Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Gila National Forest, NM is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Gila National Forest campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Gila National Forest, NM. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
"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 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."
"You'll find dispersed campsites with fire-rings all along the edges of the road and on spur forest roads sprouting from it."
"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."
"No facilities, but a beautiful spot. Lots of shade. Dirt road in decent shape. No road signs off of highway 15. Just need to use the GPS coordinates. A few level spots with fire rings. "
"Meadow Creek Rd starts out as a well maintained dirt road with a handful of sites marked by fire rings."
"Curvy, narrow roads… just be careful and go slow.
Plenty of campgrounds along the way, as well as these dispersed areas."
"It's just a place to camp in the National Forest. No amenities."
"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."
GuideA 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.
GuideI 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!
GuideThis 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.
TravelerStopped 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.
LegendI 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.
Scout4-5 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.
ScoutRoad 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.
GuideWe 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.
GuideRight off the road, 4 campsites. The last one is a little more open and we will def be coming back. Pretty stars, and 2 bars of service for Verizon. Please remember to clean up after yourself! Unfortunately there was a lot of old glass, among other trash. Also be careful on the road, it’s 30, but people fly down it not thinking of others on the road. 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! Cool to see an iconic owl!
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.
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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