7 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Gila Hot Springs Ranch near Cliff, New Mexico accommodates equestrians with multiple camping options. The property features horse-friendly RV sites with water and electric hookups. Campers can arrange pack trips on horses to explore the backcountry areas of Gila National Forest, and the ranch offers trail rides for less experienced riders. The campground sits on a working ranch where guests observe horses that occasionally roam through the camping areas. The steep grade access road with switchbacks requires careful navigation for vehicles pulling horse trailers.
Located within the Gila National Forest region, the ranch provides access to numerous riding trails. Mornings typically see temperatures in the 30s before warming quickly during the day, making layered clothing essential for riders. The natural setting includes views of sheep and horses grazing in nearby pastures, particularly at sunset when deer can be spotted hopping fences. The ranch's location near the Gila National Monument offers excellent trail access for day rides. Visitors must be prepared for mountain terrain and should check seasonal conditions before traveling with horses. Horse owners traveling through this region should call ahead to confirm current horse policies as amenities and rules may change seasonally.
"Short walk to lake. Very well kept. Saw several deer and caught a few fish. Definitely worth the drive from Albuquerque"
"This is a great spot to launch your boat into the lake. The launch has bathrooms and even a fish washing station!
Be sure to check out the tree covered in lures next to the launch."
"There is a short walk to the natural hot springs down by the river which is really rustic and relaxing."
"Must be prepared for a very steep grade drive with switchbacks. Beautiful scenery with sheep and horses."
from $6 - $29 / night
Check Availability"This is a campground right next to the dispersed camp. It looked like only tents were in this part of the park."
"We camped upstream of the lake in a shallow valley with a dirt road leading to the site/area. We could walk to the lake and across the dam to explore the creek behind it."
"You'll find dispersed campsites with fire-rings all along the edges of the road and on spur forest roads sprouting from it."
"When you turn off Highway 61, you go through a gate. There are multiple pull-outs along the road. Great views, desert terrain. I have good cell service, and my home fi hot spot is working great."
ScoutTried to camp here and drove in late. There’s two entrances to this area per Google Maps. Both entrances had gates that both said New Mexico State Park Boundary Line. Ended up having to find a hotel because there’s not many other places to camp in this area other than in the parks. Maybe try to look when it is brighter outside for a different entrance.
TravelerWe pulled right into our campsite with hot and cold water at our site. I believe they pull it from the natural hot springs that run beneath the mountain. What a treat! Even if you're not glam camping with a fancy RV it's perfect! How many times have you had to wash your dishes in cold water st a campground.
I pull a 37ft gooseneck horse trailer that is now used for camping. No amenities but next best thing to camping in a tent.
There is a short walk to the natural hot springs down by the river which is really rustic and relaxing. Especially after climbing the step to the cave/cliff dwellings which are approximately 4 mi further up the road.
The restrooms are flush toilets, hot water and a heated floor. Super clean! You can pay a small fee to utilize the "hot tub" which is more modern but the best part is that there's no ceiling! That means as you sit in the hot tub you're privy to the unobstructed view of the Milky Way! Bring a pair of binoculars! We saw several shooting stars and we blown away by the majesty of the heavens which were out "ceiling"!
You can get out of the hot tub, go directly into the restroom/shower. There's a code to enter the two shower/hot tub complex. Great because it keeps unexpected/uninvited guests from entering.
We parked at site #08 close to the restrooms. There are hookups for more luxurious RVs.
We ran out of propane and were easily accommodated with a fire ring and wood for a small fee. Well worth it! Mornings were in the 30's. It warms up quickly so layering worked for us.
The camp host were very accommodating and friendly.
I loved watching them round up their herd of horses that roam freely through the campground from time to time.
At sunset we watched deer in the pasture grazing happily. Then watched them hop right over the fence one by one! How fun is that!
Sunrise and sunsets there cast the most beautiful hues on the rock formations surrounding the area.
While walking down to the natural hot springs we were delighted to see sheep who had given birth to a couple sets of black & white faced twins! Too cute for words...
Bring a lunch as there are picnic tables next to the creek. Great after soaking in the three separate soaking areas.
I was told you could arrange pack trips on horses and explore any of the back country areas. This is love to return and take advantage of! As amazing as it is on foot and in the car it Hass to be mine blowing on the back of a horse! I was also told that they do trail rides for those less experienced riders.

GuideQuiet ranch in the mountains of Gila National Forest. Must be prepared for a very steep grade drive with switchbacks. Beautiful scenery with sheep and horses.
GuideThis site is just a relatively short turn-off road with a loop for turning around and a small, non-dedicated area for pitching a tent as far as I could tell. If you have a camper/RV/van, then it should work fine, but it’s not the best for tent camping. I made it work, but wasn’t super excited about it. Also, there was a bit of trash left behind when I was there, but it wasn’t necessarily a dump.
Getting to this spot was convenient since it is right off a paved road. There was a bit of car noise here and there, but it wasn’t bad. I heard coyotes singing nearby (from multiple directions) in the evening, but didn’t actually see any wildlife.
In all, it was alright. Not horrible, not great, just sufficient.
GuideNo facilities (it's boondocking) but beautiful! We camped upstream of the lake in a shallow valley with a dirt road leading to the site/area. We could walk to the lake and across the dam to explore the creek behind it. I slipped in the creek and dislocated my little finger on our second day, so that ended the trip for me. Had to drive to Reserve for medical help.
The area is open grassland with ponderosa pines scattered around in clumps. As you hike into the Wilderness Area (the first one designated as such) the forest gets thicker. Snow Lake is well-known for trout fishing, and people know this. We were there on Memorial Day and it was a bit crowded with fishermen.
There is an established campground there also (Dipping Vat) if you want a picnic table and grill, but we were all equipped for boondocking. High altitude means cold nights, so come prepared with all amenities self-contained, and all contingencies anticipated. (Like my dislocation!)
LegendThis is a campground right next to the dispersed camp. It looked like only tents were in this part of the park. When we were here there was some guys with DNR and they were cutting back all of the dead trees from a fire. The wood they cut was all around in stacks for campers to use while camping. The sites are clean and spread out with level spots for your tent. They have fire rings and tables. Pit toilets and garbage is also on site. The night sky is incredible and you can see the Milky Way. There is no cell service here. The road in is graveled but it is nice and no car or suv would have trouble navigating. There is a hiking trail head near the back of the campground. It is peaceful and relaxing here!
GuideStayed 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. Definitely worth the drive from Albuquerque
GuideThere are plenty of nice spots to camp along North Star Road, north of Mimbres, NM. You'll find dispersed campsites with fire-rings all along the edges of the road and on spur forest roads sprouting from it. North Star Road is usually well maintained and most vehicles should make it to at least North Star Mesa.
Nothing in terms of services and amenities, but nice hiking nearby. Very clear skies at night.
As always, please follow LNT principles when dispersed camping.
LegendThis isn’t a campground. It is a boat launch and picnic area. There are lots of no camping signs but if you travel east or west you can find two campgrounds.
This is a great spot to launch your boat into the lake. The launch has bathrooms and even a fish washing station!
Be sure to check out the tree covered in lures next to the launch.
The area to launch your boat is huge plenty of room to navigate down toward the water.
There is also a dock extending out over the water if you don’t have a boat.
The area was clean and had garbage bins.
Can’t camp here but there was plenty of other things to do.
Equestrian camping near Cliff, New Mexico offers riders access to the rugged terrain and diverse landscapes of the Gila National Forest. Elevations in this region range from 4,200 to over 10,000 feet, creating distinct microclimates and vegetation zones throughout the area. Most horse-friendly sites require advance planning for trailer access due to narrow forest roads and limited turnaround areas.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Roberts provides excellent trout fishing for equestrian campers looking to combine riding with angling. "This lake is great for paddle boarding, relaxing and taking in the views," notes Eva G. about Lake Roberts.
Hot springs soaking: After a day on horseback, campers can relax in natural thermal waters near several sites. At Gila Hot Springs Ranch, Linda C. reports, "Enjoyed relaxing in the hot springs which are very nice and easily accessible. Vault/compost toilet was clean but smelly as you'd expect while in it."
Stargazing: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing conditions for overnight campers. "As you sit in the hot tub you're privy to the unobstructed view of the Milky Way! Bring a pair of binoculars! We saw several shooting stars and were blown away by the majesty of the heavens," reports one visitor to the area.
Natural springs: The mineral-rich waters provide therapeutic benefits for riders and horses alike. Linda C. appreciates that the hot springs are "very nice and easily accessible" at Gila Hot Springs Ranch.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer prime opportunities to observe native species. Karen N. from Lake Roberts shares, "Saw several deer and caught a few fish. Definitely worth the drive from Albuquerque."
Remote campsites: North Star Mesa provides secluded options for equestrian campers seeking privacy. Jorge G. from North Star Mesa Dispersed Camping explains, "You'll find dispersed campsites with fire-rings all along the edges of the road and on spur forest roads sprouting from it."
Road conditions: Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles, particularly when pulling horse trailers. Michael D. from BLM Near City of Rocks advises, "When you turn off Highway 61, you go through a gate. There are multiple pull-outs along the road. Great views, desert terrain."
Temperature fluctuations: The mountain climate creates significant day-night temperature swings throughout the year. Dennis P. cautions, "High altitude means cold nights, so come prepared with all amenities self-contained, and all contingencies anticipated."
Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping areas require complete self-sufficiency. "Nothing in terms of services and amenities, but nice hiking nearby. Very clear skies at night," notes Jorge G. about North Star Mesa.
Generator restrictions: Many camping areas prohibit generator use to preserve the natural soundscape. Jessica M. observed at Lake Roberts that "people were running generators which were pretty loud" in established campgrounds where they're permitted.
Water activities: Lake Roberts provides family-friendly recreation beyond horseback riding. Irving C. recalls, "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."
Site selection: Choose locations with natural boundaries for younger children. Jonathan E. from Safari Campsite notes the practical aspects: "Getting to this spot was convenient since it is right off a paved road. There was a bit of car noise here and there, but it wasn't bad."
Wildlife education: Turn animal sightings into learning opportunities for children. "I heard coyotes singing nearby (from multiple directions) in the evening, but didn't actually see any wildlife," reports Jonathan E., highlighting how natural sounds can enhance the camping experience.
Maneuverability challenges: Large rigs face limitations on forest roads. Linda C. advises, "Maneuvering our 24ft sprinter was doable on the property but larger vehicles not advised."
Hookup availability: Gila Hot Springs Ranch offers amenities unavailable at dispersed sites. "We pulled right into our campsite with hot and cold water at our site. I believe they pull it from the natural hot springs that run beneath the mountain. What a treat!"
Boondocking alternatives: When established sites fill, BLM land offers backup options. Michael D. reports, "I have good cell service, and my home fi hot spot is working great" at BLM land near City of Rocks, an important consideration for those needing connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Cliff, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Cliff, NM is Lake Roberts with a 4.6-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Cliff, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Cliff, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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