Looking for an adventure where you can explore Cliff and then fall asleep in your tent? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Cliff, New Mexico's most popular destinations.
This campground features beautiful cliffs along the West Fork of the__Gila River.This campground is a great place to stop__on the way to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument (15 miles north). Overnight camping is allowed in the upper portion of Forks; however, the lower portion of the Forks__Recreation Site__along the__West Fork of the Gila River is day use only.
Lower Scorpion Campground is a partially developed campground within walking distance of the West Fork of the Gila River. The campground is located less than one mile from the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument just off NM State Highway 15. Drinking water is available, tables and grills are provided at select sites. Vault toilets are available on site. Camping is free of charge and first-come, first-served.
Lake Roberts is located in the Wilderness Ranger District along NM 35.__It can be accessed via NM 35 or NM 15. NM 15 is__a narrow paved, winding road that may__not be suitable for trucks with trailers.
This is a beautiful remote camping area. Trail #94 begins at the rear of the campground.Located in a remote area of forest__approximately 30 miles from the Wilderness Ranger District office. This campground is accessible from FR 150, and driving approximately .5 miles from the road, across the stream. You will enter an area with a newer vault toilet__and a beautiful meadow next to the stream.Please be advised - the district recommends high-clearance 4x4 vehicles on FR 150.
Willow Creek Campground provides a quiet, peaceful area in the pines. Willow Creek is located approximately 55 miles from the town of Reserve. Willow Creek is a very beautiful campground nestled in the canyon under tall pines. The camp sites run along both sides of the stream.
Bear Track Camp Picnic Site
This is a fairly small campground and is popular with horse riders and hunters.
Traveler
We parked our cargo van in the tent camping spot since we dont need water or electric hookups. The tent sites are up in the rocks and they are very cool. The bath house is new (located at the visitors center) and has clean showers and toilets. We really enjoyed staying here for the night.
Guide
The Gila cliff dwellings are awesome. Well worth the 1.5 hour drive in from Silver City. The Upper Scorpion campground is really a parking lot with nearby tent sites. Campers park in the lot. With that said I was the only occupant of the campground. It was very quiet with a spectacular night sky. The Lower Scorpion campground is the same. The host was very friendly and helpful. No services except pit toilets.
Guide
This trail requires 4x4 and high clearance. It is a bumpy road for all 3+ miles into the mountainside. But it is far worth the drive for the seclusion. There are plenty of spaces to camp before the creek. But we kept going for about 3 miles, hit a road gate, and started traveling into the valley. It will eventually open up and you will see meadow creek. Spots to the left and right of the fork, we settled at the bottom. No service in the valley. Extremely magical, and serene. Leave it better than you left it please! If you want a camp spot off the beaten path, this is it. Perfect for tent camping/car camping.
Ranger
We tent camped at Cherry Creek campground in late July 2023. We arrived about 4pm on a Saturday and there were like 2 sites available. First come, first serve, no fee, but a ranger told me that could change soon. Lots of nice tall pines. The creek was dry. Very scenic valley. There’s a short, informal trail at the north end of the campground past the bathroom. The trail goes about 0.25 miles out; so 0.5 mile round trip. A nice evening or morning stroll or both. But…there was a big group next to us that partied loud and late—with a generator that lit up their site, and ours. Oh well! At least they were enjoying the outdoors like we were, I think.
Traveler
with our rv in the shop we've been getting some tent camping in. we were headed to another campground and had been on the road too long, sun dipping towards dusk, so we saw this turnout, easy to miss, and drove on in. lovely and spacious as others have said. not much litter. we picked up what little we saw. zero cell signal with verizon.
what we especially enjoyed was being able to furrow way back in our 4x4 to a secluded spot. halloween weekend and we could hear some revellers but enough distance made it a bit charming rather than annoying. so much open land for hiking and the cdt meanders through.
leaving we lost our way and found a small group of campers even further back in. really wonderful. chilly nights and early mornings. secret gem.
Traveler
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! 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.

Traveler
This is an awesome park. The RV sites all have full hookups and are extra long and wide. Because the rv sites are situated around the perimeter of the very large greenspace and dog park, all sites have expansive views in all directions. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets! There are tent sites in the central green area with picnic table, firepit and shade trees. There is a great hiking trail, about 1/2 mile, that makes a loop. It is comfortably wide so you and your dog can see the trail and won't accidentally run into cactus. The park is a straight-shot easy 15 minute drive into Silver City and is convenient to Gila NF trails, several Continental Divide trailheads, the Catwalk and lots of other natural areas. Rosie and Bill, the owners are a wealth of info about the local sites and trails. The campground has a bathhouse, laundry, gym, communal library with books, games and puzzles.
Guide
Primitive campground with 1 bathroom. 5 designated drive up spots for camping as well as more possible dispersed sites out in the meadow. Several fire rings hint at possible tenting sites. The wilderness that surrounds the site and lack of lights truly make the night sky magical. Check campground schedule for guided star gazing, they have telescope nights!
And it’s free! Watch out for cow poop.
GuideI spent two weeks here at three different sites, and while I was ready to get back to civilization (the park is fairly remote), I genuinely had a relaxing time.
The bathrooms/comfort station are clean and fairly new—the only downsides are they’re only open from 7am-5pm to conserve water and it’s a bit of a trek by foot if you’re at one of the far campsites. I also had strong enough reception with T-Mobile to work remotely, and good service through Verizon as well.
Site 25 (Crab): a truly iconic site within a park where nearly every site is a gem. Downside: very little privacy and no shade from the afternoon sun. Upside: Site is level, great sunset views and a quick walk to the pit toilets.
Site 24 (Hercules): Connects to site 25 via a the rock formations, but more private as it’s not directly on the main loop. Again, close to the pit bathroom. There’s a fun and semi private climb up into the rocks to the left of the picnic table that will give you a stellar sunset view. Site is level and protected from the worst of the south/SW winds. I also saw the most wildlife from this site (marmot, roadrunner, jack rabbit, and more). Downside: the site curves rather drastically and is best suited for vans, tent camping, or very small RVs; little shade as the tree that used to offer shade was removed.
Site 30 (Triangulum): hands down, the best site in the park IMO. Lots of shade and privacy as it’s set far back from the main road; it almost feels like you have the park to yourself. Pit toilets are conveniently at the end of the drive. Downside: people climbing through the rocks occasionally end up near your site, but no one ever wandered too far; the windmill does makes some noise but it’s really not too bad; this site has FULL shade, which is ideal unless you run on solar panels. For a few hours a day I had to back my van into the sun, which put it at a fairly severe angle as the drive slopes once you back out of the sweet spot by the picnic table; very little protection from the wind, but there is some.
Traveler
Don't go to the Gila Lower Box looking for formal campsites and places to hook up an rv. This is primitive camping at one of New Mexico's truest oases.
Why? Because in 1990, cattle were prohibited from grazing this stretch of the Gila River.
The result? One of the lushest, most verdant riparian environments left in the desert southwest.
For those with a 4wd or very high clearance, you can camp down along the cliffs right at the edge of the river corridor. 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.
You can also watch bands of coatimundis grazing through the bosque. Watch out for rattlesnakes and Gila monsters during the warmer months though.
I rate this as one of New Mexico's best outdoor experiences. (A note: I camp to the west of the location shown on the map.)
Ranger
This KOA is a convenient pit stop when crossing Southern New Mexico on Rt. 10. The gravél covered acre has been nicely landscaped around the perimeter. Road noise from the highway is heavy. The very clean shower dressing area was barely big enough to turn around in. All amenities are available including propane, which was served up by a grumpy technician.
It’ll be nice when New Mexico opens its’ State Parks to camping again so touring the State becomes possible.
Traveler
I was worried that this place wasn’t open due to the fact there were only two reviews and it had been a while since a review. I can happily share that they are open and thriving. I was driving from Gila Cliff Dwellings towards White Sands NP and needed a place to camp. I passed some dispersed camping along the way, but most of the cultivated sites were closed, I’m guessing due to COVID as New Mexico has really cracked down on their camping and I ran into lots of sites that were either closed or only open to residents. Anyway, this place was a STEAL. For only $21 (the typical price of most regular vault toilet and picnic table camp sites), you get heaven on earth. You wouldn’t expect it driving in from either direction, but the sites themselves are extremely shaded and surrounded by trees and as private as possible given the close proximity to neighbors. I stayed at site #47 and even though I was right next to the pools and bathhouse, I couldn’t be seen at all from those places. There’s a potable water tap at EACH campsite, free showers, unlimited 24/7 access to hot springs (clothing required & clothing optional pools), a clubhouse to wash dishes or cook or simply hang out inside in a comfortable chair to read or play games at a table), several bathrooms, phone service (and I didn’t have any driving in or out), peacocks and other wildlife to admire, friendly staff, firewood for sale, labyrinth maze, short scenic trails to watch the sunset and rise, inside facilities, amazing cabins (cheapest one is only $60 and comes with an hour long soak in a private pool which is otherwise $28 for one hour), etc. I could go on and on about this place. The best $21 I have ever spent to spend the night anywhere in my entire life and I am always camping and traveling. A literal oasis. I soaked from 7pm-11pm and had the pools to myself several times on a Sunday evening. Everyone was respectful and there was no sense of party / loud groups as so common is seen at hot springs. Alcohol allowed.
Guide
Beautiful campground in Santa Fe New Mexico. We came to stay one night to go to Meow Wolf and ended up staying 3 nights I liked it so much. Would be 5 stars but the water spigot only worked intermittently, and it was difficult to get a site due to online reservations, some of which weren't even used but sites were still considered occupied due to reservation. I dislike National Park Campgrounds utilizing online reservations, it makes it hard for those of us who wish to ramble aimlessly.
The birds are abundant here. I wore a red winter hat and had at least 10 hummingbirds buzz my head in one day. I could hear their wings and feel the breeze from them they came so close. Tons of shade here, and nice cool days with chilly nights in May. We had a night of sleet after a rainstorm with hail but the next two days were gorgeous. Conveniently located to Santa Fe amenities. I highly recommend this campground. Pit toilets were minimally smelly and relatively clean.
GuideLast week I visited Faywood, New Mexico which is located about halfway in between Silver City and Deming, and I came across a unique terrain with structures of Boulder rocks that are “formed of volcanic ash and sculpted by wind and water into rows of monolithic blocks”, according to stateparks.com; I had never seen anything like it.
This unique and tucked-away gem has all the perfect essentials for a State Park including a Visitor Center, hot showers and clean restrooms, dry camping, picnicking and a Botanical Garden .
I absolutely enjoy being in a place that is preserved in its authenticity and City of Rocks State Park is all of that and a bag of organic chips. It is not just another “area of attraction”, but it is a place for healing, stillness, discipline and community. The miles of hiking and biking trails through rolling grasslands gives you an opportunity to reconnect with yourself, walking into the fields to sit in stillness and listen to the migration of the numerous bird species disciplines your senses, and for those of you who enjoy making new connections you will quickly find yourself in conversations with humans alike or vastly different in ways that allow you see yourself, and others, in the form of how God sees us all — in love and in truth.
ScoutThis is a very nice park as far as scenery, the staff which is a husband and wife, are friendly enough. With no offense to anyone else who has written positives on this park, we don't mean to rain on your parade. But the one thing that really threw us back was, is that there are virtually no amenities, that come without a cost, if a person wants to take a shower, let's say for 5 minutes, that cost you$3, for yourself, and three more dollars for your spouse, add that up daily then multiply by weekly and then by monthly. And you can see that that is insane for the cost, and one does not find out about this until you get to the campground and fill out the paperwork and then they let you know this at the last minute, I am a handicap person, and needless to say, I count on Campground showers as there are roomier, and we make sure that we pay more than enough in our stay, so that we can enjoy such. But sadly for the month that we were there between November the 20th to December 20th. There was nothing very pleasurable, about our stay there. On top of that, there is no internet, nor do they have any Commerce with any service that has internet service, even though other RV parks in that region have them. There is no cable either. So basically the only thing that you get is your spot, running water, trash, and Sewer, for 425 per month. Needless to say as a forwarding to anybody, if you plan to travel between that park there and Silver City New Mexico it is approximately 12 miles between the two, but the expence gets up there quik, bth ways if you drive a truck. We camped at Ridge Park RV& Campground in a Travel Trailer.
Traveler
We stayed here in our Sprinter van. Not safe for large Rvs or trailers. 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.
Legend
Stayed here one night on our way to Gila Cliff Dwellings.
A mix of flat spots (slightly too close to the toilets) or tilted spots,further away/up the hill. Pit toilet is available. Picnic tables and fire pits available
There is a canyon that we hiked up behind the campground
Guide
This was a great find! Perfect location to leave our trailer and go out exploring! Cliff Dwellings, hot springs, cat walk, farmers market, super cute old fashion bar and opera house Pinos Altos
Lots of pull throughs, clean showers, friendly host! Laundry great too! This is a gem, quiet and peaceful to boot!!
TravelerNice Park just outside/south of the Gila National forest. Perfect spot if one wants to park and then drive into the Kila forest or cliff dwellings. Has clean showers and laundry, and a nice couple that runs the place. Just a few miles north of silver city. Nice drive to get supplies in town
GuideGreat spot for some free camping on your way to/from Gila Cliff Dwellings Natl Monument if coming from I-25. BIG sites!!! Could easily turn around my pickup and teardrop. Fire pits with easy to scavenge fire wood. Multiple clean latrines. No cell signal 🙌🙌🙌. About a mile back from the pavement.
Traveler
Short drive from Gila Cliff Dwellings. No running water, no cell service, no WiFi and they have vault toilets. If you need those amenities then this is not the campsite for you. There was no crowd mid week during the end of February. The day warmed up nicely and the night was cold, just bring the right gear.
GuideThis campsite is perfect. There’s about 6-8 spots at this particular site. It’s first come first serve so, get there early because it fills up fast. There are toilets in the parking lot and they are constantly stocked with toilet paper. Each campsite has a fire pit in the middle and some have picnic tables. Most of the sites are close to the parking lot so you don’t have haul your stuff very far. Also, it’s the site closest to the Cliff Dwellings Monument (about 1/4 mile away). We’ve camped here twice and every time it is perfect. Nights in the spring do get a bit chilly so bring warm clothes.
TravelerThis campground is really nice for being free. There is a very clean bathroom with vault toilets and there are a couple sm water spigots. Some sites have picnic tables and all have some sort of fire pit. It's good to have a trash bag handy to pack out your trash, as there is no trash service up there. Some spots are a little awkward as you might have to walk through someone else's site to get to/from your car. It is within walking distance of several trailheads in the national forest and the cliff dwellings, so that is super convenient. If you want firewood, there is a little store a few miles back down the road run by some very friendly folks.
Guide
I’ve stayed here many times over the years (last time was in 2007 however) and depending on how much water is, or recently was in the Gila River, some of the hot springs could be washed out as they get closer and closer to the river. I’ve been lucky enough to go every time where this hasn’t been a problem, but after getting to know the area and camp host well enough, you know if could be a possibility. Beautiful area with cliff dwellings nearby you can walk through and around. We love the Gila Hot Springs! I’m not sure many people know of this hidden gem and it’s a bit of a trek to get there, so if your looking for a real secluded camping experience then try this one
GuideThis is a great spot for tent, trailer or RV campers. There are a handful of trailer/RV spots in the actual camp ground loop with plenty of room for tents in the center. There is a vault toilet that is clean and stocked with toilet paper. If the actual campground is full there are plenty of camp sites in the surrounding areas.
Scout
Best part of Mountain Spirits were the managers, Doug and Lori. Very nice people. Park was almost full and every unit there occupied by local workers who live full time in their RV. We were the only campers on our way to Gila Cliff dwellings. One occupant arrived home from work and left his diesel pickup running for at least 30 minutes even though we were sitting out 2 sites away. The semi truck in the site next to us started his big rig at 3:30 in the morning to idle while he got ready for work. The bathrooms were clean and heated. But, only 1 each for men/women. If you happened to need a morning bathroom visit and some local is in there for 30 minutes getting ready for work. Plan ahead.
ScoutLove the hot springs, great hosts, calm, and not too many people.
Can get cold at night if you are in a tent, bring warm clothing
Tent camping near Cliff, New Mexico offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the Gila National Forest and surrounding areas. With a variety of campgrounds catering to tent campers, you can enjoy a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cliff, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cliff, NM is Silver City KOA with a 5-star rating from 8 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Cliff, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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