Gila Hot Springs Ranch near Silver City accommodates horses, with trailer parking available at the campsite areas. Campers with horses have access to camping options including tent sites, RV spots with hookups, and cabins in the mountains of Gila National Forest. The ranch property features horses and sheep that sometimes roam through the campground, though no dedicated horse corrals are mentioned in the facilities. Water hookups are available at campsites, which can be useful for horse care. Restrooms with flush toilets and hot water sourced from natural springs serve the camping areas. Most vehicles can access the property, but travelers should be prepared for steep grades and switchbacks on the approach road.
Direct access to backcountry riding areas is possible from Gila Hot Springs Ranch through arranged pack trips or trail rides. The ranch offers both guided excursions for less experienced riders and options for exploring deeper into the Gila National Forest on horseback. Several guests report watching the ranch staff round up their horse herd at sunset, adding to the equestrian atmosphere. The ranch's location provides convenient access to nearby natural attractions including the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument approximately 4 miles further up the road. Horse owners should note the natural hot springs located a short walk from the camping area, providing relaxation opportunities after riding. The high-mountain setting offers scenic views with rock formations that display beautiful hues during sunrise and sunset.
"Short walk to lake. Very well kept. Saw several deer and caught a few fish. Definitely worth the drive from Albuquerque"
"This is a great spot to launch your boat into the lake. The launch has bathrooms and even a fish washing station!
Be sure to check out the tree covered in lures next to the launch."
"This is a campground right next to the dispersed camp. It looked like only tents were in this part of the park."
"When you turn off Highway 61, you go through a gate. There are multiple pull-outs along the road. Great views, desert terrain. I have good cell service, and my home fi hot spot is working great."
"You'll find dispersed campsites with fire-rings all along the edges of the road and on spur forest roads sprouting from it."
$6 - $29 / night
"There is a short walk to the natural hot springs down by the river which is really rustic and relaxing."
"Must be prepared for a very steep grade drive with switchbacks. Beautiful scenery with sheep and horses."
"We camped upstream of the lake in a shallow valley with a dirt road leading to the site/area. We could walk to the lake and across the dam to explore the creek behind it."
ScoutTried to camp here and drove in late. There’s two entrances to this area per Google Maps. Both entrances had gates that both said New Mexico State Park Boundary Line. Ended up having to find a hotel because there’s not many other places to camp in this area other than in the parks. Maybe try to look when it is brighter outside for a different entrance.
TravelerWe pulled right into our campsite with hot and cold water at our site. I believe they pull it from the natural hot springs that run beneath the mountain. What a treat! Even if you're not glam camping with a fancy RV it's perfect! How many times have you had to wash your dishes in cold water st a campground.
I pull a 37ft gooseneck horse trailer that is now used for camping. No amenities but next best thing to camping in a tent.
There is a short walk to the natural hot springs down by the river which is really rustic and relaxing. Especially after climbing the step to the cave/cliff dwellings which are approximately 4 mi further up the road.
The restrooms are flush toilets, hot water and a heated floor. Super clean! You can pay a small fee to utilize the "hot tub" which is more modern but the best part is that there's no ceiling! That means as you sit in the hot tub you're privy to the unobstructed view of the Milky Way! Bring a pair of binoculars! We saw several shooting stars and we blown away by the majesty of the heavens which were out "ceiling"!
You can get out of the hot tub, go directly into the restroom/shower. There's a code to enter the two shower/hot tub complex. Great because it keeps unexpected/uninvited guests from entering.
We parked at site #08 close to the restrooms. There are hookups for more luxurious RVs.
We ran out of propane and were easily accommodated with a fire ring and wood for a small fee. Well worth it! Mornings were in the 30's. It warms up quickly so layering worked for us.
The camp host were very accommodating and friendly.
I loved watching them round up their herd of horses that roam freely through the campground from time to time.
At sunset we watched deer in the pasture grazing happily. Then watched them hop right over the fence one by one! How fun is that!
Sunrise and sunsets there cast the most beautiful hues on the rock formations surrounding the area.
While walking down to the natural hot springs we were delighted to see sheep who had given birth to a couple sets of black & white faced twins! Too cute for words...
Bring a lunch as there are picnic tables next to the creek. Great after soaking in the three separate soaking areas.
I was told you could arrange pack trips on horses and explore any of the back country areas. This is love to return and take advantage of! As amazing as it is on foot and in the car it Hass to be mine blowing on the back of a horse! I was also told that they do trail rides for those less experienced riders.

GuideQuiet ranch in the mountains of Gila National Forest. Must be prepared for a very steep grade drive with switchbacks. Beautiful scenery with sheep and horses.
GuideThis site is just a relatively short turn-off road with a loop for turning around and a small, non-dedicated area for pitching a tent as far as I could tell. If you have a camper/RV/van, then it should work fine, but it’s not the best for tent camping. I made it work, but wasn’t super excited about it. Also, there was a bit of trash left behind when I was there, but it wasn’t necessarily a dump.
Getting to this spot was convenient since it is right off a paved road. There was a bit of car noise here and there, but it wasn’t bad. I heard coyotes singing nearby (from multiple directions) in the evening, but didn’t actually see any wildlife.
In all, it was alright. Not horrible, not great, just sufficient.
GuideNo facilities (it's boondocking) but beautiful! We camped upstream of the lake in a shallow valley with a dirt road leading to the site/area. We could walk to the lake and across the dam to explore the creek behind it. I slipped in the creek and dislocated my little finger on our second day, so that ended the trip for me. Had to drive to Reserve for medical help.
The area is open grassland with ponderosa pines scattered around in clumps. As you hike into the Wilderness Area (the first one designated as such) the forest gets thicker. Snow Lake is well-known for trout fishing, and people know this. We were there on Memorial Day and it was a bit crowded with fishermen.
There is an established campground there also (Dipping Vat) if you want a picnic table and grill, but we were all equipped for boondocking. High altitude means cold nights, so come prepared with all amenities self-contained, and all contingencies anticipated. (Like my dislocation!)
LegendThis is a campground right next to the dispersed camp. It looked like only tents were in this part of the park. When we were here there was some guys with DNR and they were cutting back all of the dead trees from a fire. The wood they cut was all around in stacks for campers to use while camping. The sites are clean and spread out with level spots for your tent. They have fire rings and tables. Pit toilets and garbage is also on site. The night sky is incredible and you can see the Milky Way. There is no cell service here. The road in is graveled but it is nice and no car or suv would have trouble navigating. There is a hiking trail head near the back of the campground. It is peaceful and relaxing here!
GuideStayed here July 12-14,2019. There were quite a few sites available late Friday afternoon. Short walk to lake. Very well kept. Saw several deer and caught a few fish. Definitely worth the drive from Albuquerque
GuideThere are plenty of nice spots to camp along North Star Road, north of Mimbres, NM. You'll find dispersed campsites with fire-rings all along the edges of the road and on spur forest roads sprouting from it. North Star Road is usually well maintained and most vehicles should make it to at least North Star Mesa.
Nothing in terms of services and amenities, but nice hiking nearby. Very clear skies at night.
As always, please follow LNT principles when dispersed camping.
LegendThis isn’t a campground. It is a boat launch and picnic area. There are lots of no camping signs but if you travel east or west you can find two campgrounds.
This is a great spot to launch your boat into the lake. The launch has bathrooms and even a fish washing station!
Be sure to check out the tree covered in lures next to the launch.
The area to launch your boat is huge plenty of room to navigate down toward the water.
There is also a dock extending out over the water if you don’t have a boat.
The area was clean and had garbage bins.
Can’t camp here but there was plenty of other things to do.
Horse enthusiasts can find several equestrian-friendly campgrounds near Silver City, New Mexico. The Gila National Forest area sits at elevations between 5,000-10,000 feet with dramatic temperature variations between seasons. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for accessing many of the remote horse camping locations during wet seasons when forest service roads can become rutted and challenging.
Trail riding access: Lake Roberts provides multiple trailheads leading into the Gila wilderness. "This lake is great for paddle boarding, relaxing and taking in the views," notes Eva G. about Lake Roberts, which serves as a starting point for several equestrian routes.
Natural hot springs: After a day of riding, soak in thermal springs near Gila Hot Springs Ranch. "There is a short walk to the natural hot springs down by the river which is really rustic and relaxing. Especially after climbing the step to the cave/cliff dwellings," writes one visitor at Gila Hot Springs Ranch.
Wilderness exploration: North Star Mesa offers direct access to remote wilderness trails suitable for experienced riders. "There are plenty of nice spots to camp along North Star Road, north of Mimbres, NM. You'll find dispersed campsites with fire-rings all along the edges of the road and on spur forest roads sprouting from it," reports Jorge G. about North Star Mesa Dispersed Camping.
Star gazing opportunities: The dark skies around Silver City provide exceptional astronomical viewing. "Very clear skies at night," shares Jorge G. about North Star Mesa, making it ideal for evening relaxation after a day of riding.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to observe native species. At Snow Lake, one camper noted, "The area is open grassland with ponderosa pines scattered around in clumps. As you hike into the Wilderness Area (the first one designated as such) the forest gets thicker." Snow Lake provides habitat for numerous wildlife species that horses should be accustomed to encountering.
Clean facilities: Sapillo Campground maintains well-kept sites for horse campers. "The sites are clean and spread out with level spots for your tent. They have fire rings and tables. Pit toilets and garbage is also on site," notes Alisa P. about Sapillo Campground.
Road conditions: Many horse camping areas require navigating challenging roads. "Must be prepared for a very steep grade drive with switchbacks," warns Ellyn F. about access to equestrian facilities in the region.
Water access: Not all dispersed camping sites have water available for horses. At BLM land near City of Rocks, Michael D. reports, "This is open BLM land. When you turn off Highway 61, you go through a gate. There are multiple pull-outs along the road." Plan to bring sufficient water for your horses if staying at BLM Near City of Rocks.
Seasonal variations: The high elevation means significant temperature changes. "High altitude means cold nights, so come prepared with all amenities self-contained, and all contingencies anticipated," advises one camper at Snow Lake.
Safety around horses: Many campgrounds have free-roaming livestock that children should be taught to respect from a distance. Linda C. notes that at Gila Hot Springs Ranch, the "vault/compost toilet was clean but smelly as you'd expect while in it," which parents should prepare younger children for.
Swimming options: Several areas offer water recreation beyond horse activities. At Lake Roberts, one visitor shared, "This was my first experience in a boat, and the lake was a perfect place to learn. Had such an amazing experience with my family."
Educational opportunities: Incorporate history lessons at camping locations near ancient sites. "There are flush toilets, hot water and a heated floor. Super clean! You can pay a small fee to utilize the hot tub which is more modern but the best part is that there's no ceiling!" notes a visitor describing amenities near historical attractions.
Site size limitations: Many equestrian camping areas have restrictions on large rig access. "Maneuvering our 24ft sprinter was doable on the property but larger vehicles not advised," warns Linda C. about Gila Hot Springs Ranch.
Primitive conditions: Safari Campsite offers minimal amenities for self-contained units. "This site is just a relatively short turn-off road with a loop for turning around and a small, non-dedicated area for pitching a tent as far as I could tell. If you have a camper/RV/van, then it should work fine," explains Jonathan E. at Safari Campsite.
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies widely throughout horse camping areas. One camper at BLM Near City of Rocks reports, "I have good cell service, and my home fi hot spot is working great," while Alisa P. notes, "There is no cell service here," about Sapillo Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Silver City, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Silver City, NM is Lake Roberts with a 4.6-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Silver City, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Silver City, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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