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Camping near Gila National Forest

199 Reviews

Camping spots around Gila National Forest range from established campgrounds to more basic areas without many facilities. Apache Creek Campground has decent space between sites and includes both fire rings and picnic tables at each spot. Campers looking for a more back-to-basics approach can head to Sapillo Dispersed Camping Area where there aren't marked sites. Many people like staying at Gila Hot Springs Campground because you can soak in the warm springs after hiking all day. The Rio Grande and Lake Roberts are good places to fish if that's what you're into. You'll find plenty of hiking trails through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Forks Campground sits close to the Gila Cliff Dwellings, which makes it easy to visit these old structures. Most places to camp have vault toilets, but you need to bring your own water. Weather changes a lot here - nights get cold even when days are warm, so pack layers. Most people prefer camping here in spring and fall when temperatures are milder. Summer gets hot, though camping at higher elevations helps. If you have time, White Sands is worth the drive from the forest. The Gila works well for both tent and RV camping. Just remember to clean up after yourself to keep the forest nice for everyone else.

Map showing campgrounds near Gila National Forest, New MexicoExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Gila National Forest (61)

    1. Gila Hot Springs Campground

    11 Reviews
    Gila National Forest, NM
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 536-9551

    $7 / night

    "Beautiful area with cliff dwellings nearby you can walk through and around. We love the Gila Hot Springs!"

    "Well managed, and a respectable surrounding community."

    2. Upper Scorpion Campground

    6 Reviews
    Gila, NM
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 536-9461

    "Some spots are a little awkward as you might have to walk through someone else's site to get to/from your car."

    "I was able to walk right to the entrance of the cliff dwellings trail from this site in about 5 minutes. I could also walk across street and woods to the river, wasn’t much water though."

    3. Lower Scorpion Campground

    5 Reviews
    Gila, NM
    10 miles
    Website

    "There are designated spots around installed fire pits with grills. There is one bathroom that is handicap assessable. I don’t believe there’s water or electricity here."

    4. Forks Campground

    6 Reviews
    Hanover, NM
    14 miles
    Website

    "Little fire rings randomly located throughout. Great spot for a night and we’re looking forward to going back. Super close to the Gila Cliff Dwellings."

    "It has a phenomenal view of the river, is an excellent location for stargazing, and has a fantastic swimming hole a short hike down the hill."

    5. Gila Hot Springs Ranch

    3 Reviews
    Gila National Forest, NM
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 536-9314

    $6 - $29 / night

    "Quiet 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."

    "There is a short walk to the natural hot springs down by the river which is really rustic and relaxing."

    6. Dipping Vat Campground

    3 Reviews
    Gila National Forest, NM
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 533-6231

    $5 / night

    "This campground is very isolated infact it's about an hour to an hour and a half of off road driving to get to."

    "The restrooms at the grounds were very clean and only a short walk from every campsite. Drinking water to fill your camper was available in several locations. No hookups but that was ok."

    7. Black Canyon Campground - Lower

    4 Reviews
    Mimbres, NM
    18 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "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. We get it, but are super bummed."

    8. Roadside Pullouts and Disperesed Camping along Route 15

    1 Review
    Gila National Forest, NM
    14 miles

    "No-one but a masochist would drive along Route 15 at night (slow, steep, winding) and so there was zero car noise all night. "

    9. Snow Lake

    1 Review
    Gila National Forest, NM
    15 miles

    "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."

    10. Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Gila National Forest, NM
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 388-8201

    "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."

    "No one camped near us. Was able to let the dogs roam without fear. Lots of wood in the area. A small creek along the road. Good hiking area. Will definitely go back."

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Recent Camping Photos near Gila National Forest

44 Photos of 61 Gila National Forest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Gila National Forest

199 Reviews of 61 Gila National Forest Campgrounds

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Mesa Campground

    Camp on the Lake in New Mexico

    Okay so not right on the lake but you can hike down and the view is amazing from up above. The campground has sites on the outside of the road that are dry camping while the inside of the campground has electric and water hookups. The road is easy and big rig friendly. There are bathrooms, fire rings, tables, and garbage bins. The back part of the campground has sites that overlook the lake. There is a trial that takes you down to the lake. There is even a site that is ADA. The sites are level and the camp is very clean. Great spot for viewing night sky!

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Lake Roberts

    Not a place to camp but other things to enjoy

    This 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.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Upper End Campground

    Hidden Gem

    This place is fantastic. So many great amenities for campers. It does have a host although we were here in Oct and the host was gone. We had the whole campground to ourselves except for the herd of Mule deer enjoying the grass growing around the camp sites. It has bathrooms, fire pits, barbecues and tables. Some spots have tent pads. The sites are level. There are several water spigots along the road. They have a huge garbage bin and they have a trail that connects to the lake. This place is nestled in the trees right up against the side of a mountain. It is magical! The road in is easy, but there is no cell service at this camp which is okay since there is so much to do and enjoy! ATV riding is endless as is the night sky! Definitely worth a stop and stay if you are looking for an out of the way location in the mountains.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Sapillo Campground

    Quiet Camping

    This 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!

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Sapillo Dispersed Camping Area

    Peaceful Park

    This park is nestled about 2 miles off the mail road. The road is graveled but easy for big rigs. There are hiking trails close by and tons of ATV trails for the off road enthusiast. It is cooler here so it was a nice respite from the heat of the desert. Trees provide shade no matter which spot you choose. Spots are level with fire pits and tables. They also have garbage bins, bathrooms and spots are fairly level. No cell service here and the Forrest service has gone through and cleaned up from a fire and there are stacks of firewood everywhere so no need to bring your own.
    It is worth staying just to see the beauty of the night sky!

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Comfort Well Dispersed Camping

    You’ll Love it here

    This spot was gorgeous. It is surrounded by trees and the beauty of the surrounding mountains. You will only have to travel about .3 miles to get to the spot. The road is gravel but easy for big rigs. The cattle guard at the beginning does have a pretty good bump on the right so be careful! But the rest of the road is fine. It looks like a fire may have recently passed through here. There are a lot of signs asking for visitors to stay off so the land can heal. There is so much room back at the site and there are several fire pits but no tables. ATV riding here is endless. It is cooler at night and the sky is amazing without any light pollution. There are also hiking trails close by. This is definitely a mountain hideaway for anyone looking for a place to unwind. No cell service here.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Bill Evans Lake

    Fun on the Lake

    This is a hidden gem! A man made lake for everyone to enjoy. You can boat, paddleboard, canoe, fish and swim here. The views are spectacular and the road in was easy for our 35 foot trailer. Once you’re at the top you can go straight ahead or to the left. 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. The road to the left offers spots by the launch and shade trees. This site has pit toilets and fire rings. It has good cell coverage and it also provides garbage bins If you are a fish man it boast 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 night sky is gorgeous since you have no light pollution. This really is a hidden gem!

    There is conflicting information on swimming. There is a sign about a man who did drowned 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!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Silver City KOA

    Peaceful KOA Gem Near Historic Silver City

    The Silver City KOA is a wonderful place to stay! 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. It’s also a perfect base for exploring Gila Cliff Dwellings and downtown Silver City. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a peaceful, comfortable stay in southwest New Mexico!

  • Noah B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Mesa Campground

    Nice, but busy.

    Very nice spot, but it is not directly lake access. If you’re boondocking I recommend camping more into the forest itself.

Guide to Gila National Forest

Camping near Gila National Forest, New Mexico, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to soak in hot springs or hike scenic trails, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the many trails in the Gila National Forest. One camper mentioned, "The hiking in the national forest was fabulous and this was a good base to get to hikes from" while staying at Apache Creek Campground.
  • Soaking in Hot Springs: Relax in the natural hot springs at Gila Hot Springs Campground. A visitor shared, "Loved being able to soak in a couple nice little pools. The soaking and the night sky is the draw."
  • Fishing: Head to Mesa Campground for trout fishing. One reviewer noted, "We’ve also caught and ate trout from Lake Roberts."

What campers like:

  • Peaceful Environment: Many campers appreciate the tranquility of the area. A visitor at Sapillo Dispersed Camping Area said, "This is one of our favorite springtime camping spots. There aren’t any numbered sites, but there are makeshift campfires and flat areas all around."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A review for Black Canyon Campground - Lower stated, "Large camping sites, clean campgrounds and restroom."
  • Stargazing: The night skies are a big hit. One camper at Cosmic Campground exclaimed, "The night sky is amazing. We woke up at 3am for the best Milky Way view."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Forks Campground, lack running water and cell service. A visitor noted, "No running water, no cell service, no WiFi and they have vault toilets."
  • Crowds in Peak Season: Some areas can get busy during peak camping times. A camper at Lower Scorpion Campground mentioned, "It was rather full on the weekend but still quiet."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. One camper at Luna Park Campground warned, "At night there are scorpions and tiny little rodents that come out."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring Warm Clothing: Nights can get chilly, especially at places like Gila Hot Springs Campground. A reviewer advised, "Can get cold at night if you are in a tent, bring warm clothing."
  • Plan for Activities: Choose campgrounds near attractions. One family enjoyed the proximity of Upper Scorpion Campground to the cliff dwellings, stating, "I was able to walk right to the entrance of the cliff dwellings trail from this site in about 5 minutes."
  • Pack Out Trash: Many campgrounds, like Sapillo Dispersed Camping Area, require you to pack out your trash. A camper noted, "There is no trash pickup anywhere in the area, so prepare to pack out all trash."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A visitor at Forks Campground cautioned, "I don't recommend towing something this big to this area, but it can be done safely."
  • Reserve Early: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A camper at Gila Hot Springs Campground mentioned, "You really need a reservation especially for the weekend."
  • Bring Your Own Firewood: Many campgrounds do not provide firewood. A visitor at Lower Scorpion Campground suggested, "If you want firewood, there is a little store a few miles back down the road run by some very friendly folks."

Camping near Gila National Forest, New Mexico, is a fantastic way to enjoy nature, but being prepared will help make your trip more enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds in Gila National Forest?

Gila National Forest offers several excellent campgrounds for different preferences. Upper End Campground features well-spaced sites under ponderosa pines just steps from the fisherman's trail along Lake Roberts reservoir. Wildlife viewing is exceptional with regular deer, turkey, and javelina sightings. Mesa Campground provides convenient lake access, trash bins, running water, tables, and grills at each site. For a more remote experience, Dipping Vat Campground requires about an hour of off-road driving but rewards visitors with drinking water faucets and clean bathrooms in a less crowded setting.

Is dispersed camping allowed in Gila National Forest?

Yes, dispersed camping is allowed throughout most of Gila National Forest. Sapillo Dispersed Camping Area is a popular option with makeshift fire rings, flat areas for tents, trash disposal, and vault toilets. The area has plenty of trees for shade and hammocks. For more remote dispersed camping, Meadow Creek Road offers free camping opportunities. When dispersed camping in Gila, follow Leave No Trace principles, camp at least 200 feet from water sources, and use existing fire rings when possible. Be prepared for primitive conditions with no amenities in most areas, and check for seasonal fire restrictions before your trip.

Can you camp near the hot springs in Gila National Forest?

Yes, there are camping options near the hot springs in Gila National Forest. Gila Hot Springs Ranch offers a peaceful camping experience in the mountains with the benefit of hot and cold running water pulled from the natural hot springs beneath the mountain. Be prepared for steep grade driving with switchbacks to reach this location. The ranch provides a serene setting with scenic views and wildlife like sheep and horses. For those wanting to be within reach of the hot springs but preferring more established facilities, Gila Hot Springs Campground provides reservable sites with water and toilets, and is suitable for various camping styles including drive-in and walk-in access.

What amenities are available at Sapillo Campground in Gila National Forest?

At Sapillo Dispersed Camping Area, you'll find basic amenities including trash disposal facilities and vault toilets. While there aren't numbered or designated sites, the area features numerous makeshift campfire rings and flat spaces suitable for setting up camp. The campground is heavily wooded, providing ample shade and trees perfect for hanging hammocks. This area is particularly popular with large groups and off-road vehicle enthusiasts. For those seeking more amenities nearby, Continental Divide Park & Camp is located just outside the Gila National Forest and offers clean showers and laundry facilities, making it a good base camp option for exploring the forest and cliff dwellings.

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