Best Dispersed Camping near Gila National Forest

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.

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.

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.

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.