The Gila National Forest surrounds Glenwood, New Mexico, providing numerous primitive camping options at elevations between 6,000-7,500 feet. Most dispersed sites offer pine forest settings with temperature differences of 5-10 degrees cooler than lower elevations. Summer nights typically cool into the 50s even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s.
What to do
Rockhounding adventures: At Black Hills Rockhound near the Arizona border, visitors can collect fire agates from the ground surface. "Millions of years ago, volcanic activity in the Southwest create lava rocks and fire agate. Inside the Rockhound area you can walk and collect fire agates right off the surface of the ground. It is the desert equivalent of searching for sea shells at the beach," explains Beth G.
Wildlife viewing: Bear Mountain dispersed camping area sits at higher elevations where wildlife regularly visits. "It's never crowded unless you count elk, hummingbirds and squirrels," notes David S. from the State Line camping area, where summer temperatures typically range in the 70s and 80s.
Hiking to historic sites: The primitive camping areas provide access to mining ruins and historical features. Jorge G. describes Meadow Creek Road as "well situated halfway between Silver City and Lake Roberts, with plenty of hiking in the immediate vicinity and world class natural and archeological attractions a short distance away in the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument."
What campers like
Stargazing opportunities: Without light pollution, campers can view exceptional night skies from most sites. At Bear Canyon Road Camp, Kenny R. selected a site with "big open sky for Starlink signal" while noting the area offers "beautiful area and nice to escape a little bit of the heat in the summer compared to silver city or south of there."
Temperature regulation: Higher elevation camping areas provide cooler conditions during summer months. Darrin R. reports choosing Bear Mountain "to spend the night in July because it was cooler (~7500 ft elevation), free, quiet and beautiful."
Complete solitude: Many dispersed sites provide total isolation from other campers. At Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping, Todd S. appreciated that "no one camped near us. Was able to let the dogs roam without fear. Lots of wood in the area. A small creek along the road. Good hiking area."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Some areas require high-clearance vehicles and careful driving. Sierra N. notes Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping "requires 4x4 and high clearance. It is a bumpy road for all 3+ miles into the mountainside."
Bring everything needed: Most sites have no facilities or water sources. Bill describes Pine Flats Campground as having "no facilities, but a beautiful spot. Lots of shade. Dirt road in decent shape. No road signs off of highway 15. Just need to use the GPS coordinates."
Limited connectivity: Cell service remains spotty throughout the region. Jorge G. found "T-Mobile cell service was spotty, but somehow still available in some clearings and higher areas" at Meadow Creek Road, but most areas have no service.
Pack out everything: The remote nature of these sites requires proper waste management. Jorge G. reminds visitors to "leave no trace and pack out ALL your trash. The Gila is exceptionally remote and all trash is difficult to remove."
Tips for camping with families
Scout locations before committing: Barbara L. from Black Hills Rockhound notes "There are about 7 designated camp sites. It's wide open and no shade," helping families plan for sun protection needs when traveling with children.
Consider roadside pullouts for easier access: For families with small children, roadside camping spots may prove more convenient than remote sites. Antony V. shares that "all along Route 15 in the mountains to the south of Gila Hot Springs are numerous pull-offs, pull-outs, and pull-throughs where you can camp overnight."
Look for creek-adjacent sites: Camping near water sources provides natural entertainment for children. At Luna Rodeo Grounds Dispersed Camping, Adam R. mentions "although we camp during the rodeo weekend, there is no reason you cant camp other times of the year. Surrounded by towering pine and waking up to the fresh smell of wet camp fires mixed with the pine is an unforgettable memory."
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions matter: Most primitive camping areas near Glenwood can accommodate small to medium trailers only. Kenny R. shares their experience: "Pulled my 24 foot (tip to tip) travel trailer up the mountain. Curvy, narrow roads… just be careful and go slow."
Scout for level areas: Finding flat spots for RVs requires advance planning. Lynn W. warns about Black Hills Rockhound: "We searched for fire agates but decided against camping here because the road is a bit sketchy. The only spot big enough has a large bump that would likely tip my travel trailer farther than is safe."
Prepare for limited turnaround space: Many forest roads have limited space for maneuvering larger vehicles. Sierra N. mentions "it is a tight squeeze to get a truck back there, Tacoma, but we got tucked in just fine" when describing Bear Mountain's narrow access road.
