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Map showing campground location near Mimbres, New Mexico
Camper submitted image from Black Canyon Campground - LowerView 17 Photos
CampingMap showing campground location near Mimbres, New Mexico

Black Canyon Campground - Lower

4 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Free camping in Gila National Forest comes with tradeoffs, and Black Canyon Campground Lower is a useful example. The access road runs rough, so low-clearance vehicles should approach with caution. Sites sit in forested terrain near a creek, with enough tree cover to provide shade through warm afternoons. No pets are permitted, and campers should verify road and fire conditions before heading out, as the Gila is prone to seasonal wildfire closures that can shut the campground down with little warning.

Temperatures swing sharply here regardless of season. Expect a difference of roughly 30 degrees between daytime highs and nighttime lows, with even summer nights cool enough for sleeping bags and wool layers. Hummingbirds are a recurring presence, and the sound of running water from the nearby creek carries through camp. The pit toilets draw consistent praise from reviewers, which is worth noting for a free site. Tracy C. describes them simply as "CLEAN," a detail that stands out at no-cost campgrounds.

Facilities include drinking water, trash service, and firewood availability, though the water spigot has been reported as intermittent. Cell service is limited. The campground stays relatively quiet, partly because its remote location filters out casual visitors. Nearby options include Black Canyon Campground - Upper just 0.2 miles east, and Gila Hot Springs Campground roughly 10 miles west for those building a longer itinerary through the area. If the combination of free camping, creek proximity, and forest cover fits your plans, this one is worth the drive.

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Map & DirectionsBlack Canyon Campground is located in New Mexico near Mimbres

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

The campground is located 30 miles from Wilderness Ranger District office. Take Hwy 35 to MM15 to FR150.Turn right & travel 26 miles over a improved dirt & rock road to Black Canyon Campground. Turn left\_\_and travel .5 miles, over a steep stream crossing to the Lower Campground.

Coordinates

33.18415 N
108.0339584 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

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General Info

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Black Canyon Campground

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4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the beautiful, well-maintained setting with clean facilities and abundant shade. Cool nights and peaceful stream sounds enhance the experience, though water access can be intermittent.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed May. 31, 2021

Beautiful Remote Campground

This is an excellent campground that doesn’t seem to be overrun, probably due to its’ remote location. There are many birds in the area, and the sounds of a running stream is peaceful. Nights here are cool. You can plan for at least a 30 degree delta between daytime high and nighttime low. The Gila can at times be plagued with wildfires, as it was during our visit on 5/28/21. Visibility was okay, and it didn’t seem unhealthy to be there. No campfires are currently permitted except for in designated metal fire pits maintained by the forest service. Just a guess, but this is probably the norm throughout the summer in the Gila.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Black Canyon Campground - Lower by Mark O., May 31, 2021
  • Review photo of Black Canyon Campground - Lower by Mark O., May 31, 2021
  • Review photo of Black Canyon Campground - Lower by Mark O., May 31, 2021
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Jun. 11, 2018

Gorgeous campground 10 minutes from the Plaza

We visited Black Canyon last August on our way to Colorado and stayed two nights. What a lovely and well maintained place. camp hosts were absolutely wonderful. campers were clean, quiet and respectful. Bathrooms were just pit toilets, but man... they were CLEAN! It is cool at night, even in August, due to the elevation. We were so cozy in our wool socks and sleeping bags in a tent. It even hailed on us hard one day. I liked this place so much we booked it again this summer, but were disappointed to see it closed for the month due to wild fires nearby and extreme drought. We get it, but are super bummed. This place is just gorgeous.

  • Review photo of Black Canyon Campground - Lower by Tracy C., June 11, 2018
  • Review photo of Black Canyon Campground - Lower by Tracy C., June 11, 2018
Reviewed May. 28, 2018

Santa Fe National Forest

Beautiful campground in Santa Fe New Mexico. We came to stay one night to go to Meow Wolf and ended up staying 3 nights I liked it so much. Would be 5 stars but the water spigot only worked intermittently, and it was difficult to get a site due to online reservations, some of which weren't even used but sites were still considered occupied due to reservation. I dislike National Park Campgrounds utilizing online reservations, it makes it hard for those of us who wish to ramble aimlessly.

The birds are abundant here. I wore a red winter hat and had at least 10 hummingbirds buzz my head in one day. I could hear their wings and feel the breeze from them they came so close. Tons of shade here, and nice cool days with chilly nights in May. We had a night of sleet after a rainstorm with hail but the next two days were gorgeous. Conveniently located to Santa Fe amenities. I highly recommend this campground. Pit toilets were minimally smelly and relatively clean.

Site25, across from the bathroom and beautiful for tent campers.
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Black Canyon Campground - Lower by Court M., May 28, 2018
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities and amenities are available at Black Canyon Campground?

Black Canyon Campground offers clean pit toilets that are well-maintained by attentive camp hosts. Water is available from spigots throughout the campground, though they may function intermittently. The campground is well-maintained overall with a peaceful atmosphere. Sites require reservations through an online system. The campground provides a cooler environment with significant temperature drops at night (expect about a 30-degree difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures), so packing accordingly is recommended.

Where is Black Canyon Campground located in New Mexico?

Black Canyon Campground is located in the Santa Fe area of New Mexico. The campground sits in a beautiful natural setting that offers cool mountain temperatures, making it a peaceful retreat from the summer heat. Its somewhat remote location contributes to its uncrowded atmosphere, while still being accessible enough to serve as a convenient base for exploring Santa Fe. The campground is within driving distance of attractions like Meow Wolf, making it practical for both nature lovers and those interested in exploring the cultural offerings of the region.

What activities can I enjoy near Black Canyon Campground in the Mimbres area?

The Black Canyon area offers excellent birdwatching opportunities with diverse species inhabiting the region. You can enjoy the peaceful sounds of a running stream near the campground, perfect for relaxation or light wading. Cultural attractions like Meow Wolf in Santa Fe are within driving distance, making the campground a good base for both outdoor and artistic pursuits. The Gila Wilderness is accessible from this area, offering hiking and exploration opportunities. The natural setting provides a cool retreat with beautiful surroundings ideal for photography, nature observation, and peaceful outdoor relaxation.

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