Lobo Canyon Campsite Grants NM
Boondocking Location
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Grants, New Mexico GPS: 35.20367, -107.71503 Elevation: 7437′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – USDA Forest Service (Official) (505) 287-8833 This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
Lobo Canyon Campsite Grants NM boondocking location: The road in is Paved. Lobo Canyon Campground is open. You may stay at Lobo Canyon Campground.
Drive North from the Forest Service office approximately 8 miles on Lobo Canyon Road (SR 547). Turn right onto Forest Road 193 and continue past the Lobo Canyon Volunteer Fire Department to the campground entrance on the left
The campground is located 10 miles northeast of Grants at an elevation of approximately 7,437 feet. Ponderosa pine, pinon, and juniper trees provide shade and some privacy for visitors. There is a group picnic area that was built in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
Remember to pay attention to road conditions and your vehicle’s abilities before driving off of the main road. Mt. Taylor is sacred to American Indians. Please respect their beliefs during your visit.
About This Location
Looking for a quiet spot to boondock near Grants, New Mexico? Lobo Canyon might be just what you need. It sits about 10 miles northeast of Grants at around 7,437 feet, tucked under ponderosa pine, pinon, and juniper trees. The shade here is honestly a relief, especially if you’re escaping the lower desert heat. It’s a laid-back base for camping or off-grid stays.
You’ll get more than just a place to park your rig. Lobo Canyon Campsite Grants NM boondocking location puts you close to hiking trails and ATV routes, all with those classic New Mexico mountain views—Mt. Taylor stands out in the distance. It’s simple, outdoorsy, and usually not crowded.
Location And Access
Lobo Canyon Campsite Grants NM boondocking location lies roughly 10 miles northeast of Grants, New Mexico, inside the Cibola National Forest, about 7,437 feet up. You’ll get cooler temps than you would down in the desert flats.
The land’s dotted with ponderosa pine, pinon, and juniper, so you’re not just plopped in the open. The views of Mt. Taylor are pretty great, and the terrain’s mostly mountainous.
You get to Lobo Canyon Campsite Grants NM boondocking location by dirt roads that most regular vehicles can handle, but things can get messy after a rain or snow. Always check the latest road and weather reports before heading out.
Cell coverage is spotty at best, so don’t count on your phone. Bring your own water and supplies—there’s nothing close by for restocking.
You’ll find hiking and ATV trails weaving around Lobo Canyon. If you’re itching to get into the forest or up in the hills, you’ll have plenty of trails to pick from.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 10 miles NE of Grants, NM |
| Elevation | Approx. 7,437 feet |
| Vegetation | Ponderosa pine, pinon, juniper |
| Road Type | Dirt roads, generally accessible |
| Services | Limited, bring your own supplies |
Directions: How To Get There And What To Expect
To get to Lobo Canyon Campsite Grants NM boondocking location, start at the Forest Service office in Grants. Head north on Lobo Canyon Road (SR 547) for about 8 miles. Hang a right onto Forest Road 193, then just keep going past the main Lobo Canyon Picnic Ground.
The road’s mostly dirt, sometimes rough. It’s really best if your vehicle has a bit of clearance—nothing crazy, but you’ll appreciate it. Just follow the signs for camping and boondocking spots. If you’re using GPS, punch in 35.2036, -107.7151 to get close.
When you roll in, expect a quiet, dispersed camping vibe—no hookups, no real facilities, just open space and trees. There’s plenty of room to set up away from the main picnic area.
No marked campsites, so pick a spot that works for you, off the main drag. No running water, no trash bins, and your phone probably won’t work. Bring what you need, and plan to pack everything out.
A quick breakdown:
| Road Segment | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Forest Service Office to Lobo Canyon Road SR 547 | 8 miles | Main access route |
| Lobo Canyon Rd to Forest Road 193 | Short distance | Dirt roads, rough in places |
| Camping Area near GPS coordinates | Varies | Dispersed spots, no amenities |
If rain’s in the forecast, check road conditions before heading out.
Amenities And Activities
At Lobo Canyon Campsite Grants NM boondocking location, you’ll find basic amenities—think picnic tables and a BBQ grill, nothing fancy. There are vault toilets, but not many, so plan accordingly.
Tent camping is welcome, and the season usually runs from mid-May to mid-September. There are some accessibility features, which is nice if you need them. It’s usually pretty quiet, not a lot of traffic.
You’ve got hiking and ATV trails right nearby—plenty of ways to explore the forest and the mountains. Mt. Taylor’s a solid backdrop for any hike or ride. Bring your bike or ATV, or just wander on foot.
Grants is only about 12 minutes away, so you’re not completely cut off from civilization. Easy enough to run into town for supplies if you forgot something. Whether you just want to chill or get out and explore, Lobo Canyon keeps things simple.
Camping Regulations And Restrictions
Camping at Lobo Canyon Campsite Grants NM boondocking location comes with a few rules to protect the area and keep things running smoothly. There’s a 14-day limit on stays, which keeps the rotation fair for everyone.
No trailers allowed in the campground. It helps keep the land in better shape and the vibe a little more rustic. Groups can’t go over 20 people—again, it’s about keeping the place from getting overrun.
You won’t find water here, so bring more than you think you’ll need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
The toilets are vault style—basic, but they do the job. Pack out all your trash and leave your site clean.
If you’re driving, stick to the marked Forest Roads. Motorized vehicles aren’t allowed to go cross-country; it’s about protecting the land and the critters that call it home.
Camp only in designated areas, and try to avoid pitching your tent near fragile plants or wildlife habitats. Always check posted signs and follow Forest Service guidelines while you’re there.
Leave No Trace
When you camp or boondock at Lobo Canyon Campsite Grants NM boondocking location, do your part to protect the natural beauty out here. Follow the Leave No Trace principles. Pack out everything you bring in—trash, leftover food, wrappers, all of it. Seriously, don’t leave a trace.
Keep campfires small. Only use designated fire areas if they’re open. Always drown your fire and check it’s cold before you leave. Please don’t cut live trees or pick plants; the landscape needs all its green.
Stick to established roads and campsites. Driving off-road chews up plants and wrecks the soil. Just follow the marked paths—it’s better for everyone.
Give wildlife space. Watch them from a distance, but don’t feed them or leave any food behind. Animals stay healthier that way, and honestly, it’s safer for you too.
If nature calls, use a portable toilet or dig a hole about 6–8 inches deep. Cover it well. Try to pack out your toilet paper in a sealed bag—yeah, it’s not glamorous, but it matters.
Key Leave No Trace tips:
| Action | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Trash | Pack out all garbage |
| Campfire | Use designated fire areas only |
| Vehicles | Stay on existing roads and trails |
| Wildlife | Watch but do not feed |
| Waste | Bury properly or pack out |
That’s pretty much it. Enjoy Lobo Canyon Campsite Grants NM boondocking location, but try to leave it looking like you were never there.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| BBQ Grill Picnic Tables |
RV Camping Tent Camping Hiking ATV Wildlife Viewing |
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