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Best Dispersed Camping near Gila National Forest

10 Reviews

Numerous free dispersed camping areas exist along Route 15 in Gila National Forest, with roadside pullouts offering overnight options for various vehicle sizes. These sites provide solitude with minimal traffic noise at night. Meadow Creek Road offers additional sites, though access requires high clearance vehicles and 4x4 capability for the bumpy, 3+ mile drive. North Star Mesa, accessible via North Star Road north of Mimbres, provides dispersed sites with established fire rings along the main road and forest spurs.

Comfort Well Dispersed Camping features multiple shaded sites under ponderosa pines with space for group camping and is accessible for larger vehicles despite a bumpy cattle guard at the entrance. Bear Mountain area includes 4-5 primitive sites along road 4242d, though the narrow, rocky access with low-hanging branches makes navigation challenging for larger vehicles. All dispersed sites throughout the forest require visitors to be self-sufficient—no water, toilets, or trash service is available. Most areas allow campfires in existing rings (except during fire restrictions), and the high elevation provides cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands, especially in summer months.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Gila National Forest (13)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Gila National Forest

6 Photos of 13 Gila National Forest Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Gila National Forest

10 Reviews of 13 Gila National Forest Campgrounds

  • Jorge G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 4, 2024

    Comfort Well Dispersed Camping

    Low-key dispersed sites

    A handful of sites located on the other side of Skates Canyon from Sapillo Campground. Close to great hiking around the CDT and fishing in Lake Roberts. Most of the sites sit on the shades of ponderosa and there's plenty of space for group camping.

    This is as bare as it gets. No services, no cell signal, no trash disposal, not even a pit toilet. Some sites have rock rings for campfires but that's about it. Please recreate responsibly and leave no trace. Pack out whatever you pack in.

    Quiet during the winter, but gets busy during the summer as evidenced by how well worn the dirt paths around the area are.

  • 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!

  • Sierra N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 16, 2023

    Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping

    Legendary creek side camping in a valley

    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. There are plenty of spaces to camp before the creek. But we kept going for about 3 miles, hit a road gate, and started traveling into the valley. It will eventually open up and you will see meadow creek. Spots to the left and right of the fork, we settled at the bottom. No service in the valley. Extremely magical, and serene. Leave it better than you left it please! If you want a camp spot off the beaten path, this is it. Perfect for tent camping/car camping.

  • Darrin R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 19, 2022

    Bear Mountain

    Rugged, no frills, but beautiful and quiet

    Stopped here to spend the night in July because it was cooler (~7500 ft elevation), free, quiet and beautiful. It's just a place to camp in the National Forest. No amenities.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 7, 2025

    Mineral Creek Trailhead

    Mineral Creek Trailhead

    I was here for the hike and didn't realize camping was actually allowed until I saw the sign at the trailhead (see photos). According to the national forest website, "Parking is available overnight; occupancy and use at the trailhead is dawn to dusk." We saw one firepit in the parking area, and a couple more pits shortly into the hike. The hike itself is amazing--about 3 miles one way through a beautiful canyon and 32 creek crossings (if I counted correctly!) to old mining ruins. Did not stay here, but thought I'd add it for anyone else who may be interested! The hike itself is 5-star, but I rated this "campsite" as 3-star because I'm not a fan of parking lot-style camping.

  • a
    Nov. 10, 2022

    Bear Mountain

    Nice dispersed spots

    4-5 dispersed spots on road 4242d before reaching the summit on bear mountain road (where the coordinates take you to). A narrow, rocky road with some low-hanging trees. Our sprinter made it but it was tight. The best spot was where the road dead-ends. Lots of shelter but not a ton of sunlight.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2024

    Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping

    Meadow Creek,NM

    Road is a little rough but well worth it. 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.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2020

    Roadside Pullouts and Disperesed Camping along Route 15

    Many scenic overnight pullouts along Route 15

    We were hoping to stay at the Gila Hot Springs campground, but it was full. Although the hot springs were oh so tempting, we're glad it turned out that way. First, FREE!  Second, fabulous views, stars, and amazing quiet.  

    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.  I wouldn't recommend a long stay, but we found a little road off up a gentle embankment with a killer view. There were many others we would have gladly stayed at too.  We are pulling a 17-ft travel trailer but some of the spots are wide and broad and would fit a much larger rig.

    No-one but a masochist would drive along Route 15 at night (slow, steep, winding) and so there was zero car noise all night.  This would be true for any of the pullouts, so even though you're close to the road, there aren't any cars so it doesn't matter much.  No cell service, but there isn't cell service anywhere in the area, even in Gila Hot Springs.

    We drove to the cliff dwellings in the morning, took a leisurely 20-30 minutes.

  • 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.

Guide to Gila National Forest

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Gila National Forest in New Mexico, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. This area offers a variety of locations for those seeking a more rustic camping experience.

Dispersed campers should check out Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping

  • Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping provides a secluded environment, perfect for letting your dogs roam freely while enjoying the natural surroundings.
  • The road leading to this spot is a bit rough, but the journey is worth it for the peaceful atmosphere and access to a small creek nearby.
  • With no amenities available, this location encourages campers to embrace a true back-to-nature experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate solitude.

Scenic views while free camping near Gila National Forest

  • Along Route 15, the Roadside Pullouts and Dispersed Camping offer stunning views and a quiet atmosphere, making it a fantastic choice for a night under the stars.
  • Many pullouts along this route are spacious enough for larger rigs, providing flexibility for various camping setups.
  • The area is known for its lack of cell service, allowing campers to disconnect and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty surrounding them.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Gila National Forest in New Mexico

  • When visiting Celebration Well Dispersed Camping, be prepared for a bare-bones experience with no services, making it essential to pack out everything you bring in.
  • North Star Mesa Dispersed Camping features numerous fire rings and is well-maintained, making it a great spot for those looking to enjoy hiking and clear night skies.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the pristine environment, especially in areas like Pine Flats Campground, where the natural beauty is the main attraction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping in Gila National Forest?

Gila National Forest offers numerous dispersed camping locations. North Star Mesa Dispersed Camping north of Mimbres features multiple sites with fire rings along the main road and spur forest roads. Most vehicles can access these areas as the road is typically well-maintained. Roadside Pullouts and Disperesed Camping along Route 15 provide free camping with spectacular views and quiet surroundings in the mountains south of Gila Hot Springs. Other popular spots include Comfort Well Dispersed Camping near Lake Roberts, Pine Flats Campground off Highway 15, and Bear Mountain with several sites accessible via forest roads. Meadow Creek areas offer secluded camping options deeper in the forest, though some require high-clearance 4x4 vehicles.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Gila National Forest?

Dispersed camping in Gila National Forest is primitive with no facilities or services. At Comfort Well Dispersed Camping, you'll find basic sites with no amenities—pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Mineral Creek Trailhead allows overnight parking, though official forest service guidelines state that trailhead occupancy is dawn to dusk. Standard dispersed camping regulations apply: camp at least 100 feet from water sources, use existing fire rings, practice Leave No Trace principles, and properly extinguish all campfires. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days within a 30-day period. Always check for current fire restrictions before your trip, as they can change seasonally. Be prepared for no trash service, potable water, or restroom facilities.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Gila National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Gila National Forest is Roadside Pullouts and Disperesed Camping along Route 15 with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Gila National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 dispersed camping locations near Gila National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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