Tent camping near Gila National Forest offers remote wilderness experiences at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 10,900 feet. The forest encompasses 3.3 million acres of diverse terrain in southwestern New Mexico, with summer temperatures typically 10-15 degrees cooler at higher elevations than surrounding lowlands. Most tent sites throughout the forest require high clearance vehicles to access, especially during monsoon season from July through September when afternoon thunderstorms can make forest roads challenging.
What to do
Soak in hot springs: Near Lower Scorpion Campground, visitors can access natural hot springs within hiking distance. "Just 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," reports Anna R., who discovered that "the next morning I could find the hot spring seam by the steam coming off the creek."
Explore mountain lakes: Lake Roberts offers excellent paddleboarding opportunities in a scenic mountain setting. "This lake is great for paddle boarding, relaxing and taking in the views," notes Eva G. The lake also features specialized facilities for anglers, with Alisa P. mentioning "The launch has bathrooms and even a fish washing station! Be sure to check out the tree covered in lures next to the launch."
Hike the Continental Divide Trail: Rocky Canyon Campground provides direct access to the Continental Divide Trail. "Right on the continental divide trail. Very quiet," notes Peter M. The campground sits alongside a small mountain stream, with Mark O. confirming there's "a nice little mountain stream running through it," making it ideal for hikers seeking solitude.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer excellent wildlife watching. "Saw several deer and caught a few fish," reports Karen N. at Lake Roberts. Black Canyon Campground features abundant birdlife, with Court M. noting "The birds are abundant here. I wore a red winter hat and had at least 10 hummingbirds buzz my head in one day."
Cool mountain temperatures: Black Canyon Campground - Lower provides comfortable summer camping at higher elevation. "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," writes Tracy C. Mark O. adds, "You can plan for at least a 30 degree delta between daytime high and nighttime low."
Primitive camping solitude: The remote locations of most tent sites ensure minimal crowds. Keith H. describes Lower Scorpion as "Quiet, free, small campground. No individual marked sites. Paved parking lot with wooded area." While Jacob B. appreciates Black Canyon's unique appeal: "Only place where you can camp next to a gila trout stream."
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Fire regulations vary by location and season. Mark O. notes that during his visit to Black Canyon: "No campfires are currently permitted except for in designated metal fire pits maintained by the forest service. Just a guess, but this is probably the norm throughout the summer in the Gila."
Road access challenges: Many campgrounds require careful navigation. Willow Creek has particularly difficult access according to Jane: "Road up is very sketchy! Single lane on a cliff, glad we didn't pass a car on the way up or back down." Similarly, Rocky Canyon requires appropriate vehicles: "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."
Water availability varies: Not all campgrounds provide reliable water sources. Court M. reported at Black Canyon that "the water spigot only worked intermittently," while Lower Scorpion has mixed reports about water access, with Keith H. stating "Water is available" but Ryan L. noting "I don't believe there's water or electricity here."
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with amenities: Silver City KOA offers more developed facilities ideal for families with children. "Excellent customer service, clean sites, bathrooms and a nice area," notes Jon B. The KOA includes cabins that Eric G. found "better than I expected. Wi-Fi password available. TV in cabin, heated, toilet and shower."
Look for accessible facilities: Some campgrounds feature handicap-accessible restrooms. Ryan L. notes Lower Scorpion has "one bathroom that is handicap accessible," making it suitable for families with accessibility needs.
Consider noise levels: Some sites have natural noise sources. Jon B. mentions at Silver City KOA, "Just not liking the noisy geese at a pond nearby. Nothing they can do about that though!" This is worth considering when camping with light sleepers.
Tips from RVers
RV size limitations: Most forest campgrounds have strict size limitations. At Lower Scorpion Campground, Cathy C. explains, "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!"
Consider private campgrounds: For larger rigs and full hookups, Silver City KOA provides suitable RV camping close to forest access points. Brett D. notes: "I've steered clear of KOA before but will check them out after this visit. Very quiet stay and spots were very nice."
