The Gila Wilderness area houses Gila Hot Springs Campground, a private facility that operates year-round along the Gila River. This forested campground sits down a quarter-mile gravel road with a steep descent that requires advance scouting for larger RVs, though the maximum length allowed is 20 feet anyway.
Twelve level sites spread along the riverbank under large cottonwood trees, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. The campground's main draw centers on three natural hot spring pools, each about two feet deep and capable of holding half a dozen people. "No food or booze allowed in the springs, which keeps things pacific and relaxing," notes Vidalia S.. Pool temperatures get adjusted seasonally for comfort, and clothing becomes optional after dark.
Access requires navigating 30 miles of winding mountain roads with tight turns, all paved except the final approach. The remote location means limited cell service and no electrical hookups, though drinking water flows from natural springs on-site. Composting toilets serve the campground, but no dump station exists. Campers can explore the nearby Gila Cliff Dwellings, just 15 minutes away, or use the springs as a base for canyon hiking throughout the wilderness.
Reservations run $12 per person per night with unlimited hot spring access, and advance booking through email is strongly recommended. The hosts maintain a welcoming atmosphere for the small groups they accommodate. For RVers needing full hookups, Gila Hot Springs Ranch sits just across the road. Firewood is available for purchase, and the springs provide a natural gathering spot for swapping travel stories with fellow campers.
Description
Gila Hot Springs Campground is a private business owned by Allen and Carla Campbell. It offers camping and natural hot spring pools beside the Gila River in southwest New Mexico. We are located 40 miles north of Silver City and about 4 miles from the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. Our area is surrounded by the Gila Wilderness and the larger Gila National Forest.
PLEASE NOTE! We are NOT an RV campground. We have no hookups. Small self-contained RV ONLY.
The hot springs campground has three pools with natural rock perimeters and gravel bottoms. Each pool has its own personality and temperature so you are sure to find one that pleases you. The normal temperature of the pools is between 101º and 104ºF.
There are twelve camping areas spaced for privacy and are located around shade trees. Small self-contained campers and trailers are welcome (must be less than 20 feet long) but few sites can accommodate them. No hookups are available.
Toilet facilities (composting) and drinking water is available. We do not provide electricity or trash containers, and there are no bathing or shower facilities. The pools are NOT for bathing.
There are water faucets for cold and hot potable water next to the “dragon spout”, in the pool area. The hot spring water coming out of the dragon spout is 140ºF. Do not wash your dishes there, carry the water to your campsite.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsGila Hot Springs Campground is located in New Mexico near Gila National Forest
Directions
Located about 40 miles north of Silver City, New Mexico and four miles south of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. Traveling eastbound, the best route will be from I-25. From the south, the best route will most likely be from I-10.From Silver City: Take State HWY 15 north from Silver City. Although it is only 39 miles from Silver City, the travel time is approximately two hours because of the twisting and winding roads through mountain terrain. Another option from Silver City is along MN HWY 35 which goes through Mimbres Valley. Even though this route is a bit longer, it will not have the same winding roads as HWY 15, something to consider if you have a trailer or RV.
Coordinates
33.19634811 N
108.20507075 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 46 min from Las Cruces, NM
- 3 hrs 28 min from El Paso, TX
- 4 hrs 1 min from Sierra Vista, AZ
- 4 hrs 28 min from Albuquerque, NM


















