.
Below is a video we made of our stay at the campground at Water Canyon:
More info on this free campground in the Cibola National Forest can be found at the National Forest Service website.
Nerdy Things To Do Nearby
There are plenty of hiking trails in the Cibola National Forest, as well as trails where OHV’s are allowed. If you’re searching for something a bit different to do, you may consider visiting one of the world-class research facilities in the area. (Also, a visit to one of the two restaurants in Pie Town for a slice of pie afterward is highly recommended.)
The Langmuir Lab for Atmospheric Research is located near Water Canyon campground. This facility is situated at 10,783′, near the summit of South Baldy Peak, and is used by scientists to monitor weather conditions and for climate research. Depending on road conditions and staffing, the facility welcomes visitors. Please call ahead before visiting. The phone number for the Langmuir Lab is 575-835-5423.
- Ketcham, Amaris Feland (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 192 Pages - 02/09/2021 (Publication Date) - Menasha Ridge Press (Publisher)
To the west of Magdalena you’ll find the massive radio telescopes of the VLA or Very Large Array. This radio astronomy research facility is also open to the public during normal conditions – although it’s currently closed due to Covid-19. The Very Large array features 27 large radio dish antennas measuring 85′ across and weighing over 350 tons. The movie “Contact”, starring Jodie Foster, was filmed here, with the the famous astrophysicist Carl Sagan acting as a consultant.
Below is a video of our drive along 57 miles of rough road – to the Very Large Array.
