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Sites: 38, Elevation: 7,600 large, well shaded campground (38 units + 11 picnic sites in the lower loop) is a good way into Manzano Wilderness via Red and Spruce Canyon trails on foot or horseback. Corrals and parking for horse trailers. This site is open for day use or overnight camping. No water available. PLEASE NOTE: Recreational Vehicles (RV's) longer than 22 feet are not allowed in this campground. Vehicles of this size may only park at Ox Canyon Trailhead, approximately 1.5 miles South of Red Canyon Campground.
From Tajique, NM, take State Rt. 55 south 9.1 miles to campground sign at "Y" intersection. Bear right at sign onto State Rt. 131 and go 2.4 miles to another campground sign. Turn right at sign and go 2.4 miles to another "Y" intersection. Bear right and go 0.8 miles to equestrian section. Bear left and go 0.1 miles to RV/tent section.
Red Canyon Campground is the trailhead for the Red Canyon, Spruce Spring and Box Spring trails. There is a no-fee parking lot just in front of the Campground on the right. The restrooms are next to the parking lot. These trails are popular, especially those that connect to the Manzano Crest Trail. Perhaps the most popular option is to hike loop trail routes up to the Crest trail, along the Crest, and then back down. Red Canyon Trail to Manzano Peak is perhaps one of the best kept local hiking and backpacking secrets. A well-maintained trail up to and along the Crest trail to the peak. Beautiful views along the way, lots of shade, cool temps at altitude during the summer, Aspen groves, and superb views from the peak. Heading up Red Canyon, the last water in the summer is at the last Creek crossing about a mile from the trailhead. The Red Canyon trail grade starts low, but it's significant as it reaches the Crest... Averaging 20 percent... Higher near the Crest trail. There is a very small area to pitch tents near the peak, with a much larger area in the meadow at the Ox Canyon Trail junction. Ox Canyon connects with Box Spring Trail a little South of the Campground.
Fantastic camping spot - one of the best in New Mexico for sure. We went during a very rainy weekend and the ground stayed solid despite the downpour. The hiking trails were great and full of interesting species.
Additionally, the forest ranger was quite friendly and helpful.
The bathroom is always clean and there's always toilet paper. The campground was empty, so we were the only family at that time. We stayed for 2 nights and 3 days. It was quiet and we seen a few deer both evenings. The only downside was the bathroom light wasn't working properly and there was a sign on the trail warning hikers to be aware that there have been attacks between eagles and humans/dogs.
Overall we had a nice and quiet camping trip.
It's a well laid out campground. Despite it being the winter the toilets were nicely maintained. The road wasn't. I recommend not going in the winter unless there isnt any snow on the ground OR you have a solid 4x4. Some local dudes went ripping through the campground at 1am in their F-250, so that was pretty annoying.
