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Free Camping Collection

Established Camping

Lower Scorpion Campground

Lower Scorpion Campground, near Silver City, New Mexico, is a straightforward spot that caters primarily to tent campers looking for a quiet place to rest. It’s a small area with a paved parking lot surrounded by walk-in campsites, making it a unique setup that some visitors find charming.

The campground offers clean drinking water and a pit toilet, which is a plus for those who appreciate basic amenities. Reviewers have mentioned that while there are no individual marked sites, the peaceful atmosphere and the surrounding wooded area provide a nice backdrop for camping. One camper noted, “It’s a quiet, free, small campground,” which sums up the vibe pretty well.

If you’re up for a little adventure, the nearby Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is a must-see. Just a short hike away, you can explore fascinating historical sites and even find some hot springs for a unique soak. As one visitor described, “I was able to set up a tent on the creek and dig down in the sand to find the hot water,” which sounds like a memorable experience.

While amenities are limited—no showers, electric hookups, or picnic tables—this campground is perfect for those who want to disconnect and enjoy nature. Whether you’re passing through or planning a longer stay, Lower Scorpion Campground offers a simple yet enjoyable camping experience.

Description

National Forest

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Lower Scorpion Campground is a partially developed campground within walking distance of the West Fork of the Gila River. The campground is located less than one mile from the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument just off NM State Highway 15. Drinking water is available, tables and grills are provided at select sites. Vault toilets are available on site. Camping is free of charge and first-come, first-served.

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Location

Lower Scorpion Campground is located in New Mexico

Detail location of campground

Directions

Lower Scorpion Campground directions and information are available at https://www.nps.gov/gicl/planyourvisit/camping.htm.

Coordinates

33.229944 N
108.25757 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

FREE established camping

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


Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 22, 2021

Visited but did not stay

We didn't actually stay there but leaving this review to explain why RVs and camper vans are discouraged. The campground is a small parking lot surrounded by walk-in campsites. If you are tenting it, a beautiful place!

Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed May. 16, 2021

Parking lot campground

Quiet, free, small campground. No individual marked sites. Paved parking lot with wooded area. Water is available and clean pit toilet.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Lower Scorpion Campground by Keith H., May 16, 2021
Reviewed Apr. 28, 2020

Not a Bad place to rest your head

It’s was decent. There are designated spots around installed fire pits with grills. There is one bathroom that is handicap assessable. I don’t believe there’s water or electricity here. Parking lot is always empty and the road is quiet.

Reviewed Jul. 17, 2018

Hot springs near visitor center

Just a short hike from the visitor's center are a series of hot springs. The first spring is really just a trickle and can only be found by touch moving through the stream. I was able to set up a tent on the creek and dig down in the sand to find the hot water and then covered myself to get the geothermal properties. Not a traditional hot spring soak but a memorable experience. The next morning I could find the hot spring seam by the steam coming off the creek and did the same thing while watching coyotes traverse the canyon.

Reviewed Jul. 23, 2017

Good stay for Gila Cliff Dwellings

Stayed here one night on our way to Gila Cliff Dwellings.

A mix of flat spots (slightly too close to the toilets) or tilted spots,further away/up the hill. Pit toilet is available. Picnic tables and fire pits available

There is a canyon that we hiked up behind the campground

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Lower Scorpion Campground by Leah W., July 23, 2017
  • Review photo of Lower Scorpion Campground by Leah W., July 23, 2017
  • Review photo of Lower Scorpion Campground by Leah W., July 23, 2017
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Lower Scorpion Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Lower Scorpion Campground does not have wifi.