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Map showing campground location near Gila, New Mexico
Camper submitted image from Lower Scorpion CampgroundView 6 Photos
NatureMap showing campground location near Gila, New Mexico

Lower Scorpion Campground

5 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Gila National Forest is home to Lower Scorpion Campground, a small, free site managed by the US Forest Service near the Gila River corridor in southwestern New Mexico. The campground functions as a paved parking lot with walk-in tent sites in the wooded area surrounding it, which means RVs and camper vans are not well-suited to this layout. No individual sites are marked. It stays open year-round, and no pets are permitted.

Sites range from flat spots close to the facilities to more tilted ground further up the hill. Picnic tables and fire pits with grills are installed throughout. Drinking water is available on-site, and the pit toilet is reported to be clean and handicap accessible. The area sits beside a creek, and at least one reviewer found geothermal hot springs a short hike from the visitor center, where steam rises off the water in the morning. A canyon behind the campground also provides a hikeable route. Keith H. sums up the basics: "quiet, free, small campground."

The campground is a practical overnight stop for visiting the Gila Cliff Dwellings NM Dispersed — FR 4301 T area, and Upper Scorpion Campground sits just 0.2 miles away for those who need an alternative. Campers interested in tent camping near Gila National Forest will find this area has several options within a short drive. Bring your own firewood, as no supply is mentioned in any reviews.

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Map & DirectionsLower Scorpion Campground is located in New Mexico near Gila

Detail location of campground
Public 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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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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

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.

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Lower Scorpion Campground

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3.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

A quiet, free campground best suited for tent camping with basic amenities like clean pit toilets and fire pits. Site conditions vary from flat to sloped areas, and RVs are discouraged due to the small parking lot design.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
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
  • (4) View All
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need reservations for Lower Scorpion Campground?

Reservations are not required for Lower Scorpion Campground as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is typically not crowded, with the parking lot often described as empty and the road quiet. It's a free camping area with no designated individual sites, allowing for flexible setup options. Note that the campground is more suitable for tent camping, while RVs and camper vans are discouraged due to the small parking lot layout and walk-in campsite design.

What amenities are available at Lower Scorpion Campground?

Lower Scorpion Campground offers basic amenities including a clean pit toilet that is handicap accessible, picnic tables, and fire pits with grills. Water is available on site. The campground features a paved parking lot surrounded by a wooded area with camping spots. There are no electric hookups or elaborate facilities, keeping with its natural setting. Some campsites are on flat ground while others are positioned on slightly tilted spots up the hill.

Where is Lower Scorpion Campground located near Las Cruces?

Lower Scorpion Campground is located near Las Cruces, with convenient access to Gila Cliff Dwellings. The campground features a canyon hiking trail behind it and is situated in a quiet area with a paved parking lot adjacent to a wooded setting. It's positioned near hot springs, which are just a short hike from the visitor's center. The location offers a peaceful retreat in a natural setting while still being accessible from Las Cruces.

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