Tent camping near Hillsboro, New Mexico offers access to the Gila National Forest where elevations range from 6,000 to 8,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations throughout the year. Summer monsoon season typically runs from July through September, with afternoon thunderstorms common in higher elevations. Most campgrounds remain open from April through November, closing during winter months when snow can make access difficult.
What to do
Hiking trails: Railroad Canyon Campground provides direct access to wilderness hiking trails. One visitor noted, "There is a trail along the creek that eventually crossed it, but the water was too high to cross," indicating seasonal water flow affects trail conditions.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Roberts attracts anglers throughout the season. According to a camper, "Saw several deer and caught a few fish. Definitely worth the drive from Albuquerque." The lake stocks rainbow trout and occasionally catfish.
Watersports: Lake Roberts also accommodates non-motorized watercraft. A visitor shared, "This lake is great for paddle boarding, relaxing and taking in the views." Canoes and small boats can launch from designated areas.
Continental Divide Trail access: Rocky Canyon Campground sits directly on the Continental Divide Trail. As one camper explains, "Right on the continental divide trail. Very quiet," making it ideal for hikers wanting direct trail access.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds offer opportunities to see local fauna. At Lake Roberts, a camper mentioned, "Short walk to lake. Very well kept. Saw several deer and caught a few fish." Wildlife is most active during early morning and evening hours.
Hot springs access: Lower Scorpion Campground provides access to natural hot springs. A visitor explained, "Just a short hike from the visitor's center are a series of hot springs. The first spring is really just a trickle and can only be found by touch moving through the stream."
Bird watching: Black Canyon Campground attracts various bird species, especially hummingbirds. One camper reported, "The birds are abundant here. I wore a red winter hat and had at least 10 hummingbirds buzz my head in one day. I could hear their wings and feel the breeze from them they came so close."
Creekside camping: Kingston Campground offers sites near a seasonal creek. A visitor mentioned, "Me and my gf fell in love with this camping spot, the weather was nice when we were there, cute wild or domesticated animals walk the space not aggressive just cute and helpful with the leafs and cycle of vegetation foods/leafs in the area."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds operate seasonally. One reviewer noted about Railroad Canyon area, "The four campgrounds in this area (Iron Creek, Railroad Canyon, Upper and Lower Gallinas) are all closed in December 2021. Perhaps just for the season. Contact NFS for status."
Road conditions: Some campgrounds require high-clearance vehicles. A Rocky Canyon visitor warned, "This camp site is off a forest service road that gets pretty rough. Definitely tents only. Recommend that you have 4wheel drive, motorcycle or atv."
Limited sites: Most campgrounds have very few designated spots. One camper described Railroad Canyon: "Only 4 sites available. Some privacy from the road, which was better than the other campgrounds near by. By a creek, which is nice."
Fire restrictions: Wildfire risk affects camping activities. A visitor to Black Canyon noted, "The Gila can at times be plagued with wildfires, as it was during our visit on 5/28/21. No campfires are currently permitted except for in designated metal fire pits maintained by the forest service."
Tips for camping with families
Temperature preparation: Pack for significant day-to-night temperature swings. A Black Canyon camper advised, "You can plan for at least a 30 degree delta between daytime high and nighttime low," suggesting families bring appropriate clothing layers.
Town proximity: Silver City KOA offers family-friendly amenities with town access. A visitor noted, "Great place to stay on the way out of town if on the way to get on CDR. Stayed in camping cabin. Can Uber to town if needed. Clean all heating worked."
Small town exploration: Kingston offers interesting day trips from campgrounds. One camper shared, "I walked through Kingstown and which is a friendly, adorable town. It is just up the road from their provided campground."
Beginner-friendly water activities: Lake Roberts provides safe options for first-time boaters. A visitor reported, "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."
Tips from RVers
Small RV limitations: Most forest campgrounds accommodate only smaller rigs. A Kingston visitor noted, "Only a couple of camp spots. We tent camp, but I think you'd be able to park a small camper or trailer."
RV-friendly alternatives: For larger RVs, Silver City KOA provides full hookups. A visitor shared, "Very clean and quiet. Very friendly staff. Along the road, but it isn't that busy and not really a problem."
Walk-in camping considerations: Lower Scorpion has a specific layout affecting RVs. A camper explained, "We didn't actually stay there but leaving this review to explain why RVs and camper vans are discouraged. The campground is a small parking lot surrounded by walk-in campsites."
Generator restrictions: Many Gila campgrounds prohibit generators. A Lake Roberts visitor mentioned, "Only drawback was one time people were running generators which were pretty loud," indicating enforcement may vary by location and season.
