Camping sites near Gila, New Mexico range from forested mountain locations at elevations of 7,500 feet to riverside camping areas along the Gila River. Winter temperatures at higher elevation campgrounds can drop below freezing, while summer brings monsoon season with afternoon thunderstorms. Many camping areas require travel on unpaved Forest Service roads that can become impassable after heavy rainfall.
What to do
Hot springs soaking: Gila Hot Springs Campground offers three natural hot spring pools right in the campground. "Twelve level spots, many right along the Gila River, shaded by large Cottonwood trees. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. I loved it here! Although there is no phone or wifi, who needs it when you have your own hot springs to bask in?" notes Kristen R. The pools are clothing optional after dark.
Hiking to historic sites: From Continental Divide Park & Camp, you can access trails leading to the Gila Cliff Dwellings. A camper mentions it's the "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."
Fishing for bass: Bill Evans Lake provides fishing platforms for anglers. According to Alisa P., "If you are a fish man it boasts award winning bass here and has several spots where you can walk out on man made fishing platforms to fish so you aren't on shore fishing." The lake also allows boating, paddleboarding, and canoeing.
What campers like
Night sky viewing: The rural location provides excellent stargazing opportunities. At Bill Evans Lake, "The night sky is gorgeous since you have no light pollution. This really is a hidden gem!" reports Alisa P.
Varied camping environments: Cherry Creek Campground offers pine forest camping with valley views. Jacob W. notes, "We tent camped at Cherry Creek campground in late July 2023. 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."
Community atmosphere: Some campgrounds foster social connections. At Buckhorn RV Park, Kay B. found "the sense of community—fellow campers were incredibly friendly and helpful, making it feel like more than just a stopover. Plus, we discovered the local Gila Farmers Market on Wednesday mornings just a short drive away."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to Bear Mountain dispersed camping requires careful driving. Sierra N. cautions, "It is a tight squeeze to get a truck back there, Tacoma, but we got tucked in just fine. Also there's a woodsy sign leading into the forest!" Kenny R. adds, "Not the prettiest area... and a pretty rough road. You won't need 4x4 or high clearance necessarily, but just not fun to drive on at all."
Weather considerations: Higher elevation provides cooler temperatures during summer. Darrin R. mentions Bear Mountain is "cooler (~7500 ft elevation), free, quiet and beautiful."
Limited facilities: Most dispersed and forest service campgrounds have minimal amenities. At Cherry Creek Campground, RoadTripEddie V. reports "Nice campground with about 10 sites. With concrete picnic tables, and a fire ring. Vault toilets, hiking trails, and with cell signal. No hookups. Primitive camping at its finest."
Tips for camping with families
Lake activities: Bill Evans Lake offers multiple water recreation options. "A man made lake for everyone to enjoy. You can boat, paddleboard, canoe, fish and swim here," writes Alisa P., though she notes swimming safety concerns: "There is a sign about a man who did drown in 2024 and warning you not to swim but I don't think is against any state laws to swim here, maybe bring a life jacket just to be safe!"
Quieter camping locations: Some campgrounds provide more family-friendly environments. At Silver City KOA, J K. found "The staff are friendly and go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. Sites are well-maintained with plenty of space, and the amenities — from spotless restrooms to a cozy camp store — make it easy to relax."
Short nature trails: Several campgrounds offer easy walks for children. At Cherry Creek Campground, Jacob W. mentions a "short, informal trail at the north end of the campground past the bathroom" that makes "a nice evening or morning stroll or both."
Tips from RVers
Site privacy considerations: Rose Valley RV Ranch offers well-spaced sites with natural barriers. Brodie D. reports, "The sites are huge and feel very private, offering a little fenced in, personal yard at most sites. The bathrooms were very clean and also private feeling."
Big rig access challenges: Many forest roads have limitations for larger vehicles. At Bill Evans Lake, Alisa P. advises, "The road to the left is bumpy and if in your big rig go slow but if you go straight no problems at all and the spots are level."
Connectivity options: Cell service varies throughout the region. At Bear Mountain, Sierra N. reported "2 bars of service for Verizon," while Rose Valley Ranch got high marks for connectivity from Chester T.: "Excellent cell, and even better fast WiFi, which was very good with multiple access points to connect to through out the park."
