Best Campgrounds near Glenwood, NM

Camping near Glenwood, New Mexico, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and peaceful retreats. With several campgrounds in the area, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy nature.

What to do:

• Stargazing: The area is known for its dark skies, making it a prime location for stargazing. Campers at Cosmic Campground rave about the views, with one reviewer saying, "What amazing 360 views of the sky. You feel like you are in a globe."
• Hiking: Explore the nearby trails, especially around the Gila Cliff Dwellings. One camper mentioned, "I was able to walk right to the entrance of the cliff dwellings trail from this site in about 5 minutes" at Upper Scorpion Campground.
• Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, head to Big Lake Campground where one visitor noted, "The scenery is beautiful... the fishing was good."

What campers like:

• Peaceful Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the tranquility of the area. A review from Cosmic Campground highlights, "Very clean and quiet campground with amenities in great condition."
• Free Camping Options: Campers enjoy the availability of free sites like Upper Scorpion Campground, where one reviewer said, "This campground is really nice for being free."
• Natural Beauty: The stunning views are a big draw. A camper at Forks Campground remarked, "It has a phenomenal view of the river, is an excellent location for stargazing."

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Lower Scorpion Campground, lack amenities such as showers and trash service. One visitor noted, "There is no trash pickup anywhere in the area, so prepare to pack out all trash."
• Cell Service: Expect little to no cell service in most campgrounds. A camper at Upper Scorpion Campground mentioned, "There was no cell service from Silver City to the campground."
• Crowds in Peak Season: Some campgrounds can get busy during peak times. A review for Sapillo Dispersed Camping Area states, "Popular with the local crowd during peak camping/ATV season."

Tips for camping with families:

• Bring Shade: Some campgrounds, like Cosmic Campground, have limited shade. One camper advised, "We were not prepared for how little shade is available so it was quite warm once the storm passed."
• Plan for Activities: Ensure you have activities planned, as some areas may not have amenities. A family at Gila Hot Springs Campground enjoyed the hot springs, saying, "The soaking and the night sky is the draw."
• Pack Out Trash: Teach kids about Leave No Trace principles, especially since many sites require you to pack out your trash. A camper at Lower Scorpion Campground emphasized, "Prepare to pack out all trash."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have twisty roads that can be challenging for larger rigs. A reviewer at Upper Scorpion Campground mentioned, "It’s a paved road but gets pretty twisty in spots."
• Bring Your Own Firewood: Many campgrounds do not provide firewood. A camper at Gila Hot Springs Campground suggested, "It was also difficult finding wood in the immediate area, so either bring wood or stock up along 15."
• Be Prepared for Limited Services: RVers should be ready for campgrounds without hookups. A visitor at Apache Creek Campground noted, "This is a basic free campground, with dispersed camping, no hookups and a vault toilet."

Camping around Glenwood, New Mexico, offers a chance to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you're stargazing, hiking, or just relaxing, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.