Tent campsites near Buckhorn, New Mexico spread across the Gila National Forest region at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 feet. The area experiences dramatic temperature swings throughout the year, with summer daytime highs often reaching 90°F while dropping below 60°F at night. Primitive camping locations predominate in this region, with most sites accessible via forest roads that require careful navigation.
What to do
Hiking along streams: At Black Canyon Campground - Lower, visitors can access trails beside running water, creating opportunities for wildlife viewing. "There are many birds in the area, and the sounds of a running stream is peaceful," notes camper Mark O.
Hot springs exploration: The natural thermal features near Lower Scorpion Campground offer unique outdoor experiences. One camper shared their experience: "Just a short hike from the visitor's center are a series of hot springs. The first spring is really just a trickle and can only be found by touch moving through the stream."
Fishing at local lakes: Lake Roberts provides fishing opportunities with accessible shorelines. A visitor mentioned, "Stayed here July 12-14, 2019. There were quite a few sites available late Friday afternoon. Short walk to lake. Very well kept. Saw several deer and caught a few fish."
Birdwatching: The diverse habitats throughout Gila National Forest create prime birdwatching conditions. At Gila Lower Box Canyon, a camper observed: "Being a birders paradise, it's a very unique experience to sit on the edge of the cliffs, 20-30 feet above the tops of the cottonwoods and watch all the bird activity below."
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: Many campers highlight unexpected animal sightings around Buckhorn camping areas. At Gila Lower Box Canyon, visitors appreciate the biodiversity: "You can also watch bands of coatimundis grazing through the bosque. Watch out for rattlesnakes and Gila monsters during the warmer months though."
Peaceful settings: The remote nature of camping options around Buckhorn creates quiet experiences valued by visitors. A camper at Rocky Canyon noted: "This camp site is off a forest service road that gets pretty rough. Definitely tents only. Recommend that you have 4wheel drive, motorcycle or atv. Right on the continental divide trail. Very quiet."
Water features: Streams, lakes and springs enhance the camping experience at many sites. At Rocky Canyon Campground, a visitor appreciated: "Area is quiet, and road can get rough for low clearance, non 4WD vehicles. Very quiet, and a nice little mountain stream running through it."
Dark skies: The minimal light pollution around Buckhorn camping areas creates exceptional stargazing opportunities. Many sites sit at higher elevations with unobstructed views of night skies that reveal the Milky Way on clear nights.
What you should know
Temperature variations: The significant day-to-night temperature differences require preparation. At Black Canyon Campground, one camper advised: "Nights here are cool. You can plan for at least a 30 degree delta between daytime high and nighttime low."
Road conditions: Access to many Buckhorn area campsites requires navigating unpaved roads. For Willow Creek, a camper cautioned: "Beautiful views and a cool windmill on a dry creek bed. Road up is very sketchy! Single lane on a cliff, glad we didn't pass a car on the way up or back down."
Seasonal fire restrictions: Wildfire danger significantly affects camping practices. A reviewer noted at Black Canyon: "No campfires are currently permitted except for in designated metal fire pits maintained by the forest service. Just a guess, but this is probably the norm throughout the summer in the Gila."
Limited facilities: Most tent camping locations near Buckhorn offer minimal amenities. At Lower Scorpion, a camper observed: "Quiet, free, small campground. No individual marked sites. Paved parking lot with wooded area. Water is available and clean pit toilet."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose areas with natural features that engage children. At Owl Creek Campground, families can enjoy exploring: "There's a small hiking trail to a bridge that leads to the day use area and along the creek. We saw some coatimundi and lots of evidence of other wildlife!"
Water activities: Lake locations provide swimming and boating opportunities during warmer months. At Lake Roberts, a camper shared: "This was my first experience in a boat, and the lake was a perfect place to learn. Had such an amazing experience with my family."
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds offer chances to observe desert and forest wildlife. At Owl Creek, visitors report regular sightings of diverse creatures alongside established campsites with shelter structures.
Weather preparation: Pack for variable conditions regardless of season. A camper at Black Canyon shared: "We visited Black Canyon last August on our way to Colorado and stayed two nights. It is cool at night, even in August, due to the elevation. We were so cozy in our wool socks and sleeping bags in a tent."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most camping areas near Buckhorn have restrictions on large vehicles. A visitor to Silver City KOA mentioned: "Very friendly staff and owner. I've steered clear of KOA before but will check them out after this visit. Very quite stay and spots were very nice."
Alternative accommodations: Some locations offer cabin options for those seeking more protection from temperature swings. A Silver City KOA guest noted: "Great place to stay on the way out of town if on the way to get on CDR. Stayed in camping cabin. Can Uber to town if needed. Clean all heating worked."
Generator considerations: Remote campsites may have specific rules about generator usage. Some areas like Lower Scorpion prohibit generators while others permit them with restrictions regarding quiet hours.
Road clearance requirements: Many access routes require higher clearance vehicles. One camper evaluating Lower Scorpion observed: "We didn't actually stay there but leaving this review to explain why RVs and camper vans are discouraged. The campground is a small parking lot surrounded by walk-in campsites."
