Best Campgrounds near Hanover, NM

Camping near Hanover, New Mexico sits at the edge of the Gila National Forest, providing access to both developed campgrounds and primitive sites. Railroad Canyon Campground, located in Hanover itself, operates seasonally from April to November and accommodates tents, RVs, and glamping setups. The surrounding area includes several additional camping options within a short drive, including the highly-rated Sapillo Dispersed Camping Area in Mimbres and multiple RV parks in nearby Silver City. The Continental Divide Trail passes through the region, making it a strategic stopover for long-distance hikers.

Most Forest Service campgrounds in the area have basic amenities including vault toilets and trash disposal, but limited or no drinking water. Visitors should be prepared with their own water supply, especially at dispersed sites. Summer temperatures can be hot during the day with cooler nights at higher elevations. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, with better connectivity in Silver City. Fire restrictions are common during dry summer months, and some forest roads may require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain. Campers should check current conditions with the Gila National Forest office before travel.

The camping experience varies significantly between locations. According to reviews, Sapillo Dispersed Camping Area offers "lots of trees for shade and hammocks" and is popular with off-road vehicle enthusiasts. Sites in the Gila National Forest provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, with campers reporting elk, deer, and various bird species. For those seeking more amenities, Silver City's RV parks offer full hookups, showers, and are within walking distance of grocery stores and restaurants. The area's proximity to attractions like the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument and Lake Roberts makes it a good base for exploring southwestern New Mexico's natural and archaeological sites.

Detours Nearby

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Silver City KOA

Silver City KOA

7 min away

Gold Gulch Road

Gold Gulch Road

36 min away

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Best Camping Sites Near Hanover, New Mexico (87)

    1. City of Rocks State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Faywood, NM
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 536-2800

    $15 - $30 / night

    "Last week I visited Faywood, New Mexico which is located about halfway in between Silver City and Deming, and I came across a unique terrain with structures of Boulder rocks that are “formed of volcanic"

    "Clean, well run park with many nice sites tucked in the rocks. Best for small rigs and tents, though there is an electric section also."

    2. Silver City KOA

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

    "Close to town and a ton of hiking! Super clean!! Would definitely stay here again."

    "Just not liking the noisy geese at a pond nearby. Nothing they can do about that though!"

    3. Silver City RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Silver City, NM
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 538-2239

    "It’s close to downtown. There’s a grocery store within walking distance as well as a Dairy Queen and a Lottaburger. Very quiet. Hot showers. Full hookups. All for $35/night plus tax"

    "Great location walking distance to everything. There’s a grocery store around the corner. Super quiet. Woke up to the birds chirping away. Priced fairly and would stay here again."

    4. Rose Valley RV Ranch

    7 Reviews
    Silver City, NM
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 534-4277

    "Walking around will also involve walking through dirt areas to reach your destination. All in all though it’s a nice, private, roomy park that puts you right near Silver City’s local shops!"

    "The woman behind the counter was so accomodating and the spot we got for 2 nights was huge and very private. The showers were large and clean as well as the rest of the park."

    5. Manzanos RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Arenas Valley, NM
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 538-0918

    "Great place and close to sights, yet nestled in a lovely spot."

    "Nice RV park just outside of Silver City with large spaces and junipers between the spaces. We were in #16 which was huge. Full hookups, laundry. Only one bath with a shower."

    6. Sapillo Dispersed Camping Area

    8 Reviews
    Hanover, NM
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 536-2250

    "There aren’t any numbered sites, but there are makeshift campfires and flat areas all around. The site also has trash disposal and vault toilets. Lots of trees for shade and hammocks."

    "Easily accessible from NM-35 and near a couple of general stores in Lake Roberts (10 minute drive north) and Mimbres (15 minute drive south). "

    7. Continental Divide Park & Camp

    3 Reviews
    Arenas Valley, NM
    8 miles
    Website

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Nice Park just outside/south of the Gila National forest. Perfect spot if one wants to park and then drive into the Kila forest or cliff dwellings."

    "Perfect location to leave our trailer and go out exploring!"

    8. Cherry Creek Campground

    4 Reviews
    Arenas Valley, NM
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 388-8201

    "There’s a short, informal trail at the north end of the campground past the bathroom. The trail goes about 0.25 miles out; so 0.5 mile round trip. A nice evening or morning stroll or both."

    "My only complaint would have to be that it’s pretty close to the Main Street so you will hear some cars passing by but other than that, it’s a great place to camp"

    9. McMillan Campground

    2 Reviews
    Arenas Valley, NM
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 538-2771

    "After not finding a campsite at the other near one called Cherry Creek. We ended up at McMillan campsite. Super close to the restroom but not close enough where it is unsanitary."

    "Lots of trees, two outhouses, a good few tables and designated campfire circles, all around nice if but a little muddy depending on the time of year"

    10. Railroad Canyon Campground

    7 Reviews
    Mimbres, NM
    17 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."

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Recent Reviews near Hanover, NM

309 Reviews of 87 Hanover Campgrounds


  • Kenny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping

    A little too low desert for me, but still nice!

    Easy access, plenty of hidden spots behind/among the scrub brush and low trees. This is lower desert so there won’t be any tall pines/sprices, but still a few slightly shady spots for the sides of your camper to stay cooler.

    Probab

  • Kenny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Bear Canyon Road Camp

    Pretty area!

    Pulled my 24 foot (tip to tip) travel trailer up the mountain. Curvy, narrow roads… just be careful and go slow.

    Plenty of campgrounds along the way, as well as these dispersed areas. Plenty of well used sites, as well as some that are less obvious (slightly overgrown but still accessible). I chose the more overgrown one with big open sky for Starlink signal.

    Beautiful area and nice to escape a little bit of the heat in the summer compared to silver city or south of there. About 5-10 degrees cooler and lots of shade.

  • Kenny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Bear Mountain

    Ehhh...

    I eventually found the campsites thanks to another reviewer mentioning it was not at the coordinates listed. It is just before you reach the summit on road 424D or something like that. Not listed on maps - just a little brown sign on the left as you are driving along. Very tight squeeze of a path. Did not feel like taking my truck through there. 

    Not the prettiest area... and a pretty rough road. You won't need 4x4 or high clearance necessarily, but just not fun to drive on at all. The benefit is that you will not see hardly anyone else because of that lol. The other side of Pinos Altos is MUCH nicer roads, landscape and environment. Try Meadow Creek area. That whole road. Happy camping!

  • Manuel P.
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Sapillo Dispersed Camping Area

    Quiet getaway

    Went here without knowing where to stay. During the day there were a lot of UTV's and ATV's, however, it got pretty quiet during the night. People were very respectful and bathrooms were clean. We left our kayaks to go venture around and they were still there when we returned. Also found plenty of firewood around.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    City of Rocks State Park Campground

    Little known Gem! One of our favorites

    We've stayed here several times since 2021. It really is a little known campground that is a hidden gem. Biked to the paek on the last stay. Small hikes and a blast for the kids to explore the rock formations. We've stayed at several sites. This last time we stayed at the RV sites with hookups. No dump station on site. There are very clean bathrooms and showers though.

  • John H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Dipping Vat Campground

    After a torturous drive in, the campground was... meh.

    We were warned.  The trip to the campground was 50ish miles of very rough dirt roads.  Took over two hours to make the drive.  We arrived at the campground mid-day and were pretty surprised.  As mentioned in another review, there are two loops.  There is a sunny loop and a shady loop.  We opted for the sunny loop for the view of Snow Lake.  We tow a 19' travel trailer and there were very few sites that would accommodate it.  I have to say that the sites were very overgrown and far from level. In the sunny loop, you can see every other camper there.

    The shady loop seemed pretty nice although again, the sites were smallish and not at all level.

    The bathrooms were clean and well cared for and there were well maintained water spigots for drinking water.

    Dripping Vat is on the Continental Divide Trail (hiking) and we had a steady stream of through hikers.

    Snow Lake is a small 90-acre lake with a nice boat ramp.  The scenery was spectacular and overall, we enjoyed our stay.  Its Just not a place we will return to.

  • lThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2025

    Low Hi RV Ranch

    Great place!

    Very nice hosts and accommodating. Wide pull through and back ins, very reasonable rates! Saw some very recent damage from an overnight bad storm but easy recovery. Stayed here several times and always good. Pretty area and beautiful views, just a little off the beaten path (only about 5 miles) if looking for a quick overnight stop. But if wanting to stay a bit-great spot!

  • Jonathan E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2025

    Safari Campsite

    Sufficient, but small and mediocre

    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. 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.

  • Kay B.
    Jun. 11, 2025

    Buckhorn RV Park

    Family vibes!

    We absolutely loved our stay at Buckhorn RV Park! This place is family-owned and run, and you can really feel the care and pride Polly and David put into it. Everything is clean, spacious, and peaceful with gorgeous views all around. They truly go above and beyond to make you feel welcome and at home.

    One of the best parts was the sense of community—fellow campers were incredibly friendly and helpful, making it feel like more than just a stopover. Plus, we discovered the local Gila Farmers Market on Wednesday mornings just a short drive away. It was filled with amazing people, fresh produce, and handmade goods—definitely worth checking out!

    Whether you're passing through or planning a longer stay, Buckhorn RV Park is a hidden gem you won’t want to miss. Can’t wait to come back!


Guide to Hanover

Camping near Hanover, New Mexico, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Explore the City of Rocks State Park: This park features amazing rock formations that are perfect for hiking and photography. One visitor said, “You could just walk around the rocks and campground or take one of the trails out into the desert landscape. We had our bikes and were not disappointed!” Check out the City of Rocks State Park Campground for a great camping experience.
  • Visit Gila Cliff Dwellings: A short drive from Hanover, these ancient dwellings are a must-see. One camper noted, “The Gila cliff dwellings are awesome. Well worth the 1.5 hour drive in from Silver City.” You can stay at the Upper Scorpion Campground nearby for easy access.
  • Soak in Hot Springs: Relax in the natural hot springs at Faywood Hot Springs. A visitor shared, “The hot springs bathing areas are nice. They have clothes optional and required areas.”

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful landscapes. One reviewer mentioned, “The scenery all around was well worth the trip” at the Forks Campground.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness of the area. A camper at the Gila Hot Springs Campground said, “Love the hot springs, great hosts, calm, and not too many people.”
  • Unique Campsites: The variety of campsites is a hit. One camper noted about the City of Rocks State Park Campground, “One of the best campgrounds, in regards to campsite layout, we have stayed in during 4 1/2 years of full timing.”

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like the Sapillo Dispersed Camping Area, have few amenities. A visitor mentioned, “There are makeshift campfires and flat areas all around. The site also has trash disposal and vault toilets.”
  • Cell Service: Expect limited or no cell service in some areas. A camper at the Forks Campground noted, “No running water, no cell service, no WiFi and they have vault toilets.”
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. One camper at the Upper Scorpion Campground shared, “The only downside of this site is being able to get a spot. There is also the lower scorpion campsite, plus a few others along the way.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like the Silver City KOA, which has great amenities. A reviewer said, “Very friendly staff and owner. I’ve steered clear of KOA before but will check them out after this visit.”
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One family enjoyed the hot springs at Faywood Hot Springs, stating, “We spent 5 nights here and loved it.”
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and warm clothes, especially for cooler nights. A camper at the Gila Hot Springs Campground advised, “Can get cold at night if you are in a tent, bring warm clothing.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at the City of Rocks State Park Campground mentioned, “Electric sites were full. Primitive sites had some availability.”
  • Bring Water: Some campgrounds lack water hookups. A camper at the Sapillo Dispersed Camping Area noted, “This is a free, national forest dispersed campsite with a couple pit toilets and very few other amenities.”
  • Be Prepared for Dust: Roads can be rough, so a sturdy vehicle is a must. A reviewer at the Cattlemen Trail said, “Entry road was very good. Good cell service also.”

Camping in Hanover, NM, and the surrounding areas offers a unique blend of nature and adventure. With a little planning, you can enjoy everything this beautiful region has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Hanover, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hanover, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 87 campgrounds and RV parks near Hanover, NM and 18 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Hanover, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hanover, NM is City of Rocks State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 36 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hanover, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 free dispersed camping spots near Hanover, NM.