USFS•Albuquerque, NM•9h from Austin

Cibola NF — Manzanita Recreation Zone Dispersed

mountainsdesertdark-sky

Accessibility baseline: Sites on this platform are reviewed for access with a standard 2WD pickup truck towing a 21-foot travel trailer unless otherwise noted below.

Fee

Free

Hookups

No hookups

Trailer

Accessible (2WD pickup + trailer)

Cell Signal

Fair

Water

Bring your own

Toilets

None

Best Season

Year-round

Reservations

None — designated sites only (14-day limit)

Max Length

25 ft

Highlights

▶ 30 minutes from downtown Albuquerque — Sandia Mountains backdrop, piñon-juniper woodland, petroglyph sites in the area
▶ Designated sites DC1 and DC2 on FR 542 are the most accessible for 2WD trucks + 25 ft trailer
▶ Quiet weekdays; truly dark skies for metro proximity

Planning Notes

Paved roads (FR 462, FR 542, FR 242) to DC1–DC2 on FR 542 initial section. Road becomes rocky beyond DC1 — high clearance needed. No facilities. DC1 and DC2 are the trailer-compatible sites only. Albuquerque (30 min) for everything.

Contact: (505) 346-3900

Always call ahead to confirm conditions, closures, and road accessibility.