Gila Hot Springs Ranch in the Gila National Forest accommodates equestrians with campsites suitable for horse trailers. The property features spacious areas where horses are permitted, set among mountain terrain with scenic views. The ranch maintains a herd of horses that occasionally roam through the campground, creating a natural equestrian atmosphere. Campers can arrange pack trips on horseback to explore backcountry areas of the national forest. Trail rides are available for less experienced riders. Visitors witness local wildlife including sheep and deer grazing in nearby pastures at sunset.
Located approximately 4 miles from the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, the ranch provides access to numerous riding trails throughout the surrounding wilderness. The access road features steep grades and switchbacks, requiring careful navigation with horse trailers. Water hookups at campsites draw from natural hot springs running beneath the mountain, providing both hot and cold water. After riding, equestrians can soak in natural hot springs located a short walk from the camping area along the river. The natural springs offer multiple separate soaking areas with picnic tables nearby for post-ride meals. Winter temperatures can drop into the 30s during morning hours before quickly warming, making layered clothing essential for riders planning early trail excursions.
"Short walk to lake. Very well kept. Saw several deer and caught a few fish. Definitely worth the drive from Albuquerque"
"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."
"This is a campground right next to the dispersed camp. It looked like only tents were in this part of the park."
"When you turn off Highway 61, you go through a gate. There are multiple pull-outs along the road. Great views, desert terrain. I have good cell service, and my home fi hot spot is working great."
"You'll find dispersed campsites with fire-rings all along the edges of the road and on spur forest roads sprouting from it."
"There is a short walk to the natural hot springs down by the river which is really rustic and relaxing."
"Must be prepared for a very steep grade drive with switchbacks. Beautiful scenery with sheep and horses."
from $6 - $29 / night
"Close to the water from camping sites....Grills tables and shade area...."
"My favorite part about caballo lake is floating down from elephant butte to caballo lake in a giant floaty."
"We camped upstream of the lake in a shallow valley with a dirt road leading to the site/area. We could walk to the lake and across the dam to explore the creek behind it."
ScoutTried to camp here and drove in late. There’s two entrances to this area per Google Maps. Both entrances had gates that both said New Mexico State Park Boundary Line. Ended up having to find a hotel because there’s not many other places to camp in this area other than in the parks. Maybe try to look when it is brighter outside for a different entrance.
TravelerEasy access thru BLM Gate just north of City of Rocks State Park. Decent road for 25' RV with at least 6 level spots to park or camp. Cell was spotty except at top of hill. Very private no other campers.
TravelerVery quiet. Lovely sunrise and sunset. Downside is there is quite a bit of garbage. Can’t go 10 feet without tin cans or glass at your feet. Got down to 19 degrees
LegendThis isn’t a campground. It is a boat launch and picnic area. There are lots of no camping signs but if you travel east or west you can find two campgrounds.
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.
The area to launch your boat is huge plenty of room to navigate down toward the water.
There is also a dock extending out over the water if you don’t have a boat.
The area was clean and had garbage bins.
Can’t camp here but there was plenty of other things to do.
LegendThis is a campground right next to the dispersed camp. It looked like only tents were in this part of the park. When we were here there was some guys with DNR and they were cutting back all of the dead trees from a fire. The wood they cut was all around in stacks for campers to use while camping. The sites are clean and spread out with level spots for your tent. They have fire rings and tables. Pit toilets and garbage is also on site. The night sky is incredible and you can see the Milky Way. There is no cell service here. The road in is graveled but it is nice and no car or suv would have trouble navigating. There is a hiking trail head near the back of the campground. It is peaceful and relaxing here!
GuideThis 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.
TravelerThis lake is great for paddle boarding, relaxing and taking in the views.
GuideEnjoyed relaxing in the hot springs which are very nice and easily accessible. Vault/compost toilet was clean but smelly as you’d expect while in it. Maneuvering our 24ft sprinter was doable on the property but larger vehicles not advised.
TravelerThis is open BLM land. When you turn off Highway 61, you go through a gate. There are multiple pull-outs along the road. Great views, desert terrain. I have good cell service, and my home fi hot spot is working great.
The Gila National Forest region offers equestrian-friendly camping options near Hanover, New Mexico, with varying terrain from desert landscapes to mountain vistas. Facilities range from rustic dispersed camping to established sites with water access. Elevation changes throughout the area create distinct microclimates, requiring campers to prepare for temperature fluctuations during spring and fall seasons.
Hot springs soaking: After trail riding, the natural hot springs near Gila Hot Springs Ranch provide thermal relaxation. "There is a short walk to the natural hot springs down by the river which is really rustic and relaxing. Especially after climbing the step to the cave/cliff dwellings which are approximately 4 mi further up the road," notes Eugenie B.
Fishing: Lake Roberts offers productive fishing opportunities. "Stayed here July 12-14,2019. There were quite a few sites available late Friday afternoon. Short walk to lake. Very well kept. Saw several deer and caught a few fish," says Karen N. The stocked lake supports both shore and boat fishing.
Stargazing: Clear night skies provide exceptional stargazing conditions. At North Star Mesa Dispersed Camping, campers experience minimal light pollution. Jorge G. confirms: "Very clear skies at night. Nothing in terms of services and amenities, but nice hiking nearby."
Natural water features: The combination of lakes and hot springs draws visitors year-round. "This lake is great for paddle boarding, relaxing and taking in the views," writes Eva G. about Lake Roberts.
Wildlife viewing: Many campers report animal sightings around the campgrounds. "At sunset we watched deer in the pasture grazing happily. Then watched them hop right over the fence one by one! How fun is that!" shares a visitor at Gila Hot Springs Ranch.
Solitude: BLM Near City of Rocks provides remote camping options with privacy. Michael D. explains: "This is open BLM land. When you turn off Highway 61, you go through a gate. There are multiple pull-outs along the road. Great views, desert terrain."
Road conditions: Forest roads require preparation, especially when towing horse trailers. "Must be prepared for a very steep grade drive with switchbacks," warns Ellyn F. about accessing Gila Hot Springs Ranch.
Seasonal considerations: Morning temperatures can vary significantly from daytime highs. Pack appropriate clothing for riding in changing conditions.
Campsite availability: During peak fishing seasons, popular areas fill quickly. "There were quite a few sites available late Friday afternoon," notes one Lake Roberts visitor, suggesting mid-week arrivals offer better site selection.
Water sources: Caballo Lake RV Park offers reliable water hookups, but dispersed camping requires bringing your own supply. Brett D. cautions: "The Dyrt app says there is WiFi which there isn't and also that there are sewer hookups which they aren't. Not a problem but just fyi."
Water activities: Multiple lakes provide recreational opportunities. "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 Lake Roberts.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience generator noise during busy periods. Jessica M. notes about Lake Roberts: "Only drawback was one time people were running generators which were pretty loud, but we'd still go back!"
Bathroom facilities: Comfort stations vary widely between campgrounds. Linda C. describes facilities at Gila Hot Springs Ranch: "Vault/compost toilet was clean but smelly as you'd expect while in it."
Size restrictions: Maneuverability varies between horse campgrounds near Hanover, New Mexico. "Maneuvering our 24ft sprinter was doable on the property but larger vehicles not advised," cautions Linda C. about Gila Hot Springs Ranch.
Boondocking options: Safari Campsite provides basic dispersed camping for self-contained units. Jonathan E. explains: "This site is just a relatively short turn-off road with a loop for turning around... If you have a camper/RV/van, then it should work fine."
Hookup accuracy: Verify campground amenities before arrival, as information may be outdated. One camper at Caballo Lake notes: "Sites are close but separated by some bushes. The Dyrt app says there is WiFi which there isn't and also that there are sewer hookups which they aren't."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Hanover, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hanover, NM is Lake Roberts with a 4.6-star rating from 5 reviews.
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