Camping

Photo of campsite
Camp site at Lower Scorpion.

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Camping in the Gila National Forest

While there is no camping available in Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument there are four United States Forest Service campgrounds within a 10 minute drive of the park. Listed below from closest to farthest away from the monument.

There is usually space available at one of these campgrounds except on weekends and holidays when they tend to fill.

These campgrounds were not designed for RVs and do not have hookups of any kind. It is possible to use an RV but there are few sites that can accommodate medium to large RVs. RVs and trailers are not recommended in the Grapevine campground due to a tight turn at the entrance.

Upper and Lower Scorpion Campgrounds - Open All Year

Scorpion Campgrounds provide primitive camping opportunities within walking distance of the West Fork of the Gila River. The Scorpion Campgrounds are U.S. Forest Service campgrounds located less than one mile of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument just off NM State Highway 15. Drinking water is available, and tables and grills are provided at select sites. Vault toilets are available on site. Camping is free of charge and first-come, first-served.

These campsites tend to be the last to fill in the area and also tend to be quieter since there are fewer campers.

Forks Campground - Open All Year


The Forks Campground provides primitive camping opportunities along the Gila River. The Forks Campground is a U.S. Forest Service campground located approximately five miles south of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument just off NM 15 and just south of Gila Hot Springs. The only water available at the campground is from the river and must be either filtered, boiled, or chemically treated. No tables or grills provided. Vault toilets are available on site. Camping is free of charge and first-come, first-served.

Grapevine Campground - Temporarily Closed


The Grapevine Campground provides primitive camping opportunities along the Gila River. The Grapevine Campground is a U.S. Forest Service campground located approximately five miles south of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument just off NM State Highway 15 and just south of the Gila River Bridge. The only water available at the campground is from the river and must be either filtered, boiled, or chemically treated. No tables or grills provided. Vault toilets are available on site. Camping is free of charge and first-come, first-served.

Last updated: March 4, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

26 Jim Bradford Trail
Mimbres, NM 88049

Phone:

575-536-9461

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