The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Camping near Gila National Forest

189 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 61 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Gila National Forest Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Gila National Forest

43 Photos of 61 Gila National Forest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Gila National Forest

189 Reviews of 61 Gila National Forest Campgrounds

  • Kenny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Bear Canyon Road Camp

    Pretty area!

    Pulled my 24 foot (tip to tip) travel trailer up the mountain. Curvy, narrow roads… just be careful and go slow.

    Plenty of campgrounds along the way, as well as these dispersed areas. Plenty of well used sites, as well as some that are less obvious (slightly overgrown but still accessible). I chose the more overgrown one with big open sky for Starlink signal.

    Beautiful area and nice to escape a little bit of the heat in the summer compared to silver city or south of there. About 5-10 degrees cooler and lots of shade.

  • Kenny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Bear Mountain

    Ehhh...

    I eventually found the campsites thanks to another reviewer mentioning it was not at the coordinates listed. It is just before you reach the summit on road 424D or something like that. Not listed on maps - just a little brown sign on the left as you are driving along. Very tight squeeze of a path. Did not feel like taking my truck through there. 

    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. The benefit is that you will not see hardly anyone else because of that lol. The other side of Pinos Altos is MUCH nicer roads, landscape and environment. Try Meadow Creek area. That whole road. Happy camping!

  • Manuel P.
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Sapillo Dispersed Camping Area

    Quiet getaway

    Went here without knowing where to stay. During the day there were a lot of UTV's and ATV's, however, it got pretty quiet during the night. People were very respectful and bathrooms were clean. We left our kayaks to go venture around and they were still there when we returned. Also found plenty of firewood around.

  • John H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Dipping Vat Campground

    After a torturous drive in, the campground was... meh.

    We were warned.  The trip to the campground was 50ish miles of very rough dirt roads.  Took over two hours to make the drive.  We arrived at the campground mid-day and were pretty surprised.  As mentioned in another review, there are two loops.  There is a sunny loop and a shady loop.  We opted for the sunny loop for the view of Snow Lake.  We tow a 19' travel trailer and there were very few sites that would accommodate it.  I have to say that the sites were very overgrown and far from level. In the sunny loop, you can see every other camper there.

    The shady loop seemed pretty nice although again, the sites were smallish and not at all level.

    The bathrooms were clean and well cared for and there were well maintained water spigots for drinking water.

    Dripping Vat is on the Continental Divide Trail (hiking) and we had a steady stream of through hikers.

    Snow Lake is a small 90-acre lake with a nice boat ramp.  The scenery was spectacular and overall, we enjoyed our stay.  Its Just not a place we will return to.

  • Kay B.
    Jun. 11, 2025

    Buckhorn RV Park

    Family vibes!

    We absolutely loved our stay at Buckhorn RV Park! This place is family-owned and run, and you can really feel the care and pride Polly and David put into it. Everything is clean, spacious, and peaceful with gorgeous views all around. They truly go above and beyond to make you feel welcome and at home.

    One of the best parts was 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. It was filled with amazing people, fresh produce, and handmade goods—definitely worth checking out!

    Whether you're passing through or planning a longer stay, Buckhorn RV Park is a hidden gem you won’t want to miss. Can’t wait to come back!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2025

    Upper Gallinas Campground

    Such a nice location to visit and view what nature has to offer

    I really enjoyed the scenery here, there are restrooms and a long stream that you could sit next to and see all the creatures that are in the stream. The ground is solid for RV’s

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2025

    Kingston Campground

    Beautiful scenery, environment and vibe

    Me and my gf fell in love with this camping spot, the weather was nice when we were there, cute wild or domesticated animals walk the space not aggressive just cute and helpful with the leafs and cycle of vegetation foods/leafs in the area.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2025

    Railroad Canyon Campground

    Very nice location to camp at, they got restrooms picnic tables flat surface for RV’s

    they got restrooms picnic tables, flat surface ground for RV’s the weather is nice the water stream is very satisfying to view while relaxing away from town or city life.

  • Rocky K.
    May. 11, 2025

    Rose Valley RV Ranch

    Nice, chill place with bonus trees and cooler weather

    Nice widely spaced sites separated by nice juniper evergreens. Place is very tidy and well cared for.

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.

Keep Exploring