SERGIO A
January 10, 2020
Nice Place
Helpful
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
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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
Sort by: Oldest First
Bernadette G
July 5, 2021
Thank you! We enjoyed out time there. It was raining that evening but we were able to stay dry under the big cover.
Helpful
Reuben E
July 13, 2021
👍
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Karyn K
August 8, 2021
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.
Helpful
Toby T
August 8, 2021
The Doc Long picnic area is fantastic…a perfect backdrop to our Scouting events.
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Keri N
September 12, 2021
Pretty place, no one adheres to rules as far as reserved spots/ parking passes.
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Joshua T
October 25, 2021
it was great
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Karen P
May 3, 2022
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!
Helpful
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.
Helpful
Lisa H
September 9, 2022
We took 48 students from the West side of ABQ. They had a great time!!!
Helpful
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