Camping Near the Gila Cliff Dwellings

Campgrounds are US Forest Service Campgrounds.

While there is no camping available in the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument there are three 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 (spring and fall) 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.

 

A campsite at the Upper Scorpion Campground

NPS Photo/ Jonah Snead

Upper Scorpion Campground

Upper Scorpion Campground provides primitive camping opportunities within walking distance of the West Fork of the Gila River. The Upper Scorpion campground is a U.S. Forest Service campground and is located less than one mile from the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument just off NM State Highway 15. tables and grills are provided at select sites. Vault toilets are available on site.

These campsites tend to be the last to fill in the area and also tend to be quieter since there are fewer campers. They can also be a good place for birdwatching as it is close to the West Fork of the Gila River.

• First come - first serve. All Gila NF campgrounds have a 14-day stay limit.
• Tent camping: 10 developed sites
• Parking: Paved area
• Toilets: Vault toilet

Firewood can be collected from already downed trees, limbs and branches in the area. cut with an axe, no chainsaws.

 

A campsite located in the Lower Scorpion Campground.

NPS Photo/Jonah Snead

Lower Scorpion Campground

Lower Scorpion Campground provides primitive camping opportunities within walking distance of the West Fork of the Gila River. The Lower Scorpion campground is a U.S. Forest Service campground and is located less than one mile from the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument just off NM State Highway 15. tables and grills are provided at select sites. Vault toilets are available on site.

These campsites tend to be the last to fill in the area and also tend to be quieter since there are fewer campers. They can also be a good place for birdwatching as it is close to the West Fork of the Gila River.

• First come - first serve. All Gila NF campgrounds have a 14-day stay limit.
• Picnic tables: Each site
• Tent camping: 7 developed sites
• Parking: Paved area
• Toilets: Vault toilet

 

A campsite at the Forks Campground.

NPS Photo/Jonah Snead

Forks Campground

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.

• First come - first serve. All Gila NF campgrounds have a 14-day stay limit.
• 7 Dispersed camping sites,
• Toilets (Vault Style)
• No potable water at this site, water comes from the river, filter, boil, or chemically treat water before drinking.