Kevin G
August 3, 2026
Great location with plenty of trails.
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Featured amenities
Parking
Restrooms
About Doc Long Picnic Sites - a and B
Doc Long Picnic Sites are named for Dr. William Henry Long. He was one of three forest pathologists in the USA who conducted pioneering research of tree diseases. Two picnic areas are available for reservation at this site.
Doc Long, worked in New Mexico from 1910 through the 1930s. Doc lived in a cabin on the site where the "furthest set", rustic log pavilion is now. The original pavilion and picnic ground were constructed in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, also known as the CCC. Their base camp was located a short distance down State Road 536 and is now owned by the Boy Scouts of America. Pavilions A and B were added later and are adjacent to the road next to the small playing field.
The Civilian Conservation Corps has a rich history and lasting presence throughout the Sandia Mountains. In their honor, we ask that you take extra care to "leave no trace" when you visit. Please note that there is no overnight camping at Doc Long.
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
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Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Parking
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Water and Hygiene
- Restrooms
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- Parking
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Reviews
18 reviews
Summary
Doc Long Picnic Sites A and B offer a great location with scenic views and plenty of trails, making it ideal for celebrations. The area is well-maintained, with reservations clearly posted, ensuring privacy for events. Visitors appreciated the quiet atmosphere and the attentive service from the ranger, contributing to a perfect experience.
Based on guest feedback
3.7
Overall rating
Based on 18 reviews
5 stars
38.9% (7)
4 stars
33.3% (6)
3 stars
5.6% (1)
2 stars
5.6% (1)
1 star
16.7% (3)
Showing 18 reviews
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NINA M
June 27, 2026
The area is really nice and quiet. It was the perfect place for a celebration. All of the guests enjoyed the scenic views and trails
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Ellen S
May 30, 2026
The area was clear and they have your reservation posted so no one else uses the area.
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Danielle M
August 31, 2025
I had my wedding here. It was absolutely perfect. I was a little worried with it being so close to the road, but the sound of cars could not be heard. The location is prime.
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Robert L
May 31, 2025
Picnic site was well maintained. The ranger was there when we arrived and he took great care in ensuring that everything was clean and ready for use. Great site for a gathering.
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Karyn K
September 2, 2023
The picnic site is great, very much enjoyed this. But the restroom facilities were disgusting and we could even smell them from picnic site B. Please consider improving this part of the facilities. Thank you.
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Stephanie O
July 29, 2023
I reserved this spot for my baby shower 3 weeks in advanced, and when I arrived there was people already when I got there. I told them nicely I had reserved this spot 3 weeks ago and showed them my reservation confirmation email and they refused to leave. I tried calling rangers but office was closed. The people left 45mins later but left the spot very dirty. I feel as if when someone reserves these spots, they should put names so that people could know not to set up there.
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Kevin B
July 23, 2023
The site is very nice and what we were looking for. The problem is with the reservation information. The sites are not marked clearly so it is confusing on which site you reserve. When we arrived somone was already in the site we reserved so we ended up in the site we did not really want. The other group showed up earlier than was noted for check in. I would also recommend having some Rangers on duty for the weekends.
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Lisa H
September 9, 2022
We took 48 students from the West side of ABQ. They had a great time!!!
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Rita J
August 21, 2022
A small wedding and lunch was held here. A beautiful site and a lovely day. Our only complaint was that the site was rather dirty and while free of litter, did have quite a few cigarette butts. Covered the tables and some of the benches and had a wonderful time.
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Location & Directions for Doc Long Picnic Sites - a and B
Sandia Ranger Station, Tijeras, NM 87059 United States
Getting There
From Albuquerque drive east on I-40 to Exit 175, proceed north toward Cedar Crest, on State Highway 14 approximately 6 mi to Scenic Byway 536. Go just over a mile west on Scenic Byway 536 to the picnic site and look for signage on your left. Group...
From Albuquerque drive east on I-40 to Exit 175, proceed north toward Cedar Crest, on State Highway 14 approximately 6 mi to Scenic Byway 536. Go just over a mile west on Scenic Byway 536 to the picnic site and look for signage on your left. Group sites are in the two covered areas adjacent to the road.
Highway access
Doc Long Picnic Sites is accessible from Interstate 40 via Exit 175, approximately 6 miles south on State Highway 14, and then about 1 mile west on Scenic Byway 536.
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
Check in time
11AM
Check out time
10PM
General
- Please note: You must make two separate bookings for site A and B if you want to reserve both. Please verify the site you have reserved when checking out.
- To ensure an enjoyable stay for the next visitor, please make sure to place ALL trash in the trash cans provided and leave the site as clean as you found it.
- It is recommended for visitors to make a reservation at least 48 hours in advance to give staff notice to prepare the site prior for your arrival. If reserved within 48 hours of arrival, site preparations will be subject to staffing availability.
- Please note: there are no grills available at Doc Long Sites A and B, please bring your own grill if needed.
- Water and electricity, firewood /charcoal are not available at the site. You may notice water spigots at this site, however the water lines were retired in the mid-2000 due to difficulties with freezing pipes, therefore, bring your own water.
- Accessible vault toilets and bear proof trash receptacles are provided. Please use appropriate containers for food and garbage. Food Storage Keeping You and Bears Safe More about Bears and Food
- Please do not park in front of any gates. They must be accessible at all times. times.
- Each reservation comes with ten (10) day use parking passes which should be validated by visibly displaying proof of reservation on the dashboard of vehicles by printing the reservation confirmation ahead of time. Any vehicles associated with the party but exceed the limit (10) or do not possess valid proof of reservation confirmation will be subject to the $5 day use fee. Any questions call the Sandia Ranger Station beforehand at (505) 281-3304. Sandia Ranger Station is open Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
- Additional dispersed picnic sites, which do not require a reservation, are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Prevent Bug Kill. Obtain firewood near your destination and burn it on-site: Don't Move Fire Wood
- Click here for more information about the Cibola National Forest & Grasslands
- Area Trail Map: Cienega, Sulphur, Doc Long map
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Last updated: October 7, 2026
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Explore Tijeras, NM
Population: 524
Nearby city: Rio Rancho, NM
Approx. 16 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 6,293 ft
Tijeras, NM
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service