Water Canyon Campground

$10.00–$55.00/night

Estimated location

No source publishes exact coordinates for Water Canyon Campground. Its map marker is estimated from the surrounding area and can be miles from the actual site — don't navigate to it. Its official page may have the detail needed to find it on the ground.

Overview

Within the Magdalena Mountains is a beautiful campground with twelve campsites and an additional group campsite tucked away at 6,800 ft elevation. These campsites are a mix of first-come first-served and reservation sites. There are several vault toilets as well as a picnic table, a fire ring, and a grill at each campsite. The group campsite offers an additional shelter structure and large fire pit. The area is great for birding and has access to several trails nearby.

Recreation

Birding, hiking, and biking are popular activities in and around the Water Canyon Recreation Area. The campsites are also great locations for star-gazing.

Nearby Attractions

Forest Road 39, which is the spur that leads to the group campsite, can be followed as the North Fork Trail and hiked. Below the campground is the Water Canyon Picnic Area and access to more trails including the Mesa Trail.

Camp site features

Across 14 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 14 sites
Pets allowed: all 14 sites
Group sites: 1 of 14 sites
Largest party: 75 people

Directions

From highway 60, turn onto Water Canyon Road and follow it until it's end. You will pass the picnic area on the left and will continue uphill towards the campground. The group campsite is further along the gravel road after passing the entrance to the campground on the right. The group campsite will also be on the right.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

13 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

1 stars

Arun Kumar G

Loop:Camping

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

One of my best and secluded campsites. No cell phone service. Restrooms are ok. Limited shades, depending on sun direction and campsite you choose. Easy to reach.

Merrissa C

Loop:Camping

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Used for my son’s birthday party. It was clean and enjoyable for the family.

David R

Loop:Camping

Site:

Reviewed 5 months ago

Sadly, really buggy on the day we arrived. So many tiny flies/gnats constantly in our ears, eyes and face that even with some bug spray it was unbearable and we left that first day.

Ruth V

Loop:Camping

Site:

Reviewed 7 months ago

This is a lovely campsite! I was in spot 7 and it was perfect for stargazing. The facilities were clean. Not great cell reception. I'll for sure camp here again.

Laura G

Loop:Camping

Site:

Reviewed 7 months ago

Nice and clean campground. Very secluded with a lot of space

Bill R

Loop:Camping

Site:

Reviewed 7 months ago

Nice little canyon area about 8ish miles from Hwy 60. Road paved until right before the campground then it's dirt and gets a little rough going up the hill to the CG. I walked it before starting up. We made it up and down OK but our trailer (17' Casita) was rocking side to side. On the way down I drove in 4WD low range to take it as slow as possible. Campground consisted of smallish sites that were not all that level. Two decent, newer double vault toilets were a plus. Trash service available also.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Season dates

Peak season

Mar 13, 2026 – Nov 30, 2026

Reservable online

Walk In season

Dec 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026

First come, first served

Walk In season

Jan 1, 2027 – Mar 14, 2027

First come, first served

Peak season

Mar 15, 2027 – Nov 30, 2027

Reservable online

Walk In season

Dec 1, 2027 – Dec 31, 2027

First come, first served

Walk In season

Jan 1, 2028 – May 23, 2028

First come, first served

Peak season

May 24, 2028 – Nov 30, 2028

Reservable online

Walk In season

Dec 1, 2028 – Dec 31, 2028

First come, first served

Camp Sites

Availability not checked yet

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