Map showing campground location near Duncan, New Mexico

Camper submitted image from Gila Lower Box Canyon

Gila Lower Box Canyon

Birders and wildlife watchers gravitate toward Gila Lower Box Canyon for its protected riparian corridor along the Gila River. Since cattle grazing ended here in 1990, the area has developed into one of the Southwest's most verdant desert oases, with cottonwood bosque supporting diverse bird populations and bands of coatimundis.

This primitive camping area requires 4WD or high-clearance vehicles to reach sites along the canyon rim, positioned 20-30 feet above the treetops. Three roads fork off Fuller Road toward the river, with varying degrees of steep access down canyon walls. Campers should prepare for no facilities, services, or developed sites. The State Land Board allows campfires, pets, and alcohol. Rattlesnakes and Gila monsters are present during warmer months. For additional camping infrastructure, Bakers Akers sits 12 miles west with more traditional amenities.

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

Location

Public Campground

Gila Lower Box Canyon is located in New Mexico

Coordinates

32.63091304 N
108.82706836 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

2 hrs 14 min from Las Cruces, NM
2 hrs 36 min from Sierra Vista, AZ
2 hrs 38 min from Tucson, AZ
2 hrs 56 min from El Paso, TX

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Enter to Win

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

3.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Gary C.

Traveler

Reviewed Jan. 9, 2022

A true paradise in southwestern NM

Don't go to the Gila Lower Box looking for formal campsites and places to hook up an rv. This is primitive camping at one of New Mexico's truest oases.

Why? Because in 1990, cattle were prohibited from grazing this stretch of the Gila River.

The result? One of the lushest, most verdant riparian environments left in the desert southwest.
For those with a 4wd or very high clearance, you can camp down along the cliffs right at the edge of the river corridor. Being a birders paradise, it's a very unique experience to sit on the edge of the cliffs, 20-30 feet above the tops of the cottonwoods and watch all the bird activity below.

You can also watch bands of coatimundis grazing through the bosque. Watch out for rattlesnakes and Gila monsters during the warmer months though.

I rate this as one of New Mexico's best outdoor experiences. (A note: I camp to the west of the location shown on the map.)

SiteAlong the cliff ledge.

Month of VisitMarch

Dennis P.

Guide

Reviewed Jan. 23, 2021

Difficult to find the best spot.

Three roads fork off Fuller Rd. (A027) toward the river. The middle fork already had an RV in the flattest spot, which probably had the easiest access down the very steep canyon walls. We went farther west and had a steep hike into the canyon. I didn't camp, but advise there are no facilities, amenities, or anyone to hold your hand. And it's a fair amount of time to Silver City, so we were more aware of safety than usual. Birding is supposed to be great in-season but winter isn't that season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sorry, I cannot generate specific FAQ questions without any search keywords or information about the campground.

Gila Lower Box Canyon offers primitive camping in one of New Mexico's most beautiful riparian areas. This is an undeveloped site with no formal campsites or hookups. Located along the Gila River, the area features lush vegetation since cattle grazing was prohibited in 1990, creating a true desert oasis. Access is via Fuller Road (A027), which forks into three roads toward the river. The terrain is characterized by steep canyon walls that require hiking down to reach the river. This location is ideal for those seeking a remote, natural camping experience away from facilities and crowds.

Are fires allowed at Gila Lower Box Canyon?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Gila Lower Box Canyon, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Is there cell phone reception at Gila Lower Box Canyon?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is excellent coverage for AT&T, excellent coverage for T-Mobile, and some coverage for Verizon.

Keep Exploring