Best Dispersed Camping near Silver City, NM
Several free camping areas surround Silver City, New Mexico, where you can set up your tent or camper without formal campgrounds. The nearest dispersed sites sit on public lands about 20 minutes from town. You'll need to bring everything with you since these spots have no toilets, water, or trash service. Most access roads around Silver City get rough after rain, so vehicles with decent clearance do better on the forest roads. Local rules ask that you camp at least 100 feet from any streams or main roads. You can stay up to 14 days in one spot before needing to move. The Gila National Forest has the most options, though some areas close seasonally. Many campers stock up on supplies in Silver City before heading out since the nearest store might be 30+ miles away. Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly in this area, and fire bans often take effect during dry months, so bring a camp stove instead of planning on campfires.
