Best Tent Camping near Gila, NM

The Gila National Forest surrounding Gila, New Mexico offers several tent-only campgrounds and primitive tent camping areas within its rugged terrain. 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 experiences. Vault toilets are common at established 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 abound throughout the region's tent camping areas, with deer sightings common at Lake Roberts and abundant bird activity at Black Canyon Campground.

Best Tent Sites Near Gila, New Mexico (18)

    1. Silver City KOA

    8 Reviews
    Arenas Valley, NM
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 388-3351

    "Nice weather."

    "Clean all heating worked."

    2. Lake Roberts

    4 Reviews
    Hanover, NM
    25 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "Short walk to lake. Very well kept. Saw several deer and caught a few fish. Definitely worth the drive from Albuquerque"

    3. Lower Scorpion Campground

    5 Reviews
    Gila, NM
    27 miles
    Website

    "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."

    4. Gila Lower Box Canyon

    2 Reviews
    Duncan, NM
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 525-4300

    "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?"

    5. Pine Flats Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Hanover, NM
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 346-2650

    6. Black Canyon Campground - Lower

    4 Reviews
    Mimbres, NM
    35 miles
    Website

    "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."

    7. Willow Creek

    1 Review
    Glenwood, NM
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 533-6231

    "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."

    8. Rocky Canyon Campground

    2 Reviews
    Mimbres, NM
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 536-2250

    "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."

    10. Railroad Canyon Campground

    7 Reviews
    Mimbres, NM
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 388-8201

    "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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 18 campgrounds

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Gila, NM

9 Photos of 18 Gila Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Gila, NM

232 Reviews of 18 Gila Campgrounds



Guide to Gila

Nestled in the heart of New Mexico, Gila offers a variety of tent camping options surrounded by stunning landscapes and rich wildlife. Whether you're seeking solitude or adventure, the campgrounds in this area cater to all types of outdoor enthusiasts.

Tips for tent camping near Gila

  • Pine Flats Campground provides a serene environment for tent campers looking to immerse themselves in nature without the distractions of modern amenities.
  • Lower Scorpion Campground is a free option that offers a quiet atmosphere, perfect for those who enjoy a more primitive camping experience.
  • Forks Campground features beautiful views and access to a clean river, making it an ideal spot for those who appreciate scenic surroundings.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At Lake Roberts, you can enjoy fishing and hiking, with a short walk to the lake for a refreshing swim.
  • Black Canyon Campground - Lower is known for its peaceful ambiance and proximity to birdwatching opportunities, ideal for nature lovers.
  • Rocky Canyon Campground offers access to the Continental Divide Trail, perfect for hiking enthusiasts looking to explore the stunning landscapes of the Gila National Forest.

Campground amenities to enhance your stay

  • Silver City KOA is a well-reviewed campground that provides essential amenities like drinking water, showers, and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable stay.
  • Gilita Campground offers a more rustic experience with basic facilities, allowing campers to connect with nature while enjoying the tranquility of the Gila National Forest.
  • Willow Creek features beautiful views and a unique windmill, making it a picturesque spot for tent camping, though access may be challenging for larger vehicles.

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 Silver City KOA with a 5-star rating from 8 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near Gila, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.