Gila Hot Springs Ranch, located in Gila National Forest, accommodates equestrians with accessible camping and riding facilities. Horse trailer parking is available for camping guests with corrals for overnight equine lodging. The ranch property includes sites for tent, RV, and cabin camping for riders exploring the surrounding wilderness. Trail riders encounter mountainous terrain with challenging switchbacks when approaching the property. According to regular visitors, watching ranch staff round up their herd of free-roaming horses adds to the equestrian atmosphere. The campground offers water hookups, electric hookups, and shower facilities for horse owners after long trail rides. Campsite amenities include picnic tables and fire rings, providing essential comforts for horse campers.
Located approximately 4 miles from the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, the ranch serves as a strategic base camp for equestrians exploring the extensive trail system within Gila National Forest. Riders can arrange guided pack trips to explore backcountry areas inaccessible to vehicles. The property features natural hot springs near the river, offering riders a welcome opportunity to soak after a day on horseback. Trail conditions vary seasonally, with winter temperatures dropping to the 30s in the mornings before warming quickly. Wildlife sightings are common along the trails, including deer and sheep that graze near the campground. The nearby creek provides natural water access points for horses between rides. Horse owners must navigate the steep grade mountain roads with switchbacks when hauling trailers to this remote equestrian camping location.
"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."
"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."
"This is a campground right next to the dispersed camp. It looked like only tents were in this part of the park."
"You'll find dispersed campsites with fire-rings all along the edges of the road and on spur forest roads sprouting from it."
"Close to the water from camping sites....Grills tables and shade area...."
"My favorite part about caballo lake is floating down from elephant butte to caballo lake in a giant floaty."
"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
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.
TravelerEasy access thru BLM Gate just north of City of Rocks State Park. Decent road for 25' RV with at least 6 level spots to park or camp. Cell was spotty except at top of hill. Very private no other campers.
TravelerVery quiet. Lovely sunrise and sunset. Downside is there is quite a bit of garbage. Can’t go 10 feet without tin cans or glass at your feet. Got down to 19 degrees
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.
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!
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.
TravelerThis lake is great for paddle boarding, relaxing and taking in the views.
GuideEnjoyed 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. Maneuvering our 24ft sprinter was doable on the property but larger vehicles not advised.
TravelerThis is open BLM land. 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.
Equestrian camping near Faywood, New Mexico offers access to diverse terrain across the Gila National Forest region. The landscape varies from desert flatlands to mountainous forests with elevations ranging from 4,700 to 8,500 feet throughout the area. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-65°F while summer daytime temperatures can exceed 90°F, making spring and fall ideal for horse camping adventures.
Explore Gila National Forest trails: North of Faywood, the extensive trail system offers varied terrain for riders of all experience levels. "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," notes Alisa P. about Lake Roberts, which serves as an excellent starting point for riders looking to access forest trails.
Soak in natural hot springs: After a day on horseback, the mineral-rich hot springs provide therapeutic relaxation for both riders and horses. "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," shares Eugenie B. about Gila Hot Springs Ranch.
Stargazing from camp: The remote location offers exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "The night sky is incredible and you can see the Milky Way. There is no cell service here," reports Alisa P. about Sapillo Campground, making it perfect for equestrians seeking tranquility after trail rides.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many equestrians report wildlife sightings including deer, sheep, and birds during morning and evening rides. "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!" describes a visitor at Gila Hot Springs Ranch.
Natural water features: Multiple streams and lakes provide water sources for horses and scenic rest areas during trail rides. "This lake is great for paddle boarding, relaxing and taking in the views," mentions Eva G. about Lake Roberts, which offers shoreline access suitable for horses.
Secluded camping locations: The area offers many dispersed sites allowing equestrians to camp away from crowds. "There 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," explains Jorge G. about North Star Mesa Dispersed Camping.
Road conditions require preparation: Many access roads to horse-friendly camping areas feature steep grades and switchbacks. "Must be prepared for a very steep grade drive with switchbacks. Beautiful scenery with sheep and horses," warns Ellyn F. about accessing Gila Hot Springs Ranch.
Limited cell service: Most equestrian camping areas have no reliable communication coverage. "There is no cell service here. The road in is graveled but it is nice and no car or SUV would have trouble navigating," notes Alisa P. about Sapillo Campground.
Water availability varies seasonally: While some locations offer reliable water sources, others require bringing your own horse water. "This is open BLM land. When you turn off Highway 61, you go through a gate. There are multiple pull-outs along the road. Great views, desert terrain," explains Michael D. about dispersed camping options where no water facilities exist.
Choose campgrounds with amenities: Families with horses benefit from locations offering both equestrian facilities and family comforts. "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!" shares Eugenie B. about their stay at Gila Hot Springs Ranch.
Plan for temperature fluctuations: Pack appropriate layers for both riders and non-riding family members. "Mornings were in the 30's. It warms up quickly so layering worked for us," advises a camper about the temperature variations typical throughout the region.
Consider lake access for multi-activity options: Locations with both riding trails and water recreation provide options for all family members. "It was my first experience in a boat, and the lake was a perfect place to learn. Had such an amazing experience with my family," reports Irving C. about Caballo Lake RV Park, which offers horse-accessible shorelines.
Size limitations affect access: Large horse trailers with living quarters may face challenges on narrow forest roads. "Maneuvering our 24ft sprinter was doable on the property but larger vehicles not advised," cautions Linda C. about accessing Safari Campsite with larger rigs.
Hookup availability: Research which campgrounds offer essential services for extended equestrian stays. "Campground is very nice with great views. Grounds are well kept. Bathhouse is clean," notes Brett D. about Caballo Lake RV Park, though they clarify, "The Dyrt app says there is WiFi which there isn't and also that there are sewer hookups which they aren't."
Designated parking areas: Some locations offer dedicated spaces for horse trailers separate from standard RV sites. "This site is just a relatively short turn-off road with a loop for turning around," describes Jonathan E., highlighting the importance of confirming sufficient space for equestrian rigs before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Faywood, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Faywood, NM is BLM Near City of Rocks with a 3.3-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Faywood, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Faywood, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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