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.
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Round 1 of 5
$7 / night
"Beautiful area with cliff dwellings nearby you can walk through and around. We love the Gila Hot Springs!"
"Smaller campers should be fine, larger ones should park and walk it first. Email ahead, the owners do reservations online and have for years. Both main roads have windy, tight turns. "
"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."
"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."
"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."
$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."
"There are many roadside pullouts that are very accessible for various sized vehicles. I would scout it out before going too far up."
"No-one but a masochist would drive along Route 15 at night (slow, steep, winding) and so there was zero car noise all night. "
$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."
"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."
"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."
TravelerJust an overnight on the way to Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. Flat enough location and the highway was not much of a concern as there was very limited vehicle traffic.
TravelerA couple of spots directly off the main road with a beautiful view down the canyon and an unofficial fire ring on rocks. Watch your vehicle height for the left spot. Low trees. Right spot is more open. There's another, bigger spot a couple hundred feet down the road on the right, too.
Remember to leave it better than you found it.
GuideVery limited office hours. Sites are full hookups and most have trees for privacy. Laundry, restrooms and showers. Good Sam discount.
GuideThere are many roadside pullouts that are very accessible for various sized vehicles. I would scout it out before going too far up. The views are great and if you don't have to take a larger rig down the canyon to Gila area, so much better. We stayed at Forks campground, a beautiful area but not looking forward to the drive back up and out.
GuideSpots are pretty spread out with some privacy. The road in is very rough, twisty and some steep elevation changes both up and down. We arrived Sunday afternoon and there were plenty of spots to choose from for all size vehicles. If we came back, I would probably pick one of the other locations up on top of the rim. Great views up there
ScoutShort but rough road on the way in. Good views of the river, partially obstructed. Epic spot to see some stars.
GuideI'll echo the other reviews: not much in the way of amenities but the prices is right and the location is great. Approximately 6 sites, some more private and more shaded than others. Just a basic campground with fire rings, dark skies, and a pit toilet. Quality of stay could vary based on which site you are in and how well behaved your neighbors are. My one night there was pretty good.
TravelerCamped in 25' RV on BLM land past the official campground to be more private. Lots of open level BLM spots before and after the campground to choose to your liking. Great hiking during day up the mountain to the east. No cell or data. Loved the night sky viewing!
LegendJust off the highway but close to Catwalk Recreational Area and Mogollon Ghost Town, both of which are must-see in my opinion. Picnic tables and fire ring at each site. It's still the desert, bring your own wood. Vault toilets, good gravel road, level sites, reasonably spaced. Between the highway and a creek bed (dry in Winter), there was some road noise.
Dispersed camping options within Gila National Forest provide access to remote wilderness areas at elevations between 6,000-10,000 feet. The forest spans over 3.3 million acres across southwestern New Mexico, featuring diverse terrain from desert landscapes to alpine meadows. Weather patterns vary dramatically between seasons with temperature differences of 30 degrees between day and night common at higher elevations.
Soak in natural hot springs: At Gila Hot Springs Campground, visitors have access to three natural hot pools. "The three pools are cute, clean and have a natural look to them. Clothing optional after dark, so if you are there with a young family keep that in mind," notes Kristen R. The springs maintain consistent temperatures year-round.
Explore archaeological sites: The Upper Scorpion Campground provides direct access to the Gila Cliff Dwellings. "I was able to walk right to the entrance of the cliff dwellings trail from this site in about 5 minutes," writes Monte W. The ancient structures are accessible via a one-mile loop trail with 180 feet of elevation gain.
Fishing opportunities: Snow Lake near Dipping Vat Campground offers trout fishing in a 90-acre mountain lake. Steve B. observed that "Snow Lake provides great fishing opportunities and the views from all over the surrounding Gila Wilderness were simply amazing."
Quiet wilderness setting: Many dispersed camping areas along Route 15 offer exceptional privacy. One camper reports, "All along Route 15 in the mountains to the south of Gila Hot Springs are numerous pull-offs, pull-outs, and pull-throughs where you can camp overnight. No-one but a masochist would drive along Route 15 at night (slow, steep, winding) and so there was zero car noise all night."
Star viewing conditions: The remote location creates exceptional night sky visibility. At Gila Hot Springs Ranch, Eugenie B. shares: "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."
Wildlife encounters: The forest hosts diverse wildlife viewable from campsites. Brandon H. at Dipping Vat Campground "Heard Elk in the morning, wolves and bats at night. This is a great location to get away from the busy hustle of city life."
Road conditions: Access roads to many sites require careful driving. For Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping, Sierra N. cautions, "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."
Limited connectivity: Cell service is essentially nonexistent throughout the forest. "There is no cell service here or pretty much anywhere in the forest. There is a general store up the road (closed Wednesdays) that will let you use WiFi to let loved ones know you're ok," explains Loura P. from Forks Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns vary significantly by season and elevation. Elisa P. from Gila Hot Springs Campground warns, "Can get cold at night if you are in a tent, bring warm clothing." Temperature drops of 30+ degrees from day to night occur regularly.
Consider clothing-optional policies: Some hot springs areas have specific policies after dark. At Gila Hot Springs, Jeff V. notes that over his 30+ years visiting, "The remote location keeps things chill" but families should be aware of the clothing-optional periods at night.
Look for educational opportunities: The cliff dwellings provide historical learning experiences. Anna R. from Upper Scorpion Campground suggests, "It is within walking distance of several trailheads in the national forest and the cliff dwellings, so that is super convenient."
Choose sites with access to water features: Kids enjoy the natural swimming areas. At Lower Scorpion Campground, Anna R. mentions, "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."
Check road restrictions: Many forest roads have tight turns and steep grades. About Gila Hot Springs Campground, Jeff V. advises, "Both main roads have windy, tight turns. It takes awhile to navigate the 30 or so miles of mountain twists, so go slow, and pull over for speedier folks and you should be fine."
Plan for boondocking: Most sites lack hookups. Grady D. from Forks Campground reports, "We spent three nights at the Forks campground with our 38 ft. 5th wheel toy hauler. I don't recommend towing something this big to this area, but it can be done safely - would definitely not do it if snow is forecast."
Arrive with full supplies: Services are limited in remote areas. Ryan G. from Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping advises, "Cool little spot. Well maintained but you're boondocking. Come in with water and power if you need it."
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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