Railroad Canyon Campground near Mimbres offers camping at 6,800 feet elevation with cool summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak season. The area features juniper and pine forests with seasonal creek access from April to November. Campsites in the Gila National Forest region typically close during winter months due to snowfall and freezing temperatures.
What to do
Explore Gila Cliff Dwellings: Visit the ancient ruins about 45 minutes from Continental Divide Park & Camp. A recent visitor noted, "This was a great find! Perfect location to leave our trailer and go out exploring! Cliff Dwellings, hot springs, cat walk, farmers market, super cute old fashion bar and opera house Pinos Altos."
Soak in mineral hot springs: Natural hot springs are accessible near Hot Springs Glamp Camp, which has private soaking tubs. According to a reviewer, "It includes access to incredible mineral water baths built out of kitschy farm troughs! The sites are separated by corrugated walls, so there is a nice amount of privacy while still having a cozy, vintage, community feel."
Hike forest trails: Railroad Canyon Campground offers access to wilderness hiking paths. One camper mentioned, "This campground is a little more hidden from the road than other nearby campgrounds. Railroad Canyon Campground has many trails to access the wilderness from, and a small creek running behind each of the three campsites."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Iron Creek Campground provides shaded campsites with natural separation. A camper reported, "Clean, quiet campground not far from Emory pass. Pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Only a handful of people there on Friday night."
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained amenities at Silver City KOA. As one guest shared, "I've been hitting KOAs across the SW and this is maybe the nicest one I've stayed at so far. Excellent customer service, clean sites, bathrooms and a nice area."
Water features: Most campgrounds in the area offer creek or lake access. At Railroad Canyon, a visitor observed, "This is a solid little campground with 3 (maybe 4?) campsites and few amenities. This campground has many trails to access the wilderness from, and a small creek running behind each of the three campsites."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Forest Service campgrounds often close during winter. One reviewer noted, "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."
Limited cell service: Most forest campgrounds lack connectivity. At Gold Gulch Road, a dispersed camping area, you'll find more primitive conditions but beautiful settings. A camper described it as "a place like from some safari movie, beautiful sunset, you can see a herd of cows. plenty of room for everyone and an easy route."
Water levels change seasonally: Lakes in the region fluctuate dramatically. At Caballo Lake, a visitor mentioned, "Campground is very nice with great views. Grounds are well kept. Bathhouse is clean. Water in the showers are annoying because it auto cuts off after about 10-15 seconds."
Tips for camping with families
Try glamping options: Yurt camping near Mimbres, New Mexico provides comfort for families with young children. At Elephant Butte Lake RV Resort, one camper mentioned, "Very clean, well kept resort. Almost full. We were here in early June and the day temperatures were in the low 100's with very low humidity. Sites are pretty tight with close neighbors."
Look for campgrounds with amenities: Facilities make family camping easier. At Caballo Lake RV Park, a reviewer noted, "Was a big grass camping area lots of space. Close to the water from camping sites. Grills tables and shade area."
Consider safari tents or yurts: For luxury camping experiences, Hot Springs Glamp Camp offers comfortable accommodations. A visitor shared, "We stayed in a campsite for 5 nights. Highly recommend more than one day so you can enjoy the springs and the town! It has lovely clean hot spring tubs that are open 24/7."
Tips from RVers
Book ahead in peak seasons: RV sites fill quickly from March through October. At Elephant Butte Lake State Park, a visitor commented, "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. Not a problem but just fyi."
Check road conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. About Gold Gulch Road, someone noted, "We came in after dark, but the roads were clear and it was easy to set up. Quiet."
Consider shade availability: Summer temperatures can be intense without proper coverage. At Continental Divide Park & Camp, one RVer mentioned, "Very nice campground with full hookups and inexpensive prices. Quiet with many amenities like laundry and super nice room built to hang out with others."
