Doc Long Picnic Sites - a and B

Shared pavillion
Picnic area in the trees
this is a picture of picnic tables at Doc Long
Doc Long information board
this is a picture of the two pavilions as Doc Long

Featured amenities

Parking Parking
Restrooms 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

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
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Currently open - May 15 to Oct 15

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking Parking
Restrooms Restrooms
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Restrooms
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking
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Reviews (18)

What Guests Are Saying

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.

Review Summary

3.7
18 reviews
5
38.9%
7
4
33.3%
6
3
5.6%
1
2
5.6%
1
1
16.7%
3

SERGIO A

January 10, 2020

4

Nice Place

Bernadette G

July 5, 2021

4

Thank you! We enjoyed out time there. It was raining that evening but we were able to stay dry under the big cover.

Reuben E

July 13, 2021

4

👍

Karyn K

August 8, 2021

2

We paid $60 to reserve Doc Long Picnic Grounds A and B for the whole day. When we arrived at 10:30 am, another family was using site A--when I mentioned we had reserved both A & B, they showed us their receipt for site A too! The place was double-booked. When I called the Ranger for assistance, we got no answer, no response, no help. We had to settle for just site B for the day. VERY DISAPPOINTING.

Toby T

August 8, 2021

4

The Doc Long picnic area is fantastic…a perfect backdrop to our Scouting events.

Keri N

September 12, 2021

1

Pretty place, no one adheres to rules as far as reserved spots/ parking passes.

Joshua T

October 25, 2021

5

it was great

Karen P

May 3, 2022

1

I read in some of the previous comments that people had trouble with their site being doubled booked. Unfortunately for my group, this was the also the case. It almost turned into a war between our groups until my group decided to go ahead and move to some picnic tables farther up the trail. We paid for the spot and did not get to use it. I believe the main problem is that each receipt says that you have "Doc Long Picnic Sites A And B". It even says that on the email I received to rate my experience. I only reserved spot A, I suspect the other people only reserved spot B, but with the reservation documents saying Doc Long Picnic Sites A and B, there is too much confusion. This needs to be changed!

Rita J

August 21, 2022

4

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.

Lisa H

September 9, 2022

5

We took 48 students from the West side of ABQ. They had a great time!!!

Location Doc Long Picnic Sites - a and B

Address:
Sandia Ranger Station
Tijeras, NM, 87059
United States

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.

Distance to downtown

8.6 mi drive to downtown Tijeras (about 14 min)

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

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: August 24, 2026

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