7 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Gila Hot Springs Ranch offers camping facilities with horse access in the Gila National Forest. The property allows equestrians to keep their horses nearby while camping, with open spaces where horses sometimes roam freely through the campground. The ranch terrain accommodates horse trailers up to 37 feet long, though the access roads include steep grades with switchbacks that require careful navigation. Campsites feature hot and cold running water believed to be sourced from the natural hot springs beneath the mountain. The ranch provides both tent camping and RV sites with hookups, as well as restrooms with flush toilets and heated floors. Guests can observe the ranch's own herd of horses grazing on the property, particularly around sunset.
Trail riding opportunities extend throughout the surrounding Gila National Forest, with the ranch positioned near multiple riding routes. Visitors can arrange pack trips on horseback to explore remote backcountry areas, and trail rides are available for less experienced riders. The property sits approximately 4 miles from the cliff dwellings, making it convenient for combining riding with cultural exploration. Nearby natural hot springs offer relaxation after trail riding, with both rustic soaking areas by the river and more modern facilities available for an additional fee. During spring visits, guests might observe sheep with newborn lambs grazing in the pastures. Morning temperatures can drop into the 30°F range before warming quickly during the day, requiring appropriate clothing layers for both riders and their animals.
"Short walk to lake. Very well kept. Saw several deer and caught a few fish. Definitely worth the drive from Albuquerque"
"This is a great spot to launch your boat into the lake. The launch has bathrooms and even a fish washing station!
Be sure to check out the tree covered in lures next to the launch."
"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."
"There is a short walk to the natural hot springs down by the river which is really rustic and relaxing."
from $6 - $29 / night
Check Availability"This is a campground right next to the dispersed camp. It looked like only tents were in this part of the park."
"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."
"You'll find dispersed campsites with fire-rings all along the edges of the road and on spur forest roads sprouting from it."
"When you turn off Highway 61, you go through a gate. There are multiple pull-outs along the road. Great views, desert terrain. I have good cell service, and my home fi hot spot is working great."
ScoutTried to camp here and drove in late. There’s two entrances to this area per Google Maps. Both entrances had gates that both said New Mexico State Park Boundary Line. Ended up having to find a hotel because there’s not many other places to camp in this area other than in the parks. Maybe try to look when it is brighter outside for a different entrance.
GuideQuiet 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.
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.

GuideThis site is just a relatively short turn-off road with a loop for turning around and a small, non-dedicated area for pitching a tent as far as I could tell. If you have a camper/RV/van, then it should work fine, but it’s not the best for tent camping. I made it work, but wasn’t super excited about it. Also, there was a bit of trash left behind when I was there, but it wasn’t necessarily a dump.
Getting to this spot was convenient since it is right off a paved road. There was a bit of car noise here and there, but it wasn’t bad. I heard coyotes singing nearby (from multiple directions) in the evening, but didn’t actually see any wildlife.
In all, it was alright. Not horrible, not great, just sufficient.
GuideNo 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!)
LegendThis is a campground right next to the dispersed camp. It looked like only tents were in this part of the park. When we were here there was some guys with DNR and they were cutting back all of the dead trees from a fire. The wood they cut was all around in stacks for campers to use while camping. The sites are clean and spread out with level spots for your tent. They have fire rings and tables. Pit toilets and garbage is also on site. The night sky is incredible and you can see the Milky Way. There is no cell service here. The road in is graveled but it is nice and no car or suv would have trouble navigating. There is a hiking trail head near the back of the campground. It is peaceful and relaxing here!
GuideStayed here July 12-14,2019. There were quite a few sites available late Friday afternoon. Short walk to lake. Very well kept. Saw several deer and caught a few fish. Definitely worth the drive from Albuquerque
GuideThere 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.
LegendThis isn’t a campground. It is a boat launch and picnic area. There are lots of no camping signs but if you travel east or west you can find two campgrounds.
This is a great spot to launch your boat into the lake. The launch has bathrooms and even a fish washing station!
Be sure to check out the tree covered in lures next to the launch.
The area to launch your boat is huge plenty of room to navigate down toward the water.
There is also a dock extending out over the water if you don’t have a boat.
The area was clean and had garbage bins.
Can’t camp here but there was plenty of other things to do.
Horse campgrounds near Gila, New Mexico offer access to vast wilderness riding routes in the Gila National Forest where elevation ranges from 4,500 to 10,900 feet. The region features rugged mountain terrain with hidden canyons and diverse ecosystems supporting wildlife from mule deer to black bears. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing while summer days often exceed 90°F, requiring seasonal preparation for both riders and horses.
Explore Lake Roberts area: Lake Roberts provides camping with easy access to water activities. "This was my first experience in a boat, and the lake was a perfect place to learn. Had such an amazing experience with my family," notes Irving C. about Lake Roberts. The lake has facilities for launching watercraft and fishing.
Night sky viewing: The remote location offers exceptional stargazing opportunities away from light pollution. At Sapillo Campground, campers report, "The night sky is incredible and you can see the Milky Way" according to Alisa P. The Sapillo Campground provides a peaceful setting for astronomical observation with minimal facilities.
Hiking nearby trails: Multiple trailheads connect to the extensive Gila Wilderness trail system. "There is a hiking trail head near the back of the campground," explains Alisa P. about Sapillo Campground. These trails vary from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day backpacking routes through diverse terrain.
Rustic soaking options: Natural hot springs offer relaxation opportunities. Linda C. mentions about Gila Hot Springs Ranch, "Enjoyed relaxing in the hot springs which are very nice and easily accessible." These mineral-rich waters maintain constant temperatures year-round.
Secluded camping spots: The dispersed camping areas provide privacy and space. "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," reports Jorge G. about North Star Mesa Dispersed Camping.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting allows observation of native species. Dennis P. notes at Snow Lake, "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." Visitors frequently spot local wildlife during early morning or evening hours.
Road conditions vary significantly: Many access roads require careful driving and appropriate vehicles. Ellyn F. cautions about Gila Hot Springs Ranch, "Must be prepared for a very steep grade drive with switchbacks." Similarly, Jorge G. notes about North Star Mesa, "North Star Road is usually well maintained and most vehicles should make it to at least North Star Mesa."
Limited facilities at dispersed sites: Be prepared for minimal or no amenities. At BLM Near City of Rocks, Michael D. describes, "This is open BLM land. When you turn off Highway 61, you go through a gate. There are multiple pull-outs along the road. Great views, desert terrain."
Campfire regulations: Fire restrictions vary by season and location. Jonathan E. from Safari Campsite mentions, "This site is just a relatively short turn-off road with a loop for turning around and a small, non-dedicated area for pitching a tent as far as I could tell." Always check current fire restrictions before planning campfires.
Water activities for children: Lakes and streams offer recreational opportunities. Eva G. from Lake Roberts notes, "This lake is great for paddle boarding, relaxing and taking in the views." Calm water areas are suitable for younger children while deeper sections accommodate more experienced swimmers.
Educational opportunities: Visit nearby cultural and historical sites. "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!" shares Eugenie B. about wildlife viewing opportunities that children particularly enjoy.
Weather preparation: Mountain elevations cause significant temperature fluctuations. Dennis P. advises about Snow Lake, "High altitude means cold nights, so come prepared with all amenities self-contained, and all contingencies anticipated." Pack extra layers even during summer months as nighttime temperatures can drop 30+ degrees from daytime highs.
Size limitations: Carefully assess vehicle length restrictions before arrival. Linda C. notes about Gila Hot Springs Ranch, "Maneuvering our 24ft sprinter was doable on the property but larger vehicles not advised." Many forest roads have tight turns or low-hanging branches that limit access.
Boondocking preparation: Many sites lack hookups, requiring self-sufficiency. Michael D. mentions about BLM land, "I have good cell service, and my home fi hot spot is working great." When planning extended stays, bring adequate water supplies and power solutions.
Leveling challenges: Mountain terrain often features uneven camping surfaces. Jonathan E. from Safari Campsite explains, "If you have a camper/RV/van, then it should work fine, but it's not the best for tent camping." Bring leveling blocks and stabilizers for comfortable positioning.
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 Lake Roberts with a 4.6-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Gila, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Gila, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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