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USFS•Magdalena, NM•8.5h from Austin
Water Canyon — Cibola NF, Magdalena District
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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–$5/nt
Hookups
No hookups
Trailer
Verify before trip
Cell Signal
No signal
Water
Bring your own
Toilets
Yes
Best Season
Apr–Oct
Reservations
None — first-come
Max Length
22 ft
Highlights
- ▶ 12 sites at 6,800 ft in the Magdalena Mountains — closest NF camping to the Very Large Array (VLA) radio telescopes (~30 mi, worth the detour)
- ▶ Exceptionally dark skies; one of the least light-polluted zones in the continental US
- ▶ Roadrunners, hummingbirds, and occasional coatimundis; connects naturally with the Quebradas Byway below
Planning Notes
Call Magdalena Ranger District (575-854-2281) to confirm gate and road conditions before arrival — the final 500 ft may be rough for larger rigs; a 16 ft trailer should manage but verify. No water at sites — pack everything in. 22 ft practical limit.
Contact: (575) 854-2281
Always call ahead to confirm conditions, closures, and road accessibility.