Tent campsites near Arenas Valley, New Mexico range from accessible valley spots to secluded mountain locations at elevations between 5,500 and 7,500 feet. The region experiences typical high desert climate with significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, especially at higher elevations. Seasonal creeks flow through many camping areas after spring snowmelt and summer monsoon rains, creating temporary water features.
What to do
Fishing at Lake Roberts: The 74-acre lake provides opportunities for fishing, paddleboarding, and relaxation. A camper reported, "This lake is great for paddle boarding, relaxing and taking in the views." The lake is stocked with trout and other fish species, making it popular among anglers.
Bird watching in riparian areas: The Gila Lower Box Canyon offers exceptional bird watching from unique vantage points. One visitor described it as "one of New Mexico's truest oases" where you can "sit on the edge of the cliffs, 20-30 feet above the tops of the cottonwoods and watch all the bird activity below." Morning hours between 6-9am are optimal for bird sightings.
Hiking the Continental Divide Trail: Rocky Canyon Campground provides direct access to the Continental Divide Trail. A reviewer noted it's "right on the continental divide trail" but warns that access requires "4wheel drive, motorcycle or atv" as the "forest service road gets pretty rough."
What campers like
Quiet, small campgrounds: Many campers appreciate the limited number of sites at locations like Railroad Canyon Campground, which creates a more secluded experience. A reviewer described it as a "very nice location to camp at" with "restrooms picnic tables, flat surface ground for RVs" and noted that "the water stream is very satisfying to view while relaxing away from town or city life."
Abundant wildlife viewing: Campers report seeing diverse wildlife beyond just birds. At Gila Lower Box Canyon, one camper mentioned you can "watch bands of coatimundis grazing through the bosque," but cautions visitors to "watch out for rattlesnakes and Gila monsters during the warmer months."
Free camping options: Kingston Campground provides no-cost tent camping with basic amenities. A visitor called it a "free place in a cute town" that serves as a good alternative "if the mountains are cold." The campground features vault toilets and limited sites near a seasonal creek.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to remote camping areas often requires high-clearance vehicles. One camper at Rocky Canyon noted the road "gets pretty rough" and recommended "definitely tents only."
Seasonal considerations: Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F at lower elevations, while higher elevation sites remain cooler. Winter brings below-freezing temperatures at night across the region. A camper at Kingston Campground shared that it "gets cold in the winter, but it is a nice place when the weather is too cold to go further up the mountains to other campgrounds in the Gila."
Campfire restrictions: Fire regulations vary seasonally and by location. At Black Canyon Campground - Lower, a visitor noted that "no campfires are currently permitted except for in designated metal fire pits maintained by the forest service" and speculated this is "probably the norm throughout the summer in the Gila" due to wildfire risk.
Water availability: Most campgrounds lack reliable drinking water. At Lower Scorpion Campground, a reviewer mentioned "water is available" but many other locations require bringing all water needed.
Tips for camping with families
KOA option for amenities: For families wanting more facilities, Silver City KOA offers more amenities than forest service sites. One family noted it was "super clean" and that staff were "super kind, knowledgeable and friendly. They even brought me wood."
Creek exploration for children: Several campgrounds feature small creeks that children can explore safely. At Kingston Campground, the "small creek bed has nice water depending on the time of year," making it suitable for wading during spring and early summer.
Weather preparation: Temperature swings of 30+ degrees between day and night are common. A camper at Black Canyon shared that "it even hailed on us hard one day" despite camping in August, recommending "wool socks and sleeping bags" for nighttime comfort.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access at forest sites: Most forest service campgrounds accommodate only small RVs or trailers, if any. At Lower Scorpion Campground, a reviewer explained why larger units are discouraged: "The campground is a small parking lot surrounded by walk-in campsites. If you are tenting it, a beautiful place!"
Site surfaces and leveling: Most tent camping areas have minimal site preparation. At Kingston Campground, a visitor noted they "tent camp, but I think you'd be able to park a small camper or trailer" though level spots are limited.
Generator policies: Forest service campgrounds generally prohibit generators, creating quieter environments. One camper observed that at some locations "people were running generators which were pretty loud," highlighting the importance of checking campground policies.
