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Established Camping

Forks Campground

6 Reviews

Forks Campground, near Gila Cliff Dwellings, New Mexico, is a scenic spot that offers a rustic camping experience with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. This location is perfect for those who appreciate nature, as it boasts a fantastic swimming hole and excellent stargazing opportunities right from your campsite.

The campground features spacious sites, though some areas lack shade, so be prepared for the sun. Visitors have noted the clean and well-maintained vault toilets, but keep in mind that there’s no running water or cell service, making it a true escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. As one camper mentioned, “There was no crowd mid week during the end of February,” which adds to the peaceful atmosphere.

If you're up for some adventure, you’re just a short drive away from the Gila Cliff Dwellings and various hiking trails. The nearby river access is a highlight, offering a refreshing spot to cool off after a day of exploring. Just remember, this campground can attract some late-night traffic, so be ready for the occasional noise from fellow campers.

Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, Forks Campground provides a beautiful backdrop for your outdoor getaway. Just bring the right gear for those chilly nights, and you’ll be set for a memorable experience in the heart of Gila National Forest.

Description

US Forest Service

Gila National Forest

This campground features beautiful cliffs along the West Fork of the__Gila River.This campground is a great place to stop__on the way to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument (15 miles north). Overnight camping is allowed in the upper portion of Forks; however, the lower portion of the Forks__Recreation Site__along the__West Fork of the Gila River is day use only.

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Location

Forks Campground is located in New Mexico

Directions

The Forks Campground is located approximately 40 miles north of Silver City on\_\_the east side of New Mexico Highway 15, just north of mile marker 38, and is located approximately 5 miles south of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.

Coordinates

33.183483 N
108.206422 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

WiFi
Unknown
Verizon
Good
AT&T
Unknown
T-Mobile
Unknown

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Firewood Available
Toilets
Alcohol

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

Contact

General Info

Visit Website

Drive Time

2 hrs 43 min from Las Cruces
3 hrs 25 min from El Paso
3 hrs 59 min from Sierra Vista
4 hrs 25 min from Albuquerque

Ryan G.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 28, 2025

Dispersed camping

Cool little spot. Well maintained but you’re boondocking. Come in with water and power if you need it. Little fire rings randomly located throughout. Great spot for a night and we’re looking forward to going back. Super close to the Gila Cliff Dwellings. Has restrooms no showers or sinks to wash your hands.

Month of VisitNovember

(8) View All

Kelly A.

Traveler

Reviewed Feb. 26, 2021

Great views!

Short drive from Gila Cliff Dwellings. No running water, no cell service, no WiFi and they have vault toilets. If you need those amenities then this is not the campsite for you. There was no crowd mid week during the end of February. The day warmed up nicely and the night was cold, just bring the right gear.

Grady D.

Scout

Reviewed Feb. 24, 2021

Nice, free dry camping near the Gila Cliff Dwellings

We spent three nights at the Forks campground with our 38 ft. 5th wheel toy hauler.

I don't recommend towing something this big to this area, but it can be done safely - would definitely not do it if snow is forecast.

There was one other camper there. It was quite cold at night 20 - 23 degrees but warmed up nicely during the day.

Unfortunately the General Store in Gila Hot Springs was closed for renovations and there is no cell phone coverage anywhere near this area.

Month of VisitFebruary

Elias

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 8, 2020

Nice place but can get slightly crowded

The place itself is very nicely located close to a river access, the river area is beautiful and the water is clean and cool. Nothing about this place is bad, it's actually beautiful, but unfortunately some of the folks that frequent it aren't very nice and here is why I give it 3 stars. The campground is not very big with about 7 or so actual camp sites. I've been here a few times and observed the same problems continuously so I will begin to describe why I only give it 3 stars. The problem is people show up at night and set up in places that aren't designated to camp in or rudely set up inside your camp area. On top of that those same types of people stay up very late at night partying and unfortunately there is an echo effect in the area. Keeping along the same topic of rude folks, the vault restrooms on site were initially clean until the masses show up and make it extremely filthy in there, to the point where you'd rather find a bush for #1 or #2 because of the stomach turning scene and smell. Maybe I just have bad luck who knows? It's a shame because it's a beautiful place but the beautiful experience could potentially be ruined by some rude people. However, I still had a good time putting all that aside.

Loura P.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 15, 2020

Excellent views! But...

Forks Campground is at the top of a cliff. It has a phenomenal view of the river, is an excellent location for stargazing, and has a fantastic swimming hole a short hike down the hill. HOWEVER, these wonderful features make it a bit of a destination. There was a good amount of thru traffic during my stay, the worst of which were some drunk guys blasting music til midnight my last night. I found that to be unfortunate, as my favorite thing about camping in the forest is falling asleep to forest sounds. There is no cell service here or pretty much anywhere in the forest. There is a general store up the road (closed Wednesdays) that will let you use WiFi to let loved ones know you’re ok, but otherwise it’s entirely off the grid. I was there Tuesday afternoon thru Friday morning in mid August 2020. Pros -great view -swimming hole -clean camp sites -short drive to dwellings and multiple trailheads Cons -thru traffic, sometimes very loud and/or late at night -some campsites do not have much shade