Glamping and yurt camping near Silver City, New Mexico provides visitors access to the Gila National Forest's 3.3 million acres at elevations ranging from 4,200 to 10,900 feet. Winter temperatures typically drop to 20°F at night while summer months stay below 90°F during the day, allowing for year-round camping opportunities. The region's campgrounds offer various accommodation options beyond traditional tent sites, with proximity to historic mining districts and wilderness areas.
What to do
Hiking trail access: Railroad Canyon Campground offers direct access to wilderness trails with only four available sites. "The campground does have a toilet, fire pits, picnic tables, and trash service. Please clean up after yourself, and leave no trace," notes Mark O. about Railroad Canyon Campground.
Historical exploration: Visit nearby mining towns and historical sites during your stay. "We passed through Gila National Forest, it's about 45 miles, but a very easy nice drive on very good roads," reports a camper at Lordsburg KOA.
Seasonal recreation: Winter visitors can enjoy nearby ski areas while summer brings opportunities for fishing and swimming. "Clean, quiet campground not far from Emory pass. Pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Only a handful of people there on Friday night," shares a visitor about Iron Creek Campground.
What campers like
Proximity to attractions: Campers appreciate the convenient locations. "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," notes Diane M. about Continental Divide Park & Camp.
Peaceful atmosphere: Many sites offer quiet surroundings away from busy areas. "We came in after dark, but the roads were clear and it was easy to set up. Quiet," mentions Melissa S. about Gold Gulch Road.
Shower facilities: Clean showers are highly valued by campers at established sites. "Very friendly staff and owner. I've steered clear of KOA before but will check them out after this visit. Very quiet stay and spots were very nice," says Brett D. about Silver City KOA.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Forest Service campgrounds often close during winter months. "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," warns Todd J.
Limited cell service: Many camping areas have no cell coverage. "About 10 sites, most of them shaded with picnic tables and fire rings. Has garbage collection, and a vault toilet. Usually peaceful and quiet. Nice hiking trails throughout. No cell signal," mentions RoadTripEddie V. about Iron Creek Campground.
Dispersed camping regulations: Free camping options exist but have no amenities. "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," describes Dawid M. about dispersed camping at Gold Gulch Road.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin options: Families seeking comfort can book cabins instead of traditional tent sites. "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," says Terry H. about Silver City KOA.
Yurt accommodations: Yurt camping near Silver City, New Mexico is available at select locations. Lordsburg KOA offers yurt options approximately 45 minutes from Silver City with basic amenities and shower access.
Kid-friendly features: Some campgrounds have recreational spaces. "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," notes Mike M. about Continental Divide Park & Camp.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Check campground specifications before arrival. "We travel with our fifth wheel and a utility trailer aka triple tow. It's hard to find RV parks that can accommodate 60 plus feet rigs. The staff is very friendly and there's plenty of space to navigate to the site with more than enough space in between the rigs," advises Bill L. about Lordsburg KOA.
Hookup considerations: Verify available power and water connections. "Level gravel sites. FHU worked fine; appears to be maintained. Nice staff, well stocked store. Would stay here again," reports James P.
Weather preparation: Be ready for temperature changes. "This campground is in great proximity to the Continental Divide Trail, if that's your thing," mentions Vanessa M., noting that "depending on the time of year, there may be some snow on the ground."
