Gila National Forest spans over 3.3 million acres with elevations ranging from 4,200 to 10,900 feet, creating diverse camping environments from desert scrubland to pine-covered mountains. Temperatures at higher elevations can drop significantly at night, with winter lows regularly reaching 20-30°F and summer days averaging 80-90°F. Most campgrounds near the forest have limited or no cell coverage, making advance planning essential for visitors.
What to do
Hot spring soaking opportunities: Located within the forest, Gila Hot Springs Campground features three natural hot spring pools that provide relaxation after hiking. "Although there is no phone or wifi, who needs it when you have your own hot springs to bask in? The three pools are cute, clean and have a natural look to them," notes one visitor. The pools are clothing optional after dark.
Explore archaeological sites: The Gila Cliff Dwellings are accessible via a short drive from several campgrounds. "The Gila Cliff Dwellings are worth the drive, and local canyon hikes abound," writes a camper from Gila Hot Springs. Most visitors recommend allocating 2-3 hours for exploring the dwellings and surrounding trails.
River activities: Many campgrounds offer access to the Gila River for swimming, fishing, and wading. At Forks Campground, "the river area is beautiful and the water is clean and cool," according to one reviewer. The campground sits atop a cliff with "a fantastic swimming hole a short hike down the hill."
What campers like
Stargazing opportunities: The remote location offers exceptional night sky viewing. At Gila Hot Springs Ranch, campers can enjoy the stars while soaking. "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!"
Privacy between sites: Several RV parks offer spacious sites with natural barriers. At Rose Valley RV Ranch, "The sites are huge and feel very private, offering a little fenced in, personal yard at most sites." This setup makes the campground feel less crowded even when nearly full.
Local wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to spot native wildlife. At Gila Hot Springs Ranch, one camper reports, "At sunset we watched deer in the pasture grazing happily. Then watched them hop right over the fence one by one!" The ranch also features sheep and horses that occasionally pass through the camping areas.
What you should know
Limited services and supplies: The remote location means few nearby amenities. "Bring what you want or need, the local store might or might not be open and might or might not have much you want," advises one camper about visits to Gila Hot Springs Campground.
Road conditions can be challenging: Access roads often involve steep grades and switchbacks. At Black Canyon Campground, the remote location keeps crowds down, but navigation requires careful driving. For Gila Hot Springs Ranch, a reviewer warns visitors "must be prepared for a very steep grade drive with switchbacks."
Fire restrictions: Wildfire risk often leads to restrictions. "The Gila can at times be plagued with wildfires... No campfires are currently permitted except for in designated metal fire pits maintained by the forest service," notes a camper at Black Canyon. These restrictions typically remain in place throughout summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Temperature preparation: Pack for significant temperature swings. At Gila Hot Springs Campground, one camper advises, "Can get cold at night if you are in a tent, bring warm clothing." Daily temperature fluctuations of 30-40 degrees are common throughout the region.
Swimming opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer child-friendly water access. Forks Campground provides "a phenomenal view of the river, is an excellent location for stargazing, and has a fantastic swimming hole a short hike down the hill." These natural features provide entertainment without the need for developed facilities.
Campsite selection: For families staying at Manzanos RV Park, visitors note the spacious layout: "Nice RV park just outside of Silver City with large spaces and junipers between the spaces." The natural separation between sites helps maintain privacy between camping families.
Tips from RVers
RV park locations and amenities: For access to Silver City services, Silver City RV Park offers convenience to urban amenities. "This camp ground is conveniently located to Old Town Silver City. The staff is friendly, the site was clean and level. The bathrooms and showers were clean as well." The park includes full hookups and laundry facilities.
Length restrictions: Larger RVs may struggle at some campgrounds. One reviewer at Forks Campground with a 38-foot fifth wheel noted, "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." Most rv campgrounds near Gila National Forest have size limitations or require careful navigation.
Power options: Hookup availability varies widely among Gila National Forest RV campgrounds. At Rose Valley RV Ranch, "Sites are long and spacious, level, gravel, wide with shrubbery and some fencing between, adding lots of privacy." The park offers both back-in and pull-through options, making it suitable for various RV types.
