Campgrounds and Facilities:
All developed recreation areas on the Cibola National Forest allow camping except those on the Sandia Ranger District, which are for group camping and day-use picnicking. Most campgrounds are more than an hour's drive from Albuquerque; Tajique or Fourth of July campgrounds on the Mountainair Ranger District are nearest and are approximately 50 miles from the Albuquerque city limits. Developed campgrounds have a 2-week camping limit during any one visit. The Cibola National Forest has no national forest administered cabins or lodges.
National forest campground units are suitable for tents and most recreational vehicles; however, large trailers may not be able to negotiate all campground roads. We suggest you contact the local ranger district office for additional information. Many national forest campgrounds have toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, and garbage disposal facilities.
Some recreation areas have undergone new and exciting renovations to make national forest lands accessible to all. Plans are being implemented to make additional recreation areas accessible. Check for the most current information on these and other areas.
Camp sites, and day use sites you can reserve from our national reservation service either on-line or by toll free number.
Firewood:
You may find dead and down timber near your camping unit to use as firewood; however, we recommend you carry firewood, charcoal or a petroleum-fueled stove with you just in case firewood is not readily available. You may not cut standing dead trees for firewood without a permit issued by the district ranger supervising the camping area.
Campfires:
Campfire permits are not necessary except during periods of high or extreme fire danger. Please check with the district ranger or forest headquarters to determine if fire and/or smoking restrictions are in effect during your visit. A cooking or heating device containing its own fuel -- such as kerosene, gasoline, or butane -- is not considered a "campfire;" usually there are no restrictions on the use of such devices if they meet Underwriter Laboratory safety standards. Charcoal burners are considered a "campfire."
Backpacking and Wilderness:
If you are backpacking, there are no regulations governing the size of groups on the Cibola National Fotest. But a maximum of 10 is recommended. Special orders limit your stay to 14 days in a 45-day period. Most backcountry areas are quite dry; most streams and springs do not flow throughout the year. You will need to carry water for drinking and camping in the backcountry.
Please remember -- mountain backcountry is rugged and isolated, and there are no camping facilities in these undeveloped areas. We recommend that you consult the local ranger district office before planning an extended trip.
Mountain Bike, Motorcycle and Jeep Trails:
Some trails on portions of the Cibola are closed to use by all kinds of mechanized/motor vehicles. Motorized vehicles are not permitted in the four designated wilderness areas. While there are no trails specifically designated as jeep trails or motorcycle trails on the Cibola, there are numerous old woods routes and logging roads throughout the districts, which may be enjoyed by mountain bike, motorcycle or jeep. Please inquire at the local ranger district office for information on trails, off-road vehicle use and areas closed to mechanized traffic.
Fees:
There is no charge for small party picnicking in the national forest picnic areas, but a nominal fee is charged for large group picnicking and camping at some sites. Advance reservations may be made for some campsites in some campgrounds. All reservations are handled by the National Reservation Center. Their toll-free number is (800) 280-CAMP (TTY: (800) 879-4496). Other campsites on the Cibola National Forest are available on a first-come, first-served basis. |
