Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Silver City, NM

Silver City RV Park and Rose Valley RV Ranch welcome pets in their well-spaced sites. Both campgrounds provide full hookups with water, electric, and sewer connections suitable for RVers traveling with dogs. Silver City RV Park features a convenient location within walking distance to downtown, making it ideal for pet owners who want to explore the area on foot. Rose Valley RV Ranch offers more spacious sites with privacy barriers between camping spots, giving pets additional space to relax on-leash. City of Rocks State Park Campground also permits pets at both drive-in and walk-in sites. Most facilities enforce standard leash requirements and request that owners clean up after their pets. Manzanos RV Park maintains clean grounds with naturalized pet relief areas featuring desert vegetation.

Bear Mountain dispersed camping area allows pets with no restrictions but lacks amenities like water or waste facilities, requiring campers to pack in supplies for their dogs and pack out waste. Nearby trails provide exercise opportunities for dogs, though leashes are typically required on established paths. Silver City's mild climate makes year-round camping comfortable for pets, though summer temperatures warrant extra water and shade considerations. The Walmart Supercenter parking lot in Silver City permits overnight stays with pets and provides a convenient stop for purchasing pet supplies. Local veterinary services are available in Silver City for emergency care. Cattlemen Trail offers free dispersed camping with pets allowed, providing a more remote option for campers seeking privacy with their dogs, though the area lacks facilities and requires self-sufficiency.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Silver City, New Mexico (58)

    1. Silver City KOA

    9 Reviews
    Arenas Valley, NM
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 388-3351

    "The Silver City KOA is a wonderful place to stay! The staff are friendly and go above and beyond to make you feel welcome."

    "Close to town and a ton of hiking! Super clean!! Would definitely stay here again."

    2. City of Rocks State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Faywood, NM
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 536-2800

    $15 - $30 / night

    "Last week I visited Faywood, New Mexico which is located about halfway in between Silver City and Deming, and I came across a unique terrain with structures of Boulder rocks that are “formed of volcanic"

    "The drive out here is a long stretch of flat barren Chihuahuan desert, and then as you go over a hill in the distance you see literally what looks like a "city of rocks", enormous weathered volcanic rocks"

    3. Silver City RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Silver City, NM
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (575) 538-2239

    "This modest little park (fairly priced) is next door to a market, 4 blocks from Silver City’s wonderful old town, and 7 blocks from a great dog park."

    "Great location for exploring Silver City, NM. Sites are small, but great, friendly people. Not for big rigs."

    4. Rose Valley RV Ranch

    8 Reviews
    Silver City, NM
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (575) 534-4277

    "Walking around will also involve walking through dirt areas to reach your destination. All in all though it’s a nice, private, roomy park that puts you right near Silver City’s local shops!"

    "The woman behind the counter was so accomodating and the spot we got for 2 nights was huge and very private. The showers were large and clean as well as the rest of the park."

    5. Manzanos RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Arenas Valley, NM
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 538-0918

    "Nice RV park just outside of Silver City with large spaces and junipers between the spaces. We were in #16 which was huge. Full hookups, laundry. Only one bath with a shower."

    "Great place and close to sights, yet nestled in a lovely spot."

    6. Cherry Creek Campground

    6 Reviews
    Arenas Valley, NM
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 388-8201

    "Beautiful location in the tall pines. Sites were well spaced but little privacy, and close to the road which was not busy at all. Picnic table and fire ring at each site."

    "There’s a short, informal trail at the north end of the campground past the bathroom. The trail goes about 0.25 miles out; so 0.5 mile round trip. A nice evening or morning stroll or both."

    7. Bear Mountain

    4 Reviews
    Silver City, NM
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 388-8201

    "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!"

    8. Continental Divide Park & Camp

    3 Reviews
    Arenas Valley, NM
    7 miles
    Website

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Nice Park just outside/south of the Gila National forest. Perfect spot if one wants to park and then drive into the Kila forest or cliff dwellings."

    "Perfect location to leave our trailer and go out exploring!"

    9. Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Silver City, NM
    18 miles
    Website

    "Previous campers left trash, so my two dogs and I cleaned it up. Cut up a 4x6 platform they left."

    "Lots of hiking trails and washes to walk around. Easy to get to. Lots of quartz rock. Enjoyed my stay very much."

    10. McMillan Campground

    3 Reviews
    Arenas Valley, NM
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 538-2771

    "After not finding a campsite at the other near one called Cherry Creek. We ended up at McMillan campsite. Super close to the restroom but not close enough where it is unsanitary."

    "Lots of trees, two outhouses, a good few tables and designated campfire circles, all around nice if but a little muddy depending on the time of year"

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Silver City, NM

316 Reviews of 58 Silver City Campgrounds


  • c
    Jan. 17, 2022

    Silver City RV Park

    Fun Easy Access to Silver City

    We originally reserved one night and stayed 4. This modest little park (fairly priced) is next door to a market, 4 blocks from Silver City’s wonderful old town, and 7 blocks from a great dog park. They have a clean little laundromat, clean bathrooms, and friendly helpful staff. And a small coffee shop. We’ll be back.

  • Monte W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2023

    Upper Scorpion Campground

    Walking distance to Cliff dwellings

    Stayed here for a couple nights in the beginning of September 2023. Weather was upper 80’s during the day and mid 50’s during the night. This site is free and provides a vault toilet (which was clean), water, a fire ring and picnic table. There were about 6-8 sites. I lucked out and ended up getting the last one. The sites were pretty close together but spread out enough. I was able to walk right to the entrance of the cliff dwellings trail from this site in about 5 minutes. I could also walk across street and woods to the river, wasn’t much water though. From silver city on 15, it took me about 90 minutes to reach the campsite. It’s a paved road but gets pretty twisty in spots. I stocked up on food and everything I needed at wal mart in silver city. There was no cell service from silver city to the campground. There is a store, Docs, that will let you use their Wi-Fi. The store has a few things but nothing impressive. It was also difficult finding wood in the immediate area, so either bring wood or stock up along 15 when you’re in the pines. There is also no trash pickup anywhere in the area, so prepare to pack out all trash. The only downside of this site is being able to get a spot. There is also the lower scorpion campsite, plus a few others along the way. There are also plenty of dispersed sites along 15.

  • David R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 1, 2023

    Upper Scorpion Campground

    Awesome Cliff Dwellings - not a Bad Site

    The Gila cliff dwellings are awesome. Well worth the 1.5 hour drive in from Silver City. The Upper Scorpion campground is really a parking lot with nearby tent sites. Campers park in the lot. With that said I was the only occupant of the campground. It was very quiet with a spectacular night sky. The Lower Scorpion campground is the same. The host was very friendly and helpful. No services except pit toilets.

  • Vidalia S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 5, 2026

    Cherry Creek Campground

    Beautiful site in the tall pines

    Beautiful location in the tall pines. Sites were well spaced but little privacy, and close to the road which was not busy at all. Picnic table and fire ring at each site. Clean well-maintained vault toilets. We were there in the winter and there had been some rain and snow melt, and the creek was running over the road, but still crossable even in our Transit van. The sites themselves are a little small with lots of trees and you can see where many larger campers and RVs seem to have had a tree encounter. The drive up from Silver City was stunning.

  • Steve B.
    May. 28, 2019

    Dipping Vat Campground

    Loved It!

    I took my dad there for Labor Day weekend last year and was totally pleased with the campground. Extremely well kept and clean. Didn’t use the RV restroom at all. The restrooms at the grounds were very clean and only a short walk from every campsite. Drinking water to fill your camper was available in several locations. No hookups but that was ok. The country surrounding the grounds was absolutely beautiful! Snow Lake provides great fishing opportunities and the views from all over the surrounding Gila Wilderness were simply amazing.

    We met some folks from Silver City during our stay and became lifelong friends with them. We spent most of the weekend with them sharing meals and stories around the campfire! I will definitely be heading there again at least once a year!

  • E
    Apr. 19, 2025

    McMillan Campground

    Fun campsite! For Free!

    After not finding a campsite at the other near one called Cherry Creek. We ended up at McMillan campsite. Super close to the restroom but not close enough where it is unsanitary. Perfect place the camp. There are only 3 sites but they have picnic tables and fire pits. Plenty of space even for large groups. No cell phone service at all! For miles you won’t have service especially coming from Silver City so plan accordingly! The Park ranger came by to clean out the bathrooms. No place to dump trash and no water. During our time here the weather was unpredictable, which is probably expected deep in the mountain. We had a great time!! The only down side was that some random hikers parked at a site and were extremely loud at 8 in the morning however they were not campers.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Silver City KOA

    Peaceful KOA Gem Near Historic Silver City

    The Silver City KOA is a wonderful place to stay! The staff are friendly and go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. Sites are well-maintained with plenty of space, and the amenities — from spotless restrooms to a cozy camp store — make it easy to relax. It’s also a perfect base for exploring Gila Cliff Dwellings and downtown Silver City. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a peaceful, comfortable stay in southwest New Mexico!

  • k
    Mar. 27, 2022

    Ridge Park RV

    Roomy sites, quiet, near Gila NF, CD trailhead and Silver City

    This is an awesome park. The RV sites all have full hookups and are extra long and wide. Because the rv sites are situated around the perimeter of the very large greenspace and dog park, all sites have expansive views in all directions. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets! There are tent sites in the central green area with picnic table, firepit and shade trees. There is a great hiking trail, about 1/2 mile, that makes a loop. It is comfortably wide so you and your dog can see the trail and won't accidentally run into cactus. The park is a straight-shot easy 15 minute drive into Silver City and is convenient to Gila NF trails, several Continental Divide trailheads, the Catwalk and lots of other natural areas. Rosie and Bill, the owners are a wealth of info about the local sites and trails. The campground has a bathhouse, laundry, gym, communal library with books, games and puzzles.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Manzanos RV Park

    Great option in Silver City

    Man, free pulled pork BBQ every Sat. evening garnered this place the 5th star!  :) 

    Stayed 4/23- 4/30. Nice RV park just outside of Silver City with large spaces and junipers between the spaces. We were in #16 which was huge. Full hookups, laundry. Only one bath with a shower. Naturalized pet relief area with some desert vegetation. Dirt road to the place from Kirkland. No playground so saw no kids staying there. Seemed like mature, respectful RVers. Some folks were extended stay, seemed like any long term residents were in a different area; overall nice, neat, quiet, and tidy. John keeps things in good order.

    BTW, in Silver City for Tour of the Gila, cool to see the stage races.

    Food aside: Heated up some frozen Bertolli pasta dinner and then: nothing on Sat. night because, free BBQ!!  Donations appreciated.


Guide to Silver City

Dispersed camping areas near Silver City provide options for pet owners seeking more solitude than established campgrounds. Silver City sits at an elevation of 5,895 feet in the foothills of the Gila National Forest, experiencing milder temperatures than lower desert regions. The area's diverse camping options range from remote forest sites to convenient RV parks within 30 minutes of downtown Silver City.

What to do

Hike the Continental Divide Trail: Access points near Continental Divide Park & Camp connect to spectacular hiking. As one camper noted, "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."

Rock exploration with kids: The volcanic formations at City of Rocks State Park Campground create a natural playground. "Our grandsons loved this place. You can spend hours exploring all the rocks," shares one visitor. The park also offers educational astronomy programs, with sites named after constellations visible from the campground.

Scenic driving loops: From Cherry Creek Campground, visitors can take scenic drives through pine forests. "Beautiful drive. The bathroom was clean and trash cans were maintained," mentions one reviewer about the route. The campground sits along a creek bed (though sometimes dry) with a short 0.5-mile trail at the north end past the bathroom.

What campers like

Spacious, private sites: Rose Valley RV Ranch earns consistent praise for site layout. "The sites are huge and very private, offering a little fenced in, personal yard at most sites," explains one camper. Another adds, "Sites are long and spacious, level, gravel, wide with shrubbery and some fencing between, adding lots of privacy."

Convenient downtown access: Silver City RV Park provides easy access to historic areas. "This camp ground is conveniently located to Old Town Silver City. I booked for one night but may well stay for two," writes one camper. Another notes it's "4 blocks from Silver City's wonderful old town, and 7 blocks from a great dog park."

Natural landscapes: The unique rock formations at City of Rocks create stunning photo opportunities. "Beautiful spot. Amazing rock formations. Probably one of the coolest campgrounds I have ever stayed at," shares a visitor. The state park offers stellar night sky viewing with minimal light pollution.

What you should know

Free camping requires self-sufficiency: Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping offers no services but provides quiet, accessible camping. "Easy to find, no rough roads, clean and quiet campsite. There were about 10 other campers when I was here," reports one visitor. Cell service is surprisingly good with another noting, "I'm getting 3 bars on AT&T which is pretty good I think. Streamed a movie last night with no issues."

Weather considerations: The higher elevation brings cooler temperatures and occasional strong winds. About City of Rocks, one camper warns, "Very unique landscape, great campsites but wow the wind was too much. We had friends go in spring who said it was windy and we went in mid May and it was the same story."

Reservation strategies: Silver City KOA can fill quickly during peak seasons. One visitor recommends, "I've been hitting KOAs across the SW and this is maybe the nicest one I've stayed at so far. Excellent customer service, clean sites, bathrooms and a nice area."

Tips for camping with families

Choose sheltered sites: At Sapillo Dispersed Camping Area, families can find secluded spots. "What we especially enjoyed was being able to furrow way back in our 4x4 to a secluded spot," says one camper. The area offers "lovely and spacious" sites with "so much open land for hiking and the cdt meanders through."

Book established campgrounds for amenities: For families needing facilities, Silver City KOA provides comfort. "Friendly staff, great area. Campgrounds clean. KOA Kabin was better than I expected. Wi-Fi password available. Tv in cabin, heated, toilet and shower," reports one visitor.

Plan for temperature fluctuations: Desert temperatures can vary widely between day and night. A Sapillo camper noted, "chilly nights and early mornings" despite warm days. Pack appropriate clothing layers for comfort.

Tips from RVers

Check site sizes carefully: At Manzanos RV Park, some spots work better for larger rigs. "Our site was a pull through but was too tight with other sites to actually pull our 33 ft trailer and truck through. We had to back out," advises one RVer who recommends, "We would next time pick our site once we got there and had a look around."

Take advantage of weekly gatherings: Some RV parks offer social opportunities. At Manzanos, "free pulled pork BBQ every Sat. evening garnered this place the 5th star!" according to one enthusiastic camper, who added "John keeps things in good order."

Consider satellite visibility: For RVers needing connectivity, open sites provide better reception. At Cattlemen Trail, one visitor noted, "plenty of shade and also sun for solar recharge" making it ideal for boondocking with solar power.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Silver City, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Silver City, NM is Silver City KOA with a 5-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Silver City, NM?

TheDyrt.com has all 58 dog-friendly camping locations near Silver City, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.