The weekend of April 9th - 11th, the New Mexico Chapter of the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA) is holding a volunteer event on the Kiowa National Grassland to do important project work for the district. Over 30 BHA volunteers are attending to help improve wildlife habitat connectivity for pronghorn by modifying the bottom wire of fences.
The volunteer group will gather and camp at the Mills Rim Campground from April 9th – 11th.
Sites at the Mills Rim Campground will be limited for visitors during this weekend due to reservations for event volunteers.
Important Note to Campers: Visitors who are not a part of the volunteer event on April 9th - 11th should consider camping at sites other than the Mills Rim Campground, such as the Mills Canyon Campground or dispersed camping.
Is it open? For the latest information on what is open, check our website, or call the Ranger District. Visit less popular areas and discover somewhere new. Many maps are available on our website to assist you.
Is there a fee? Some developed recreation sites, such as campgrounds and day use areas, charge fees. Now you can purchase your day use pass for fee sites ahead of time! Find out more on our Recreation Passes Page.
How can I be a good steward? Some areas have reduced services; be prepared for no trash service or closed restrooms. Pack out your trash and if restroom facilities are unavailable, follow these best practices
What about Covid? Visitors are reminded to follow local public health guidelines regarding social distancing and to obey group size limits and other restrictions set under State law when visiting the Cibola.
The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands are located in New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma and are part of the Southwestern Region.
The Cibola National Forest covers more than 1.6 million acres in New Mexico, with elevations ranging from 2,700 feet to over 11,300 feet. We have four ranger districts: Sandia, Mountainair, Magdalena, and Mt. Taylor. In addition, the Cibola has four wilderness areas: Sandia Mountain, Manzano Mountain, Withington, and Apache Kid.
The Cibola also administers four National Grasslands: Black Kettle, McClellan Creek, Kiowa, and Rita Blanca, which cover 263,261 acres in northeastern New Mexico, western Oklahoma, and northern Texas.
Planning to visit the Cibola? Now you can purchase your day use pass on line! Save the hassle of finding cash for the fee envelope and instead purchase a digital pass through our partner, Recreation.gov. This pass can be used for all sites that charge a day use fee on Sandia Ranger District, and at Lake McClellan on Black Kettle Ranger District. Purchase your pass ahead of time or directly at the site when you visit; your license plate will be used to verify your purchase.
This fall on the Mountainair RD this FSYC crew prepared areas for prescribed burns and implementation, recreation site upgrades and performed trail work across the Mountainair Ranger District.