Gila National Forest

A short-drive off Bursum Road, Willow Creek Campground is enveloped by such vegetative bodies, including birch and spurs. However, this campground is more so aimed for the backpacking, tent-pitching outdoors men (or women) among us; Willow Creek Campground isn’t RV friendly, possessing no hookup sites. Read more...

Apache Creek Campground is a quiet, undeveloped place defined by its ponderosa pines and abundant wildlife. It has somewhat of a reputation, but only in the best way in that its visitors take extraordinary care of the place. The closest village of Reserve is about 12 miles away. Stop by Ella’s Cafe where Yelpers rave about the burger and UFO-sized Read more...

One of the cool kids of the Gila National Forest, Pueblo Park Campground is in a large stand of ponderosa pines adjacent to the Blue Range Wilderness Boundary. Hikers and equestrians may be interested in exploring the WS Mountain Trail to the south, and Dangerous Park Trail just north. Although horses are not permitted in the campground, there are Read more...

Immersed with beguiling outlooks of sloping foothills, Dipping Vat Campground is a well-equipped, dispersed campground; there’s potable water, for one. Aside from the plethora of filter-less photo opportunities that inundate the area, you’re inner hiker’s hunger for dynamic trails will be well satiated by the looping footpaths that border Snow Lak Read more...

Sometimes, you just want to disconnect from the internet, turn-off your always illuminated phone, and recharge your inner biodegradable power supply—the one that needs fresh air. Remotely situated in the green-enveloping confines of Gila National Forest, Wolf Hollow Campground is geared-toward the minimalist backpacker. And make sure that your veh Read more...

Try Upper Scorpion Campground for the closest digs to Gila Dwellings National Monument. It’s also near the river, which means you’re sure to run into at least a few fellow earthlings of the wildlife tribe. Gas and supplies are available just four miles away, so even if it feels like you’re in the middle of nowhere, neither your stomach nor gas tan Read more...

Located on its very own loop amongst pinon and juniper trees, Pinon Group Campground holds itself to the same clean standards that the family loop does. A few sites have views of Quemado Lake, but the Pinon Access Trail will lead you down there anyways.  Please purchase your fishing licenses before getting to the Quemado area. Read more...

With a landscape of primarily pinon and juniper trees, Bighorn Campground is convenient for short stays because its walking distance from the town of Glenwood. The town is tiny, but definitely not on pride. The people of Glenwood are happy to tell you all about what there is to see including hot springs, a ghost town, or local restaurants and tave Read more...

An open space with scattered trees, Aeroplane Mesa Campground makes a great stomping grounds and entry point for anyone exploring the Gila Wilderness. It has two grocery stores, a hardware store, bar, fairgrounds, and health clinic. Read more...

When you’re out breaking a sweat harder than Richard Simmons, Ben Lilly Campground is going to feel real nice. The night temperatures can drop suddenly, which means you’ll also have the opportunity to cozy up to the fire and you know who. Bird and wildlife watching are off the chains, and nearby Willow Lake is stocked with trout two or three times Read more...

Located about 20 miles from Glenwood, Cottonwood Campground is a small, pet-friendly camp. Pick up nearby Cottonwood Trail #44 for some serious solitude. It changes from an old road to a single track trail and climbs out of the canyon. There are superb views of the Blue Range and Mogollon Mountains. Thrill-seekers can go on to Dangerous Park Trail Read more...

For a rustic streamside camping experience, choose Head of the Ditch Campground. It’s located in a scenic valley amongst tall pines with irrigation water coming from the San Francisco River. You can choose from campsites in an open area, or those shaded by pine, oak, cottonwood, and willow trees. Camp fills up fast during the Luna Pioneer Days and Read more...

Approximately 30 miles from the Wilderness Ranger District’s offices, Upper Black Canyon Campground can really give you some privacy. Just be sure to check that fuel gauge because the closest gas station is 40 miles away in Mimbres. Campers here include hiking Trail 94 from the lower campground, or biking along the lightly-trafficked FR150. There Read more...

Named after an old grapevine that you can still see today, Grapevine Campground is posted up on the banks of the Gila River. Beautiful cliffs serve as the backdrop on these sandy grounds which facilitate both marked sites and dispersed camping. Please be prepared to supply your own water. The nearest store, Doc Campbell’s, is a four mile drive sou Read more...

Reel tugging, brow sharp, Upper End Campground offers fantastic angling opportunities for the area’s gamefish like rainbow trout and bottom-feeding catfish. And, with no need to have a fishing license to cast your line, Upper End Campground is just as novice-friendly as it is in a forward-facing trajectory. Read more...

Lower Scorpion Campground is a great spot to crash if you’re planning on stopping by Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. As an added bonus it’s close to the Gila Visitor’s Center and Gila River. Doc Campbell’s General Store is a four mile drive away for phone, gas, groceries, plus licenses you’ll need to hunt and fish in the area. You can even Read more...

Being only marginally developed, Valle Tio Vinces Campground is nestled alongside the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. And, hoofed with the traces of trotting equines, this area’s also dotted with a few equestrian-friendly sites for the more horse-wrangling savvy among us. Read more...

A real gem of a camp, Armijo Springs Campground can ease anxious thoughts with its quiet seclusion. It’s close to Quemado Lake and its ponderosa pines and oak trees provide ample shade even when summer decides to bring it hard. Be sure to plan a group activity (there’s tons of space), and to make the trek to a nearby natural spring for a little re Read more...

Shaded by the towering ponderosa pines, Sapillo Group Area Campground is ideal for you and your tree-hugging closest friends and family. Comely situated within the confines of the Gila National Forest, this enormous, dispersed campground is ideal for backpackers who don’t fancy amenities. Sapillo Group Area Campground is frill-free and occupants a Read more...

Juniper Campground is a popular camp overlooking Quemado Lake. The New Mexico Game and Fish Department stocks the lake regularly with trout and tiger muskies, but remember, those muskies are catch and release only. Hikers can try hitting up the Lakeshore Trail and its associated network.  Please purchase your fishing licenses before getting to the Read more...

With a family camping loops, Pinon Campground is a clean and quiet getaway for everyone. As you’d imagine, it has its share of pinon trees, but it is also interspersed with juniper. Quemado Lake is nearby for fishing opportunities.  Please purchase your fishing licenses before getting to the Quemado area. Read more...

A partially developed camp, El Caso I-III Campground is within hiking distance of Quemado Lake. Sites are surrounded by ponderosa pine and cottonwood trees with an intermittent stream and plenty o’ shade. Hunters, groups, and those wanting more primitive camping call this place the bee’s knees. Head west of the lake to Snuffy’s for a general store Read more...

Primarily for equestrian use, El Caso Throwdown Campground is just outside the Quemado Lake Recreation Area (where horseback riding isn’t allowed). There are no corrals and water, but it makes a good home base to yup, throw down and do some riding. Cottonwoods and ponderosa pine provide ample shade through the campsites. Read more...

Lower Black Canyon Campground is a gorgeous spot located in an area so remote that you may just run into the Keebler elves. At the rear of the campground you can pick up Trail 94 for a great 9-mile out and back day hike that heads into the Gila Wilderness. Your closest spot for gas and supplies is the Mimbres General Store. Just be sure to supply Read more...

Named for its stature above Lake Roberts, Mesa Campground is settled amongst juniper and pinon trees. Migrating birds and waterfowl make this a great spot for birders to whip out the binoculars. Several sites along the bluff offer views of the lake below, and nearby trails will lead you there for some fishing. Read more...

Adjacent to the like-named hiking trail, Rocky Canon Campground is enveloped by the rock formations that gave the area it’s namesake abiotic moniker. And, just like the rocks that border this pristine, wildlife-magnetic campground, you’ll be dry as a bone if you don’t bring your own water source supply—because there’s not a drinking station for qu Read more...

A riparian area shielded by tall conifer trees, McMillan Campground makes a great spot for either picnicking or overnight camping. Cherry Creek is great for kids to splash around in, and everyone will appreciate the deep colored hues that emerge in autumn. Head to Silver City for groceries, gas, and restaurants. It’s home to many musicians and a t Read more...

Why wouldn’t you want to camp in one of the most scenic parts of the Trail of the Mountain Spirits By-Way? Cherry Creek Campground is surrounded by dense mixed conifer trees and is very flat, with only gentle slopes. In the autumn, nearby hillsides create a gorgeous mosaic of golden aspens, rusty oaks, and bright red sumac. It’s recommended that c Read more...

The gateway to the Aldo Leopold Wilderness, many explorers spend the night at Railroad Canyon Campground. Amenities are few and far between, but nature seekers will marvel at the number of trails accessible from here. Please be prepared to supply both your own firewood and water. Adventure awaits!Read more...

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Iron Creek Campground is located off State Highway 152 near Little Bear Canyon and let us tell ya, this mountain road has scenic views on seemingly every curve. Camp is well-maintained, but it is recommended that visitors haul in their own firewood. Hikers and backpackers may be interested in checking out Trail #128. It starts half a mile from the Read more...