The Gila National Forest surrounding Mimbres, New Mexico sits at elevations between 6,000-8,000 feet, creating distinct seasonal camping patterns with cool nights even in summer. Temperature swings of 30 degrees between day and night are common in this region, particularly at higher elevations like Black Canyon Campground. Tent campsites near Mimbres typically close during winter months (December-March) due to snow and freezing conditions.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Lake Roberts provides excellent opportunities for spotting local fauna. "This lake is great for paddle boarding, relaxing and taking in the views," notes one camper at Lake Roberts.
Hiking the Continental Divide Trail: Access this famous long-distance trail directly from Rocky Canyon Campground. A visitor mentions it's "right on the continental divide trail" though access requires preparation since the "forest service road gets pretty rough" and you'll need "4-wheel drive, motorcycle or ATV" for best access to Rocky Canyon Campground.
Hot spring exploration: Near Silver City, unique geothermal features await. "Just a short hike from the visitor's center are a series of hot springs," reports one camper about Lower Scorpion Campground, adding that you can "dig down in the sand to find the hot water" for a non-traditional soak.
What campers like
Small, secluded camping areas: Railroad Canyon offers intimacy not found at larger sites. "Only 4 sites available. Some privacy from the road, which was better than the other campgrounds near by," notes one visitor about Railroad Canyon Campground.
Seasonal creek access: Many tent sites feature water access that varies throughout the year. A Kingston Campground visitor mentions, "The small creek bed has nice water depending on the time of year" at Kingston Campground, adding it's "too hot in the summer" but ideal in spring.
Flat terrain for easy setup: Several campgrounds offer level areas for pitching tents. One visitor to Kingston notes it has "large trees and flat camping spots," making setup easier for tent campers, especially those traveling with larger groups or families.
What you should know
Seasonal water availability: Stream and creek levels fluctuate dramatically by season. At Black Canyon Campground, "water spigot only worked intermittently" according to one camper, highlighting the need to pack extra water reserves when visiting tent campsites near Mimbres.
Fire restrictions vary: During dry periods, fire limitations are strictly enforced. "No campfires are currently permitted except for in designated metal fire pits maintained by the forest service," notes a visitor to Black Canyon Campground, who adds this is "probably the norm throughout the summer in the Gila."
Limited sites at popular locations: Many campgrounds have very few designated sites. Lower Scorpion Campground is described as a "quiet, free, small campground" with "no individual marked sites," consisting of a "paved parking lot with wooded area."
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible locations: Some areas require challenging drives unsuitable for family vehicles. Silver City KOA offers a "clean and nice" alternative with "excellent customer service" and is "maybe the nicest one I've stayed at so far" according to one visitor to Silver City KOA.
Pack for temperature changes: The 30-degree day-to-night temperature swing requires planning. A Black Canyon visitor mentions, "it is cool at night, even in August, due to the elevation. We were so cozy in our wool socks and sleeping bags in a tent."
Consider water recreation: Lakes provide family-friendly activities during warmer months. One Lake Roberts visitor shared it "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
Size restrictions apply: Many Mimbres-area campgrounds cannot accommodate larger vehicles. Lower Scorpion warns that "RVs and camper vans are discouraged" because "the campground is a small parking lot surrounded by walk-in campsites."
KOA offers full hookups: When tent sites won't work for RVs, Silver City provides alternatives. A visitor notes they've "steered clear of KOA before but will check them out after this visit" because "very quiet stay and spots were very nice."
Seasonal road conditions: Spring and fall access can be challenging after precipitation. Some forest service roads become rutted and difficult for larger vehicles, making advance planning essential for RV campers seeking Gila National Forest camping experiences.
