Map showing campground location near Hanover, New Mexico

Camper submitted image from Forks Campground

Forks Campground

Within the Gila National Forest, Forks Campground sits atop a cliff overlooking the river below. This US Forest Service facility offers free camping with vault toilets and accommodates big rigs, though the access road presents challenges with steep grades and rough, twisty sections that require careful navigation.

The campground features approximately seven designated sites spread across the clifftop location, providing views down to the river and access to a swimming hole via a short hike downhill. Sites vary in shade coverage, with some offering limited protection from sun. Kelly A. notes the essentials: "No running water, no cell service, no WiFi and they have vault toilets." The location serves as a convenient base for visiting the nearby Gila Cliff Dwellings.

Campers report mixed experiences with noise levels, as the site attracts day visitors and can become crowded during peak times. The clifftop setting creates an echo effect that amplifies sounds across the campground. Weekend visitors may encounter more activity, while midweek stays tend to be quieter. A general store operates up the road for basic supplies, though it closes on Wednesdays.

Come prepared with water, food, and power sources for your stay, as this remains an off-grid experience in the wilderness.

Check Availability Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Camping The Route 66 Road Trip

Route 66 Road Trip Segment: Amarillo, TX to Kingman

Amarillo to Kingman: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsForks Campground is located in New Mexico near Hanover

Public Campground

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

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

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.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Firewood Available
Toilets
Alcohol

For Vehicles

Big Rig Friendly

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, NM
3 hrs 25 min from El Paso, TX
3 hrs 59 min from Sierra Vista, AZ
4 hrs 25 min from Albuquerque, NM

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Enter to Win

Reviews7 Camper Reviews - Forks Campground

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the spacious sites and stunning clifftop river views as major draws. However, noise issues from inconsiderate visitors and basic facilities without hookups or cell service may not suit all camping styles.

Gary G.

Guide

Reviewed Mar. 23, 2026

Nice spot close to Gila cliff dwellings

Spots are pretty spread out with some privacy. The road in is very rough, twisty and some steep elevation changes both up and down. We arrived Sunday afternoon and there were plenty of spots to choose from for all size vehicles. If we came back, I would probably pick one of the other locations up on top of the rim. Great views up there

Month of VisitMarch

(4) View All

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

(4) View All

David D.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 19, 2019

Forks

Good spacious camp sites but lack of shade in some areas, great views.

(4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Forks Campground?

Forks Campground offers basic facilities including vault toilets but no running water, showers, electricity, or WiFi. The campground has spacious sites with fire rings distributed throughout the area. There are no sinks for washing up, so campers need to bring their own water and power supplies. This is essentially a boondocking experience in a maintained campground setting. The campground is well-maintained despite its rustic nature.

Where is Forks Campground located in the Gila National Forest?

Forks Campground is located on a cliff top in the Gila National Forest, offering spectacular views of the river below. It's a short drive from the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, making it a convenient base for exploring this historical site. The campground provides access to a swimming hole via a short hike down the hill. Its elevation means campers can enjoy fantastic stargazing opportunities away from light pollution.

What do visitor reviews say about Forks Campground?

Forks Campground receives praise for its beautiful location, spectacular views, and excellent stargazing opportunities. Campers highlight the clean, cool river access and swimming hole reached by a short hike. The spacious sites are appreciated, though some lack shade. Visitors note it can accommodate larger RVs (up to 38-foot fifth wheels), but caution is advised on the access roads, especially during potential snow. The campground can get busy due to its desirable location, and temperatures vary significantly between warm days and cold nights, particularly in winter months when temperatures can drop to the low 20s.

Are there photos available of Forks Campground to view before visiting?

While this specific information isn't detailed in the available data, you can typically find photos of Forks Campground through The Dyrt website and app, which hosts user-submitted photos of campgrounds. The U.S. Forest Service website for Gila National Forest may also provide official photos and additional information about the campground. Searching social media platforms with the hashtag #ForksCampground or #GilaNationalForest might yield recent visitor photos that can give you a better sense of the camping conditions and surroundings.

Keep Exploring

Forks Campground

Description

RV Road Trip Guides

Camping The Route 66 Road Trip

Amarillo to Kingman: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Map & DirectionsForks Campground is located in New Mexico near Hanover

Directions

Coordinates

Connectivity

Connectivity

Access

Site Types

Features

For Campers

For Vehicles

FREE established camping

Contact

Drive Time

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Reviews7 Camper Reviews - Forks Campground

4.0

Nice spot close to Gila cliff dwellings

Dispersed camping

Great views!

Nice, free dry camping near the Gila Cliff Dwellings

Nice place but can get slightly crowded

Excellent views! But...

Forks

What amenities and facilities are available at Forks Campground?

Where is Forks Campground located in the Gila National Forest?

What do visitor reviews say about Forks Campground?

Are there photos available of Forks Campground to view before visiting?