Manzano State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Manzano State Park covers 160 acres in the heart of New Mexico along the Manzano Mountains’ eastern slope and is one of the smaller parks in the state. This area is included in the Manzano Mountain Wilderness Area and the Cibola National Forest, which protects more than 1.6 million acres. Nearby mountain peaks that are visible from some vantage points in the state park reach more than 10,000 feet, including Manzano Peak. Throughout this small park, you may find juniper, maple, and pine trees, which produce bright foliage in the fall and attract wildlife throughout the year.
Spring 36-79 F
Summer 61-91 F
Fall 34-82 F
Winter 26-54 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Manzano State Park
Manzano State Park has 31 developed campsites, including nine campsites with 30-amp hookups. One of the campsites is handicap accessible. The maximum RV length is 50 feet, and the maximum occupancy is seven people. All sites have picnic tables, unpaved pads, and either partial or full shade. The many trees in the campground provide privacy and buffer sounds from other campers. Community water spigots and vault toilets are in the campground. The trailheads for the Outer Loop Trail and the Wildfire Trail are located in the campground.
What to Do at
Manzano State Park
Manzano State Park’s small size and remoteness make it ideal for a quiet getaway in the ruggedly beautiful terrain in the heart of New Mexico. Campers can take advantage of several scenic hiking and mountain biking trails, including an interpretive trail. Wildlife is abundant in the park, and many species of birds, mammals, and reptiles may be observed close to the campground and along hiking trails. Because of the excellent scenery and wildlife, Manzano State Park is a great spot for photography.
Nature Watching
Because of the expansive wilderness surrounding Manzano State Park, wildlife is abundant here. Notably, it is a migratory route for hawks. Other animals that may be spotted are mountain lions, bobcats, foxes, wild turkeys, kingsnakes, night snakes, racers, milksnakes, pronghorn sheep, black bear, elk, and mule deer.
Flora and Fauna
The landscape at Manzano State Park is marked by tall trees, including ponderosa pines, bigtooth maples, and pinyon pines. Birds that you may observe seasonally are flycatchers, warblers, falcons, finches, thrashers, hummingbirds, nuthatches, and buntings. Smaller mammals that may spot are rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, prairie dogs, gophers, porcupines, voles, ringtails, skunks, and shrews.
Hiking
The hiking and interpretive trails at Manzano State Park cover 3.5 miles, and all are well-maintained. The Manzano Mountain Outer Loop takes you on an easy, 2-mile trek through the woods. The Manzano Mountain Nature Trail and the Wildfire Trail are shorter paths that also have an easy rating.
Stargazing
Regardless of which season you visit Manzano State Park, you can take advantage of the area's low level of light pollution for optimal stargazing. Some campsites have thick foliage and are not suitable for stargazing. When reserving your campsite, pay attention to the shade description if you plan to enjoy the night sky on your camping trip.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking at Manzano State Park is enjoyable thanks to the wide trails, gentle grades, and low foot traffic. The trails are suitable for mountain biking. Biking is also permitted on the roads throughout the park.
How to Get to
Manzano State Park
Manzano State Park is easy to access from Albuquerque. This is a scenic route that takes you by the eastern slope of the Manzano Mountains. From Albuquerque, travel west on Interstate 40. In Tijeras, turn south on Route 337. This road eventually comes to a dead end at Route 55. Turn right on Route 55, and follow it through the small town of Manzano. On the other side of Manzano, turn right on Route 131 and then right again on Road 8062. This leads you directly to the park’s entrance.
Entering Manzano State Park
Manzano State Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Parking is available at the park’s entrance.
Manzano State Park Entry Fee per vehicle : $5.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Manzano State Park
Manzano State Park is a year-round destination, but local weather conditions generally include hot, dry summers and cold winters. Spring and fall often have mild temperatures. Because of the beautiful fall foliage, this is the best time to visit the park.
This state park is home to mammals such as pronghorn sheep, mountain lions, mule deer, black bear, elk and skunks. Other species you might spot during your visit include shrews, wild turkeys, kingsnakes, milksnakes, falcons, finches, thrashers, flycatchers, chickadees, skunks, ringtails, voles, porcupines, gophers, prairie dogs, chipmunks, hummingbirds, bobcats, foxes, squirrels, rabbits, buntings, nuthatches, warblers, and flycatchers.
All camping spots in Manzano State Park can be used for tent and RV camping.
Manzano State Park accepts reservations, but reservations are not required. The nightly rate is $8, and there is no reservation fee.
Manzano State Park welcomes visitors with pets. Pets should be leashed at all times.