Top Free Dispersed Camping near Silver City, NM

Searching for a dispersed campsite near Silver City? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Silver City, NM (18)

    Camper-submitted photo from Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping

    1. Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    24 Photos
    67 Saves

    Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: https://www.campendium.com/camping/boondocking-101/

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Mountain

    2. Bear Mountain

    3 Reviews
    4 Photos
    41 Saves

    The majority of campgrounds on the Gila National Forest are primitive and offer dispersed camping. You may camp outside of developed campgrounds anywhere on the Forest at no charge. The Gila National Forest implemented Travel Management and we recommend you stop in to one of our six ranger stations and pick up travel management maps so that you are aware where vehicles are and are not permitted. Potable water, toilets, and other amenities are not generally available. If you choose to camp outside developed areas, be sure to bring adequate water or be prepared to purify any water source before drinking. No permits are required to camp in wilderness areas. The Gila National Forest has a 14-day stay limit, in any 30 day period, on all camping. Areas designated as “Day Use Only” are limited to posted hours, no overnight use.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gila National Forest Road 861 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gila National Forest Road 861 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gila National Forest Road 861 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gila National Forest Road 861 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gila National Forest Road 861 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gila National Forest Road 861 Dispersed

    3. Gila National Forest Road 861 Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    11 Photos
    23 Saves

    The majority of campgrounds on the Gila National Forest are primitive and offer dispersed camping. You may camp outside of developed campgrounds anywhere on the Forest at no charge. The Gila National Forest implemented Travel Management and we recommend you stop in to one of our six ranger stations and pick up travel management maps so that you are aware where vehicles are and are not permitted. Potable water, toilets, and other amenities are not generally available. If you choose to camp outside developed areas, be sure to bring adequate water or be prepared to purify any water source before drinking. No permits are required to camp in wilderness areas. The Gila National Forest has a 14-day stay limit, in any 30 day period, on all camping. Areas designated as “Day Use Only” are limited to posted hours, no overnight use.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Flats Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Flats Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Gulch Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Gulch Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Gulch Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Gulch Road

    5. Gold Gulch Road

    2 Reviews
    4 Photos
    7 Saves
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Celebration Well Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Celebration Well Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Celebration Well Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Celebration Well Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping

    7. Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    6 Photos
    60 Saves

    The majority of campgrounds on the Gila National Forest are primitive and offer dispersed camping. You may camp outside of developed campgrounds anywhere on the Forest at no charge. The Gila National Forest implemented Travel Management and we recommend you stop in to one of our six ranger stations and pick up travel management maps so that you are aware where vehicles are and are not permitted.

    Potable water, toilets, and other amenities are not generally available. If you choose to camp outside developed areas, be sure to bring adequate water or be prepared to purify any water source before drinking. No permits are required to camp in wilderness areas.

    The Gila National Forest has a 14-day stay limit, in any 30 day period, on all camping. Areas designated as “Day Use Only” are limited to posted hours, no overnight use.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from North Star Mesa Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from North Star Mesa Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from North Star Mesa Dispersed Camping

    8. North Star Mesa Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    11 Saves
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • No image available
      • No image available
      Showing results 1-10 of 18 campgrounds

      Recent Dispersed Reviews In Silver City

      20 Reviews of 18 Silver City Campgrounds


      • TThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping
        Aug. 13, 2024

        Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping

        Meadow Creek,NM

        Road is a little rough but well worth it. No one camped near us. Was able to let the dogs roam without fear. Lots of wood in the area. A small creek along the road. Good hiking area. Will definitely go back.

      • Melissa S.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Gold Gulch Road
        Mar. 30, 2024

        Gold Gulch Road

        Nice place to pull over for the night

        We came in after dark, but the roads were clear and it was easy to set up. Quiet.

      • Jorge G.
        Camper-submitted photo from Celebration Well Dispersed Camping
        Mar. 4, 2024

        Celebration Well Dispersed Camping

        Low-key dispersed sites

        A handful of sites located on the other side of Skates Canyon from Sapillo Campground. Close to great hiking around the CDT and fishing in Lake Roberts. Most of the sites sit on the shades of ponderosa and there's plenty of space for group camping.

        This is as bare as it gets. No services, no cell signal, no trash disposal, not even a pit toilet. Some sites have rock rings for campfires but that's about it. Please recreate responsibly and leave no trace. Pack out whatever you pack in.

        Quiet during the winter, but gets busy during the summer as evidenced by how well worn the dirt paths around the area are.

      • D
        Camper-submitted photo from Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping
        Oct. 26, 2023

        Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping

        Great camping and hiking

        Great place I came upon while on I-10. Thirty minutes for the interstate. The hiking was good. The place was a little busy, but not bad. Heard some cows but never seen them. Clean place. No services. Cell signal was good.

      • Dawid M.
        Camper-submitted photo from Gold Gulch Road
        Sep. 25, 2023

        Gold Gulch Road

        Safari

        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

      • Sierra N.
        Camper-submitted photo from Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping
        Apr. 16, 2023

        Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping

        Legendary creek side camping in a valley

        This trail requires 4x4 and high clearance. It is a bumpy road for all 3+ miles into the mountainside. But it is far worth the drive for the seclusion. There are plenty of spaces to camp before the creek. But we kept going for about 3 miles, hit a road gate, and started traveling into the valley. It will eventually open up and you will see meadow creek. Spots to the left and right of the fork, we settled at the bottom. No service in the valley. Extremely magical, and serene. Leave it better than you left it please! If you want a camp spot off the beaten path, this is it. Perfect for tent camping/car camping.

      • Sierra N.
        Camper-submitted photo from Bear Mountain
        Apr. 2, 2023

        Bear Mountain

        Quiet & Beautiful

        Right off the road, 4 campsites. The last one is a little more open and we will def be coming back. Pretty stars, and 2 bars of service for Verizon. Please remember to clean up after yourself! Unfortunately there was a lot of old glass, among other trash. Also be careful on the road, it’s 30, but people fly down it not thinking of others on the road. It is a tight squeeze to get a truck back there, Tacoma, but we got tucked in just fine. Also there’s a woodsy sign leading into the forest! Cool to see an iconic owl!

      • R
        Camper-submitted photo from Gila National Forest Road 861 Dispersed
        Mar. 11, 2023

        Gila National Forest Road 861 Dispersed

        Great views

        A number of flat cleared areas not far off of hwy90. We cleaned up the beer cans, bottles, and trash left from other before us. We plan on being here for several more days. 30ft class A with toad.

      • a
        Camper-submitted photo from Bear Mountain
        Nov. 10, 2022

        Bear Mountain

        Nice dispersed spots

        4-5 dispersed spots on road 4242d before reaching the summit on bear mountain road (where the coordinates take you to). A narrow, rocky road with some low-hanging trees. Our sprinter made it but it was tight. The best spot was where the road dead-ends. Lots of shelter but not a ton of sunlight.

      • A
        Camper-submitted photo from Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping
        Nov. 3, 2022

        Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping

        Cattleman trail

        There’s several campsites around the trail head. I found a great secluded spot along a rough back road area, my express van with chunky tires was able to clear the bumps in the roadway. Cell service is excellent for Verizon even wandering around the trails back here.

      • S
        Camper-submitted photo from Gila National Forest Road 861 Dispersed
        Oct. 7, 2022

        Gila National Forest Road 861 Dispersed

        Awesome boondocking

        Off Chisholm trail , previous coordinates are for CDT NO VEHICLE TRAFFIC. Great sites, I think I had the best one. First on right just before Cattlemans road. Met Pat she has the grazing rights here. She was very apologetic about the trash the last campers left. I just said well some are scum and showed her the two trash bags full and the 4x6 platform I cut up so it's manageable. Will burn the wood and haul the rest off. Only saw her cattle one afternoon. I'm a country boy so seeing cow poop is not a big deal. She said a bear was just shot yesterday a few miles north of here. Be vigilant. #leavenotrace

      • S
        Camper-submitted photo from Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping
        Oct. 5, 2022

        Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping

        Excellent area

        Staying at the first site on the right. 14 days. Love it, plenty of shade and also sun for solar recharge. No utilities and sites not marked but they are abvious. Peace and quiet. I'm getting 3 bars on AT&T which is pretty good I think. Streamed a movie last night with no issues. Previous campers left trash, so my two dogs and I cleaned it up. Cut up a 4x6 platform they left. Will burn the wood and haul off the frame to a dumpster in Silver City where I'll restock at walmart. Met Pat this morning- she has the grazing rights through here. She apologized for mess from previous camper's. Told her and showed her it's taken care of and Thanked her for stopping by to say Hi. Will definitely stay here again!

      • J
        Camper-submitted photo from Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping
        Mar. 29, 2022

        Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping

        Stay off White Water Rd

        If coming from the east your gps might try to take you via White Water Rd -DONT! Instead take the 90 unless you want to spend an hour driving over bone jarring washboard roads

      • Danny H.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Gila National Forest Road 861 Dispersed
        Mar. 5, 2022

        Gila National Forest Road 861 Dispersed

        Nice Overnight Boondocking location

        This is a Gila National Forest Access Road just west of the Continental Divide on highway 90.  It has multiple fairly level and easily accessible boondocking sites. It's far enough from the highway to be quiet. The only real drawback is the Cattle droppings here and there. We spent the night, so can't comment on other activities in the area, but there are roads and trails leading out of the location and into the Forest.

      • Darrin R.
        Camper-submitted photo from Bear Mountain
        Jan. 19, 2022

        Bear Mountain

        Rugged, no frills, but beautiful and quiet

        Stopped here to spend the night in July because it was cooler (~7500 ft elevation), free, quiet and beautiful. It's just a place to camp in the National Forest. No amenities.

      • A
        Camper-submitted photo from Roadside Pullouts and Disperesed Camping along Route 15
        Oct. 7, 2020

        Roadside Pullouts and Disperesed Camping along Route 15

        Many scenic overnight pullouts along Route 15

        We were hoping to stay at the Gila Hot Springs campground, but it was full. Although the hot springs were oh so tempting, we're glad it turned out that way. First, FREE!  Second, fabulous views, stars, and amazing quiet.  

        All along Route 15 in the mountains to the south of Gila Hot Springs are numerous pull-offs, pull-outs, and pull-throughs where you can camp overnight.  I wouldn't recommend a long stay, but we found a little road off up a gentle embankment with a killer view. There were many others we would have gladly stayed at too.  We are pulling a 17-ft travel trailer but some of the spots are wide and broad and would fit a much larger rig.

        No-one but a masochist would drive along Route 15 at night (slow, steep, winding) and so there was zero car noise all night.  This would be true for any of the pullouts, so even though you're close to the road, there aren't any cars so it doesn't matter much.  No cell service, but there isn't cell service anywhere in the area, even in Gila Hot Springs.

        We drove to the cliff dwellings in the morning, took a leisurely 20-30 minutes.



      Guide to Silver City

      Camping near Silver City, New Mexico, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway, this area has something for everyone.

      What to do:

      • Explore the Gila Cliff Dwellings: Just a short drive from the Upper Scorpion Campground, you can hike to the cliff dwellings and learn about the ancient inhabitants of the area. One camper mentioned, "The Gila cliff dwellings are awesome. Well worth the 1.5 hour drive in from Silver City."
      • Hike the Trails: The City of Rocks State Park Campground offers amazing trails that wind through unique rock formations. A visitor shared, "You could just walk around the rocks and campground or take one of the trails out into the desert landscape."
      • Soak in Hot Springs: At Faywood Hot Springs, you can enjoy relaxing hot springs. One guest noted, "The hot springs bathing areas are nice. They have clothes optional and required areas."

      What campers like:

      • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful landscapes. One reviewer at Forks Campground said, "Forks Campground is at the top of a cliff. It has a phenomenal view of the river."
      • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, like Gila Hot Springs Campground, are praised for their cleanliness. A visitor remarked, "The bathrooms were very clean and also private feeling."
      • Friendly Hosts: Campers appreciate the welcoming atmosphere. At the Silver City KOA, one guest mentioned, "The staff are top notch! Young energetic and as helpful as can be."

      What you should know:

      • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lower Scorpion Campground, have minimal facilities. A camper noted, "There is no cell service here or pretty much anywhere in the forest."
      • Crowded During Peak Season: Popular spots can get busy, especially in summer. One visitor at Forks Campground mentioned, "The campground is not very big... some of the folks that frequent it aren't very nice."
      • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife sightings. A camper at City of Rocks State Park Campground shared, "I also saw the most wildlife from this site (marmot, roadrunner, jack rabbit, and more)."

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Silver City KOA, which offers a variety of amenities. One family said, "Very friendly staff and owner. I’ve steered clear of KOA before but will check them out after this visit."
      • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities, like hiking and exploring, to keep everyone entertained. A visitor at Gila Hot Springs Campground mentioned, "Love the hot springs, great hosts, calm, and not too many people."
      • Pack for All Weather: Nights can get chilly, so bring warm clothing. One camper advised, "Can get cold at night if you are in a tent, bring warm clothing."

      Tips from RVers:

      • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds, like Cattlemen Trail, are big rig friendly. A reviewer noted, "Entry road was very good. Good cell service also."
      • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Many spots lack full hookups. A visitor at Rose Valley RV Ranch mentioned, "The sites are huge and feel very private, offering a little fenced in, personal yard at most sites."
      • Plan for Trash Disposal: Some campgrounds do not have trash services, so be ready to pack out your trash. A camper at Lower Scorpion Campground said, "It is within walking distance of several trailheads in the national forest... prepare to pack out all trash."

      Camping near Silver City, New Mexico, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great destination for all types of campers.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Silver City, NM?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Silver City, NM is Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Silver City, NM?

        TheDyrt.com has all 18 dispersed camping locations near Silver City, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.