Best Equestrian Camping near Gila, NM

Looking for a rustic and comfortable horse camping experience near Gila? Camping with horses is a beautiful way to experience nature. These scenic and easy-to-reach New Mexico campsites are perfect for your horse camping excursion.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Gila, NM (6)

    Camper-submitted photo from Gila Hot Springs Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Gila Hot Springs Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Gila Hot Springs Ranch

    1. Gila Hot Springs Ranch

    2 Reviews
    3 Photos
    15 Saves
    Gila National Forest, New Mexico

    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

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $6 - $29 / night

    • No image available

      2. Snow Lake

      1 Review
      15 Saves
      Gila National Forest, New Mexico

      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.

      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Equestrian
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Firewood Available
      • Alcohol
      Camper-submitted photo from North Star Mesa Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from North Star Mesa Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from North Star Mesa Dispersed Camping
      • No image available

        4. Sapillo Campground

        Be the first to review!
        4 Saves
        Hanover, New Mexico

        This is a nice shady campground under ponderosa pines.

        Sapillo is an undeveloped campground under ponderosa pine and is a favorite of group campers.

        No reservations are necessary. First come - first serve. All Gila NF campgrounds have a 14-day stay limit.

        There is no firewood available. Please bring your own if you plan on building a fire.

        Please "Pack It In, Pack It Out" and do not dispose of trash in the campfire rings.

        There are numerous dispersed camping sites in the campground.

        • Fires
        • RVs
        • Tents
        • Group
        • Equestrian
        • Standard (Tent/RV)
        • No image available
          • No image available

            6. BLM Near City of Rocks

            Be the first to review!
            4 Saves
            Faywood, New Mexico

            BLM land near the City of Rocks entrance

            • Pets
            • Fires
            • RVs
            • Tents
            • Equestrian
            • Alcohol

          Recent Equestrian Reviews in Gila

          4 Reviews of 6 Gila Campgrounds


          • Jorge G.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from North Star Mesa Dispersed Camping
            Dec. 5, 2023

            North Star Mesa Dispersed Camping

            Secluded, clear beautiful skies

            There are plenty of nice spots to camp along North Star Road, north of Mimbres, NM. You'll find dispersed campsites with fire-rings all along the edges of the road and on spur forest roads sprouting from it. North Star Road is usually well maintained and most vehicles should make it to at least North Star Mesa.

            Nothing in terms of services and amenities, but nice hiking nearby. Very clear skies at night. 

            As always, please follow LNT principles when dispersed camping.

          • Ellyn F.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Gila Hot Springs Ranch
            Mar. 3, 2023

            Gila Hot Springs Ranch

            Horse ranch

            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.

          • E
            Camper-submitted photo from Gila Hot Springs Ranch
            Dec. 10, 2021

            Gila Hot Springs Ranch

            Close to Gila National Monument

            We 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. 

          • Dennis P.
            Camper-submitted photo from Snow Lake
            Dec. 25, 2020

            Snow Lake

            Beautiful boondocking.

            No facilities (it's boondocking) but beautiful! We camped upstream of the lake in a shallow valley with a dirt road leading to the site/area. We could walk to the lake and across the dam to explore the creek behind it. I slipped in the creek and dislocated my little finger on our second day, so that ended the trip for me. Had to drive to Reserve for medical help.

            The area is open grassland with ponderosa pines scattered around in clumps. As you hike into the Wilderness Area (the first one designated as such) the forest gets thicker. Snow Lake is well-known for trout fishing, and people know this. We were there on Memorial Day and it was a bit crowded with fishermen.

            There is an established campground there also (Dipping Vat) if you want a picnic table and grill, but we were all equipped for boondocking. High altitude means cold nights, so come prepared with all amenities self-contained, and all contingencies anticipated. (Like my dislocation!)



          Frequently Asked Questions

          • Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Gila, NM?

            According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Gila, NM is Gila Hot Springs Ranch with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

          • What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Gila, NM?

            TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Gila, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.