Searching for a tent camping spot near Gila National Forest? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Lower Scorpion Campground is a partially developed campground within walking distance of the West Fork of the Gila River. The campground is located less than one mile from the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument just off NM State Highway 15. Drinking water is available, tables and grills are provided at select sites. Vault toilets are available on site. Camping is free of charge and first-come, first-served.
This campground features beautiful cliffs along the West Fork of the__Gila River.This campground is a great place to stop__on the way to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument (15 miles north). Overnight camping is allowed in the upper portion of Forks; however, the lower portion of the Forks__Recreation Site__along the__West Fork of the Gila River is day use only.
This is a beautiful remote camping area. Trail #94 begins at the rear of the campground.Located in a remote area of forest__approximately 30 miles from the Wilderness Ranger District office. This campground is accessible from FR 150, and driving approximately .5 miles from the road, across the stream. You will enter an area with a newer vault toilet__and a beautiful meadow next to the stream.Please be advised - the district recommends high-clearance 4x4 vehicles on FR 150.
Lake Roberts is located in the Wilderness Ranger District along NM 35.__It can be accessed via NM 35 or NM 15. NM 15 is__a narrow paved, winding road that may__not be suitable for trucks with trailers.
This is a fairly small campground and is popular with horse riders and hunters.
Willow Creek Campground provides a quiet, peaceful area in the pines. Willow Creek is located approximately 55 miles from the town of Reserve. Willow Creek is a very beautiful campground nestled in the canyon under tall pines. The camp sites run along both sides of the stream.
A remote campground on the northeast edge of the Gila Wilderness located south of New Mexico Hwy 59 (Beaverhead Road). High clearance vehicles are recommended. This campground is approximately 90 miles northeast of Truth or Consequences, NM
Aeroplane Mesa Campground is a great location for hikers and horseback riders to access the wilderness. The area is relatively open and 'park-like' with grass interspersed with trees.
Guide
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.
Legend
We stayed at Mesa Campground during a tour of the Gila National Forest with friends.
The lake views aren’t great, but you can easily walk down to the shore.
The trash bins and running water are really nice amenities. Our site had a table and grill and we were able to fit our truck with a rooftop tent and a truck with a small pull behind, but we were really close to each other.
We’ve also caught and ate trout from Lake Roberts.
Traveler
Nice Park just outside/south of the Gila National forest. Perfect spot if one wants to park and then drive into the Kila forest or cliff dwellings. Has clean showers and laundry, and a nice couple that runs the place. Just a few miles north of silver city. Nice drive to get supplies in town
ScoutCampsites are just steps from fisherman’s trail along the SE shore of Lake Roberts reservoir on Hwy 35 in the Gila National Forest. Sites are well spaced out under a stand of ponderosa. Deer, turkeys and javelins are regular visitors; several hiking trails are nearby. Birdwatching along the shore or from the water in a canoe or kayak.
GuideStayed here with a couple of friends in late December of 2019. Great proximity to Gila National Forest, which is the primary reason we chose this campground. Obviously was very cold during December, but we were comfortable with an all-season tent & sleeping bags.
Camp hosts were super nice and gave us a lighter when we couldn’t find ours, which was a saving grace when it came to be dinner time. Picnic tables were great, especially when you’ve become used to primitive camping without such luxuries. Pit toilets were clean and accessible. Overall, nothing special but a great campground for the location and the helpfulness of the hosts.
Guide
The Gila cliff dwellings are awesome. Well worth the 1.5 hour drive in from Silver City. The Upper Scorpion campground is really a parking lot with nearby tent sites. Campers park in the lot. With that said I was the only occupant of the campground. It was very quiet with a spectacular night sky. The Lower Scorpion campground is the same. The host was very friendly and helpful. No services except pit toilets.
Scout
This campground is right off the highway, but not too much traffic. The small creek bed has nice water depending on the time of year. Too hot in the summer. Gets cold I. The winter, but it is a nice place when the weather is too cold to go further up the mountains to other campgrounds in the Gila. Vault toilet is clean. Only a couple of camp spots. We tent camp, but I think you'd be able to park a small camper or trailer.
Guide
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.
Ranger
We tent camped at Cherry Creek campground in late July 2023. We arrived about 4pm on a Saturday and there were like 2 sites available. First come, first serve, no fee, but a ranger told me that could change soon. Lots of nice tall pines. The creek was dry. Very scenic valley. There’s a short, informal trail at the north end of the campground past the bathroom. The trail goes about 0.25 miles out; so 0.5 mile round trip. A nice evening or morning stroll or both. But…there was a big group next to us that partied loud and late—with a generator that lit up their site, and ours. Oh well! At least they were enjoying the outdoors like we were, I think.
Traveler
with our rv in the shop we've been getting some tent camping in. we were headed to another campground and had been on the road too long, sun dipping towards dusk, so we saw this turnout, easy to miss, and drove on in. lovely and spacious as others have said. not much litter. we picked up what little we saw. zero cell signal with verizon.
what we especially enjoyed was being able to furrow way back in our 4x4 to a secluded spot. halloween weekend and we could hear some revellers but enough distance made it a bit charming rather than annoying. so much open land for hiking and the cdt meanders through.
leaving we lost our way and found a small group of campers even further back in. really wonderful. chilly nights and early mornings. secret gem.
Guide
Primitive campground with 1 bathroom. 5 designated drive up spots for camping as well as more possible dispersed sites out in the meadow. Several fire rings hint at possible tenting sites. The wilderness that surrounds the site and lack of lights truly make the night sky magical. Check campground schedule for guided star gazing, they have telescope nights!
And it’s free! Watch out for cow poop.
TravelerWe pulled right into our campsite with hot and cold water at our site. I believe they pull it from the natural hot springs that run beneath the mountain. What a treat! Even if you're not glam camping with a fancy RV it's perfect! How many times have you had to wash your dishes in cold water st a campground.
I pull a 37ft gooseneck horse trailer that is now used for camping. No amenities but next best thing to camping in a tent.
There is a short walk to the natural hot springs down by the river which is really rustic and relaxing. Especially after climbing the step to the cave/cliff dwellings which are approximately 4 mi further up the road.
The restrooms are flush toilets, hot water and a heated floor. Super clean! You can pay a small fee to utilize the "hot tub" which is more modern but 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! We saw several shooting stars and we blown away by the majesty of the heavens which were out "ceiling"!
You can get out of the hot tub, go directly into the restroom/shower. There's a code to enter the two shower/hot tub complex. Great because it keeps unexpected/uninvited guests from entering.
We parked at site #08 close to the restrooms. There are hookups for more luxurious RVs.
We ran out of propane and were easily accommodated with a fire ring and wood for a small fee. Well worth it! Mornings were in the 30's. It warms up quickly so layering worked for us.
The camp host were very accommodating and friendly.
I loved watching them round up their herd of horses that roam freely through the campground from time to time.
At sunset we watched deer in the pasture grazing happily. Then watched them hop right over the fence one by one! How fun is that!
Sunrise and sunsets there cast the most beautiful hues on the rock formations surrounding the area.
While walking down to the natural hot springs we were delighted to see sheep who had given birth to a couple sets of black & white faced twins! Too cute for words...
Bring a lunch as there are picnic tables next to the creek. Great after soaking in the three separate soaking areas.
I was told you could arrange pack trips on horses and explore any of the back country areas. This is love to return and take advantage of! As amazing as it is on foot and in the car it Hass to be mine blowing on the back of a horse! I was also told that they do trail rides for those less experienced riders.

Guide
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. Would be 5 stars but the water spigot only worked intermittently, and it was difficult to get a site due to online reservations, some of which weren't even used but sites were still considered occupied due to reservation. I dislike National Park Campgrounds utilizing online reservations, it makes it hard for those of us who wish to ramble aimlessly.
The birds are abundant here. I wore a red winter hat and had at least 10 hummingbirds buzz my head in one day. I could hear their wings and feel the breeze from them they came so close. Tons of shade here, and nice cool days with chilly nights in May. We had a night of sleet after a rainstorm with hail but the next two days were gorgeous. Conveniently located to Santa Fe amenities. I highly recommend this campground. Pit toilets were minimally smelly and relatively clean.
GuideThis is a great spot for tent, trailer or RV campers. There are a handful of trailer/RV spots in the actual camp ground loop with plenty of room for tents in the center. There is a vault toilet that is clean and stocked with toilet paper. If the actual campground is full there are plenty of camp sites in the surrounding areas.
Scout
Love the hot springs, great hosts, calm, and not too many people.
Can get cold at night if you are in a tent, bring warm clothing
ScoutAbout 10 designated sites around a loop. The sites are set up as to where you pull/back your vehicle/camper into the site. There is a picnic table. The site itself is compacted gravel. There is an area at each site where you can set up tent(s) on dirt. Very little to no shade so suggest you bring a popup canopy. Each site has a fire ring, but be sure to check (and respect) the burn ban status. Two pit toilets. No water available at campground so be sure to pack in. There are also dispersed sites off the main loop. There are basically just where you set up a tent where you can find a nice spot. Most have a rock fire ring. The dispersed sites offer solitude away from other campers, but a longer walk to the latrines. There are 4 cement pads at the main campsite area to set telescopes. The stars are incredible. Great viewing of Milky Way (when on cosmic calendar). Constellations galore. Too many satellites to count.
Guide
We didn't actually stay there but leaving this review to explain why RVs and camper vans are discouraged. The campground is a small parking lot surrounded by walk-in campsites. If you are tenting it, a beautiful place!
Scout
This camp site is off a forest service road that gets pretty rough. Definitely tents only Recommend that you have 4wheel drive, motorcycle or atv. Right on the continental divide trail. Very quiet
Traveler
It’s a few minutes from the lake but it’s nice and open.. both times we’ve gone it’s had quite a few people but beyond being able to hear them we weren’t running into each other. Great for tents, or campers.. They have metal fire rings to help which was nice.
Only drawback was one time people were running generators which were pretty loud.. but we’d still go back!
RangerJust a short hike from the visitor's center are a series of hot springs. The first spring is really just a trickle and can only be found by touch moving through the stream. I was able to set up a tent on the creek and dig down in the sand to find the hot water and then covered myself to get the geothermal properties. Not a traditional hot spring soak but a memorable experience. The next morning I could find the hot spring seam by the steam coming off the creek and did the same thing while watching coyotes traverse the canyon.
LegendI have stayed here multiple times and love it. Both times I drove past the telescope pads and went up the hill and slept in a tent. Only a few other campers each time I stayed. Awesome view of the stars and the Milky Way. Plenty of wood for a fire and multiple fire pits. I stayed in June of 2019 and July of 2020 and rain was a bit of an issue. I would stay here again
TravelerThis is a small campground on top of a hill, therefore great for stargazing! It is dispersed camping (yea, free!) and has two vault toilets. The bathrooms/toilets were well kept and not super stinky like in some places. There's gravel parking great for RVs, and plenty room beyond that for tents. However, there is NO shade, so beware the summer afternoon. Perhaps because of this there was hardly anyone there, but that's makes for a quiet, unintrusive stay. Also, there are some free range cows, so watch out for cow patties.
LegendThis is one of our favorite springtime camping spots. There aren’t any numbered sites, but there are makeshift campfires and flat areas all around. The site also has trash disposal and vault toilets. Lots of trees for shade and hammocks.
This spot is popular with large crowds and off road vehicle enthusiasts. Expect music until 10pm and the sound of engines. It’s a great place to boondock with a generator.
Lots of easy trails to ride around on with our mini bikes. Plenty of space to set up camp with 2 families and a few smaller tents.
Lake Roberts is just zip the road for fishing opportunities.
GuideWe visited Black Canyon last August on our way to Colorado and stayed two nights. What a lovely and well maintained place. camp hosts were absolutely wonderful. campers were clean, quiet and respectful. Bathrooms were just pit toilets, but man... they were CLEAN! It is cool at night, even in August, due to the elevation. We were so cozy in our wool socks and sleeping bags in a tent. It even hailed on us hard one day. 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. This place is just gorgeous.
Guide
I needed to find a spot for the Labor day weekend that wasn't over crowded. This campground is very isolated infact it's about an hour to an hour and a half of off road driving to get to. I was very impressed with the drinking water faucets located throughout the campsite, and the clean bathrooms. There are two sides of the campsite, on on side your in the woods with tall pine trees to shade your tent and campsite. The other side is open no trees, but it does overlook the lake so be sure to bring your canopy. It's a paid national forest campsite of $5/night. The forest trucks/rangers do stop in several times during the day to make sure everything is ok. Heard Elk in the morning, wolves and bats at night. This is a great location to get away from the busy hustle of city life
Guidefree, first come first serve, camp host at lower Scorpion.
TravelerThis campground is really nice for being free. There is a very clean bathroom with vault toilets and there are a couple sm water spigots. Some sites have picnic tables and all have some sort of fire pit. It's good to have a trash bag handy to pack out your trash, as there is no trash service up there. Some spots are a little awkward as you might have to walk through someone else's site to get to/from your car. It is within walking distance of several trailheads in the national forest and the cliff dwellings, so that is super convenient. If you want firewood, there is a little store a few miles back down the road run by some very friendly folks.
Tent camping near Gila National Forest in New Mexico offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, surrounded by stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Gila National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Gila National Forest is Lower Scorpion Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 5 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near Gila National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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