Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Gila National Forest, NM is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Gila National Forest, NM. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
Gila Hot Springs Campground is a private business owned by Allen and Carla Campbell. It offers camping and natural hot spring pools beside the Gila River in southwest New Mexico. We are located 40 miles north of Silver City and about 4 miles from the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. Our area is surrounded by the Gila Wilderness and the larger Gila National Forest.
PLEASE NOTE! We are NOT an RV campground. We have no hookups. Small self-contained RV ONLY.
The hot springs campground has three pools with natural rock perimeters and gravel bottoms. Each pool has its own personality and temperature so you are sure to find one that pleases you. The normal temperature of the pools is between 101º and 104ºF.
There are twelve camping areas spaced for privacy and are located around shade trees. Small self-contained campers and trailers are welcome (must be less than 20 feet long) but few sites can accommodate them. No hookups are available.
Toilet facilities (composting) and drinking water is available. We do not provide electricity or trash containers, and there are no bathing or shower facilities. The pools are NOT for bathing.
There are water faucets for cold and hot potable water next to the “dragon spout”, in the pool area. The hot spring water coming out of the dragon spout is 140ºF. Do not wash your dishes there, carry the water to your campsite.
$7 / night
Cosmic Campground is one of many sites on the Gila NF where night sky photography is at it's best. Late May - late October are the best times to see the Milky Way and get some premium photos.
Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary (CCIDSS) is the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary located on National Forest System lands and also in North America. It is also one of only 10 certified IDA Sanctuaries in the world. International Dark Sky Sanctuaries are lands possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights. For more information on dark skies or the International Dark Sky Association -http://www.darksky.org/. The CCIDSS offers a 360-degree, unobstructed view of the night sky, and often hosts “star parties” in cooperation with the partner group “Friends of the Cosmic Campground.” This site is situated where there nearest significant source of artificial light is more than 40 miles away, and across the state line in Arizona. . Night vision is necessary to enjoy the night sky. If you look at white light from either your flashlight or your cell phone you will not be able to enjoy the wonders of the natural night sky for 20-30 minutes. In order to respect your fellow star gazers the Forest Service recommends: No parking on the observation/telescope pads No camp fires on observation pads Use a red filter over your flashlight lens Try to arrive before dark so that your headlights won’t distort your night vision Quiet times (no generator use) between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. CCIDSS is a primitive campground with minimal site amenities including an information kiosk, a pit toilet, and four concrete telescope/observation pads. Currently, there is very minimal shade available however, future planning developments intend to erect a shade pavilion as well as improve individual campsite amenities as funding comes available.
This is a nice shady campground under ponderosa pines. Sapillo is an undeveloped campground under ponderosa pine and is a favorite of group campers. For any large group, we recommend this large campground.
This is a fantastic place to get away from it all! Dipping Vat Campground is located adjacent to the west side of Snow Lake. Snow Lake is approximately 52 miles southeast of Reserve, New Mexico. The campground offers a variety of activities to the visitor, including fishing, overnight camping, and hiking. Dipping Vat Campground has a potable water system including a well with a pump. Snow Lake is stocked with trout three times a year, early spring, early summer, and late fall. If you wish to fish at Snow Lake you must have a New Mexico fishing license and more information is available at NM Department of Game and Fish
$5 / night
RV Park
Whether you are camping in a tent or full-size recreational vehicle, there is a place at the Gila Hot Springs ranch. Owned and operated by Becky Campbell, this facility is an AAA rated campground. We are committed to make sure that your camping experience is an enjoyable success. For further information contact us at gilahotspringsranch@gilanet.com or call 575-536-9314 (evenings).
Free Wi-Fi is available at Doc Campbell's Outpost.
Our sites have both hot and cold taps at all hookups. You have the option to enjoy the hot springs water in your own RV or use the RV Park restroom with showers. Be sure to enjoy the Natural Hotsprings Jacuzzi, too!
We also have a picnic pavilion with a grill. A fire ring is also available and is a great place for group activities. In addition, your children can romp and play in our playground. Horse corrals are also available.
Rates* Hookups: Overnight: $23 - $29 Weekly: $129 - $161 Monthly: $320
Overnight tenting: $5.75 per person. Tenting rates include use of showers. Natural Hotsprings Jacuzzi use: $4.60 per person Surcharge for a/c and electric heaters
$6 - $29 / night
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 campground is an ideal area to escape the summer heat.
This campground provides a nice view of Lake Roberts. If you are looking for a lakeside retreat within easy driving distance of historic Silver City, then come and enjoy the beauty of the Gila National Forest at this campground. Mesa Campground is nestled in the juniper and pinon trees on the mesa above Lake Roberts. The campground has sites along the bluff with great views of the lake below. Migrating birds in the campground and waterfowl on the lake make this a great place to go birding.
$10 - $15 / night
Snow Lake is a small reservoir located in the Reserve Ranger District approximatley 30 miles from the town of Reserve. Snow Lake is most easily accessed via FR 142.
Gila Hot Springs Campground is a private business owned by Allen and Carla Campbell. It offers camping and natural hot spring pools beside the Gila River in southwest New Mexico. We are located 40 miles north of Silver City and about 4 miles from the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. Our area is surrounded by the Gila Wilderness and the larger Gila National Forest.
PLEASE NOTE! We are NOT an RV campground. We have no hookups. Small self-contained RV ONLY.
The hot springs campground has three pools with natural rock perimeters and gravel bottoms. Each pool has its own personality and temperature so you are sure to find one that pleases you. The normal temperature of the pools is between 101º and 104ºF.
There are twelve camping areas spaced for privacy and are located around shade trees. Small self-contained campers and trailers are welcome (must be less than 20 feet long) but few sites can accommodate them. No hookups are available.
Toilet facilities (composting) and drinking water is available. We do not provide electricity or trash containers, and there are no bathing or shower facilities. The pools are NOT for bathing.
There are water faucets for cold and hot potable water next to the “dragon spout”, in the pool area. The hot spring water coming out of the dragon spout is 140ºF. Do not wash your dishes there, carry the water to your campsite.
$7 / night
Cosmic Campground is one of many sites on the Gila NF where night sky photography is at it's best. Late May - late October are the best times to see the Milky Way and get some premium photos.
Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary (CCIDSS) is the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary located on National Forest System lands and also in North America. It is also one of only 10 certified IDA Sanctuaries in the world. International Dark Sky Sanctuaries are lands possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights. For more information on dark skies or the International Dark Sky Association -http://www.darksky.org/. The CCIDSS offers a 360-degree, unobstructed view of the night sky, and often hosts “star parties” in cooperation with the partner group “Friends of the Cosmic Campground.” This site is situated where there nearest significant source of artificial light is more than 40 miles away, and across the state line in Arizona. . Night vision is necessary to enjoy the night sky. If you look at white light from either your flashlight or your cell phone you will not be able to enjoy the wonders of the natural night sky for 20-30 minutes. In order to respect your fellow star gazers the Forest Service recommends: No parking on the observation/telescope pads No camp fires on observation pads Use a red filter over your flashlight lens Try to arrive before dark so that your headlights won’t distort your night vision Quiet times (no generator use) between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. CCIDSS is a primitive campground with minimal site amenities including an information kiosk, a pit toilet, and four concrete telescope/observation pads. Currently, there is very minimal shade available however, future planning developments intend to erect a shade pavilion as well as improve individual campsite amenities as funding comes available.
This is a nice shady campground under ponderosa pines. Sapillo is an undeveloped campground under ponderosa pine and is a favorite of group campers. For any large group, we recommend this large campground.
This is a fantastic place to get away from it all! Dipping Vat Campground is located adjacent to the west side of Snow Lake. Snow Lake is approximately 52 miles southeast of Reserve, New Mexico. The campground offers a variety of activities to the visitor, including fishing, overnight camping, and hiking. Dipping Vat Campground has a potable water system including a well with a pump. Snow Lake is stocked with trout three times a year, early spring, early summer, and late fall. If you wish to fish at Snow Lake you must have a New Mexico fishing license and more information is available at NM Department of Game and Fish
$5 / night
Request to BookRV Park
Whether you are camping in a tent or full-size recreational vehicle, there is a place at the Gila Hot Springs ranch. Owned and operated by Becky Campbell, this facility is an AAA rated campground. We are committed to make sure that your camping experience is an enjoyable success. For further information contact us at gilahotspringsranch@gilanet.com or call 575-536-9314 (evenings).
Free Wi-Fi is available at Doc Campbell's Outpost.
Our sites have both hot and cold taps at all hookups. You have the option to enjoy the hot springs water in your own RV or use the RV Park restroom with showers. Be sure to enjoy the Natural Hotsprings Jacuzzi, too!
We also have a picnic pavilion with a grill. A fire ring is also available and is a great place for group activities. In addition, your children can romp and play in our playground. Horse corrals are also available.
Rates* Hookups: Overnight: $23 - $29 Weekly: $129 - $161 Monthly: $320
Overnight tenting: $5.75 per person. Tenting rates include use of showers. Natural Hotsprings Jacuzzi use: $4.60 per person Surcharge for a/c and electric heaters
$6 - $29 / night
