Tent camping near Faywood, New Mexico centers around the Gila National Forest region where elevations range from 4,500 to 7,000 feet, creating distinct temperature variations between seasons. Summer daytime temperatures often reach 90°F while dropping to the 50s at night, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Winter closures affect numerous campgrounds in the area from November through April due to snow and freezing conditions.
What to do
Fishing at Lake Roberts: Stocked with trout and accessible via a short walk from camping areas, Lake Roberts provides calm waters perfect for beginning anglers. "This lake is great for paddle boarding, relaxing and taking in the views," notes one Lake Roberts visitor.
Hiking the Continental Divide Trail: Access points near Rocky Canyon Campground connect to this famous long-distance trail. "Right on the continental divide trail. Very quiet," reports a Rocky Canyon Campground camper who recommends vehicles with 4WD for access due to rough roads.
Wildlife watching: Dawn and dusk offer prime viewing opportunities for deer and various bird species. At Black Canyon Campground, one camper observed "many birds in the area, and the sounds of a running stream is peaceful. Nights here are cool. You can plan for at least a 30 degree delta between daytime high and nighttime low."
What campers like
Small, secluded campgrounds: Less crowded camping areas provide quieter experiences. "Of the handful of formal places to camp, this is very small but very nice. Trees, a decent hike on a maintained trail. Only a few spots to take but cute if you get one," writes a visitor to Railroad Canyon Campground.
Seasonal creeks: Several campgrounds feature small waterways that flow depending on recent precipitation. "The small creek bed has nice water depending on the time of year. Too hot in the summer," explains a Kingston Campground camper who notes this lower-elevation site works well when mountains are too cold.
Hot springs access: Natural thermal features exist near some camping areas. At Lower Scorpion Campground, one adventurous camper discovered that "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."
What you should know
Road conditions: Forest service roads leading to primitive sites often require high-clearance vehicles. "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," warns a Rocky Canyon Campground visitor.
Water availability: Most tent camping sites near Faywood lack reliable drinking water. "Quiet, free, small campground. No individual marked sites. Paved parking lot with wooded area. Water is available and clean pit toilet," notes a Lower Scorpion Campground camper, making this location an exception to the rule.
Campfire restrictions: Seasonal fire bans frequently affect the region, especially during summer months. "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," explains a Black Canyon Campground visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with amenities: When tent camping with children near Faywood, prioritize sites with toilets and tables. "The campground does have a toilet, fire pits, picnic tables, and trash service. Please clean up after yourself, and leave no trace," advises a Railroad Canyon Campground visitor.
Consider Silver City KOA: For families wanting more amenities while tent camping around Faywood, the nearby KOA offers greater comfort. "The facilities are very clean. Along the road, but it isn't that busy and not really a problem. Very friendly staff," explains a Silver City KOA guest.
Weather preparation: Pack for significant temperature fluctuations, even in summer. "It even hailed on us hard one day. I liked this place so much we booked it again this summer, but were disappointed to see it closed for the month due to wild fires nearby and extreme drought," writes a Black Canyon visitor.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most primitive campgrounds near Faywood accommodate only small trailers or RVs. "Only 4 sites available. Some privacy from the road, which was better than the other campgrounds near by. By a creek, which is nice. Vault toilet," notes a Railroad Canyon camper regarding the limited space.
Look for established campgrounds: "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. If you are tenting it, a beautiful place!" explains a Lower Scorpion visitor, highlighting why tent camping is often preferred in this area.
Accessibility challenges: Remote locations limit larger RV access. "Very clean and quiet. Very friendly staff. Along the road, but it isn't that busy and not really a problem," reports a Kingston Campground camper, suggesting this location might accommodate smaller camping vehicles despite limited amenities.
