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Tent camping near Gila, New Mexico ranges from walk-in primitive tent campsites to small creekside sites, with options suited for both car campers and backpackers. Lower Scorpion Campground provides walk-in tent sites with a small parking lot surrounded by tent camping areas, making it particularly suitable for tent campers. Railroad Canyon Campground, located near Hanover, features just 3-4 small tent campsites with a creek running behind each site. Rocky Canyon Campground offers tent-only camping along the Continental Divide Trail, while Black Canyon Campground - Lower provides tent sites in a more remote setting. Lake Roberts, approximately 30 minutes from Silver City, includes tent campsites with lake access.
Most tent campgrounds in the Gila region feature basic amenities suited for primitive tent camping. Vault toilets are common at sites like Railroad Canyon and Lower Scorpion, though drinking water is limited or unavailable. Fire restrictions frequently apply during summer months, with fires permitted only in designated metal fire rings when allowed. Roads to backcountry tent sites often require high-clearance vehicles, particularly at Rocky Canyon where the Forest Service road becomes rough and suitable only for 4WD access. Temperature variations are significant, with campers reporting 30-degree differences between daytime highs and nighttime lows, even in summer months.
Tent campers visiting the Gila area frequently note the solitude and natural surroundings as highlights. According to reviews, Railroad Canyon Campground offers "privacy from the road" with sites that are "more hidden than other nearby campgrounds." The small size of many tent campgrounds contributes to their quiet nature, with one visitor noting they "were the only people there during our visit." At Lower Scorpion Campground, campers appreciate the access to hiking trails, with one reviewer mentioning "a canyon that we hiked up behind the campground." Wildlife viewing opportunities are plentiful throughout the region's tent camping areas, with deer sightings common at Lake Roberts and abundant bird activity at Black Canyon Campground.
"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.""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."
"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."
"There are designated spots around installed fire pits with grills. There is one bathroom that is handicap assessable. I don’t believe there’s water or electricity here."
"Don't go to the Gila Lower Box looking for formal campsites and places to hook up an rv. This is primitive camping at one of New Mexico's truest oases. Why?"
"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."
"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."
"There are also a few spots before Bear Camp and a few after if you keep driving but the road gets worse the farther you go. The spot is beautiful with pretty awe inspiring views."
"Beautiful views and a cool windmill on a dry creek bed. Road up is very sketchy! Single lane on a cliff, glad we didn’t pass a car on the way up or back down."
"Definitely tents only Recommend that you have 4wheel drive, motorcycle or atv. Right on the continental divide trail. Very quiet"
"Was going to camp here on 4/15/2021, but there was what appeared to be from signage, a controlled burn going on at the entrance to Forest Road 150."
"Great little lake, camping is free. 14 day limit. Lots of fish. Catfish, , LMB, Trout."
"This campground is a “little” more hidden from the road than other nearby campgrounds."
"This campground is a “little” more hidden from the road than other nearby campgrounds."
TravelerShort drive from Gila Cliff Dwellings. No running water, no cell service, no WiFi and they have vault toilets. If you need those amenities then this is not the campsite for you. There was no crowd mid week during the end of February. The day warmed up nicely and the night was cold, just bring the right gear.
TravelerI was worried that this place wasn’t open due to the fact there were only two reviews and it had been a while since a review. I can happily share that they are open and thriving. I was driving from Gila Cliff Dwellings towards White Sands NP and needed a place to camp. I passed some dispersed camping along the way, but most of the cultivated sites were closed, I’m guessing due to COVID as New Mexico has really cracked down on their camping and I ran into lots of sites that were either closed or only open to residents. Anyway, this place was a STEAL. For only $21 (the typical price of most regular vault toilet and picnic table camp sites), you get heaven on earth. You wouldn’t expect it driving in from either direction, but the sites themselves are extremely shaded and surrounded by trees and as private as possible given the close proximity to neighbors. I stayed at site #47 and even though I was right next to the pools and bathhouse, I couldn’t be seen at all from those places. There’s a potable water tap at EACH campsite, free showers, unlimited 24/7 access to hot springs (clothing required & clothing optional pools), a clubhouse to wash dishes or cook or simply hang out inside in a comfortable chair to read or play games at a table), several bathrooms, phone service (and I didn’t have any driving in or out), peacocks and other wildlife to admire, friendly staff, firewood for sale, labyrinth maze, short scenic trails to watch the sunset and rise, inside facilities, amazing cabins (cheapest one is only $60 and comes with an hour long soak in a private pool which is otherwise $28 for one hour), etc. I could go on and on about this place. The best $21 I have ever spent to spend the night anywhere in my entire life and I am always camping and traveling. A literal oasis. I soaked from 7pm-11pm and had the pools to myself several times on a Sunday evening. Everyone was respectful and there was no sense of party / loud groups as so common is seen at hot springs. Alcohol allowed.
LegendBighorn, NM: great for stopover., As it is right off the highway (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)
Overall Rating: 3 perfect for a stop over Security: no Usage during visit: light Site Privacy: no Site Spacing: OK Pad surface: dirt Outside Road Noise: some highway noise Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: no Sewer Hookup: no, Dump Station: no, Potable Water Available: no Generators: allowed Bathroom: pit toilet Showers: no Setting: parallel with creek, just off the highway. Solar: great Insects: none during our visit in April. Host: no Sites: along the creek bed, just off the highway.
GuideThis is a solid little campground with 3 (maybe 4?) campsites and few amenities. This campground is a “little” more hidden from the road than other nearby campgrounds. Railroad Canyon Campground has many trails to access the wilderness from, and a small creek running behind each of the three campsites.
The campground does have a toilet, fire pits, picnic tables, and trash service. Please clean up after yourself, and leave no trace.
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.
TravelerNice campground with about 10 sites. With concrete picnic tables, and a fire ring. Vault toilets, hiking trails, and with cell signal. No hookups. Curative camping at its finest
TravelerNo hook ups, no water, just well spaced campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and grills. Very quiet and peaceful, although some road noise, but not distracting at all. Stayed 2 nights in a 20 ft. TT. Will definitely go back and stay longer! So relaxing!
LegendJust off the highway but close to Catwalk Recreational Area and Mogollon Ghost Town, both of which are must-see in my opinion. Picnic tables and fire ring at each site. It's still the desert, bring your own wood. Vault toilets, good gravel road, level sites, reasonably spaced. Between the highway and a creek bed (dry in Winter), there was some road noise.
GuideA handful of sites located on the other side of Skates Canyon from Sapillo Campground. Close to great hiking around the CDT and fishing in Lake Roberts. Most of the sites sit on the shades of ponderosa and there's plenty of space for group camping.
This is as bare as it gets. No services, no cell signal, no trash disposal, not even a pit toilet. Some sites have rock rings for campfires but that's about it. Please recreate responsibly and leave no trace. Pack out whatever you pack in.
Quiet during the winter, but gets busy during the summer as evidenced by how well worn the dirt paths around the area are.
Tent campsites near Gila, New Mexico range from small primitive sites to larger established campgrounds with varying amenities. The Gila region sits at elevations between 6,000-8,000 feet, causing significant temperature fluctuations even during summer months. Most camping areas are situated near key trailheads or waterways, with several primitive camping options accessible only via rough Forest Service roads.
Fishing at local lakes: Lake Roberts provides opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. "This lake is great for paddle boarding, relaxing and taking in the views," notes Eva G. about Lake Roberts. The small fishing lake is stocked regularly and has multiple access points.
Visit hot springs: The region offers several natural hot springs for soaking. "Just a short hike from the visitor's center are a series of hot springs," writes Anna R. about her experience at Lower Scorpion Campground. "The first spring is really just a trickle and can only be found by touch moving through the stream."
Hike the Continental Divide Trail: Several tent camping sites provide direct access to this famous long-distance trail. "Right on the continental divide trail. Very quiet," explains Peter M. about his stay at Rocky Canyon Campground. The trail offers day hiking options ranging from 1-10 miles with varying difficulty levels.
Minimal light pollution: The remote nature of Gila tent sites means exceptional stargazing. "We enjoyed how small this campsite is and we were the only people there during our visit," mentions Beth G. about her stay at Railroad Canyon Campground, which offers secluded tent sites away from urban light sources.
Wildlife viewing: Many campers report regular wildlife encounters at tent sites. "You can also watch bands of coatimundis grazing through the bosque. Watch out for rattlesnakes and Gila monsters during the warmer months though," warns Gary C. about Gila Lower Box Canyon, highlighting the diverse fauna in the area.
Creek-side tent sites: Several campgrounds feature small streams or creeks running directly behind tent sites. Railroad Canyon Campground has "a small creek running behind each of the three campsites," according to Mark O., providing ambient sounds and water access.
Extreme temperature swings: Plan for significant temperature variations between day and night. "You can plan for at least a 30 degree delta between daytime high and nighttime low," advises Mark O. about his experience at Black Canyon Campground - Lower. Bring appropriate layers even during summer camping trips.
Difficult road access: Many primitive tent sites require high-clearance 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," states Peter M. about Rocky Canyon Campground.
Limited cell service: Most tent sites throughout the Gila wilderness have no cellular coverage. Bring paper maps and inform others of your itinerary before heading to remote sites. Consider renting satellite communicators from outfitters in Silver City for emergency communication.
Choose established campgrounds: Sites with basic amenities work better for family camping. "This is a solid little campground with 3 (maybe 4?) campsites and few amenities," explains Mark O. about Railroad Canyon Campground. "The campground does have a toilet, fire pits, picnic tables, and trash service."
Water activities: Look for campgrounds with safe water access for children. "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," shares Irving C. about his visit to Lake Roberts, which offers gentle shorelines suitable for younger children.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Willow Creek provides chances to spot diverse wildlife. "Beautiful views and a cool windmill on a dry creek bed," notes Jane about this camping area. Morning and evening hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities for families.
Small RVs only: Most tent camping areas have limited space for vehicles. "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," explains Cathy C. about Lower Scorpion Campground, highlighting size limitations.
Consider KOA for larger rigs: For those with larger RVs seeking proximity to tent camping areas, "Very friendly staff and owner. I've steered clear of KOA before but will check them out after this visit. Very quite stay and spots were very nice," reports Brett D. about the Silver City KOA, which can accommodate larger vehicles while providing access to nearby hiking trails.
Road safety concerns: Many access roads to primitive tent sites are challenging for RVs. "Road up is very sketchy! Single lane on a cliff, glad we didn't pass a car on the way up or back down," cautions Jane about Willow Creek campground, emphasizing the need for careful driving on forest roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Gila, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Gila, NM is Lake Roberts with a 4.6-star rating from 5 reviews.
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