Manzano Mountains State Park

Manzano Mountains State Park campground offers a tranquil and secluded escape into the vibrant landscape of central New Mexico, combining captivating mountain views with the quiet of a forested retreat. Located near the small town of Mountainair, this campground is set amidst a canopy of Ponderosa pines, piñon pines, and alligator junipers, providing campers with both shade and privacy.

The campground features 35 sites, including 9 with electrical hookups and 10 primitive walk-in sites, catering to a mix of RV and tent campers. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and charcoal grill, with water spigots conveniently placed throughout the park. Amenities include vault toilets, a dump station, and a ranger station, though showers are not available. Visitors can enjoy hiking and horseback riding on well-maintained trails, wildlife watching, and stargazing in the clear night skies. The park is notably a key raptor migration corridor, adding a unique bird-watching opportunity.

Situated at an elevation of 7,250 feet, the campground is just 10 minutes from Mountainair and within 30 minutes of the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, a historical site featuring preserved 17th-century mission ruins and cultural insights. This makes the Manzano Mountains State Park an ideal destination for weekend getaways or family camping trips where nature, history, and serenity converge.