Apache Creek
Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations accepted. A 14-day stay limit applies.
Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions
To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting devic
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits:
Cannabis Possession Prohibited
Order 03-00-00-21-002 prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting a cannabis plant, any part of a cannabis plant, or any substance derived from a cannabis plant within the Southwestern Region National Forests in the State of New Mexico and the National Grasslands in the s
Small Business Timber Sale 5-year Recomputation
Under provisions of the Small Business Timber Sale Program, Forest Service and Small Business Administration (SBA) policies provide for recomputation of the small business share of National Forest timber sale offerings every five years.
Quemado Lake Closure
Quemado Lake and nearby recreation areas are closed due to harmful algal blooms. See full alert for more information.
Harmful algae detected in Quemado and Snow lakes
The New Mexico Environment Department is warning visitors to use caution at Quemado Lake, Snow Lake, and Hopewell Lake due to the formation of harmful algae blooms.
Gila National Forest to begin prescribed fires
Gila National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations this fall, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through the spring as weather conditions allow.
About
Apache Creek Campground is a free, first-come, first-served campground located in the northwest region of Gila National Forest, approximately 12 miles northeast of Reserve, New Mexico. Situated at 6,431 feet elevation among ponderosa pines, this quiet, undeveloped campground offers a clean and peaceful setting with abundant shade and wildlife viewing opportunities. The campground features approximately 10 developed sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Three sites include shade structures for additional protection from the elements. While the Forest Service describes this as an undeveloped campground, it provides basic amenities including vault restrooms and ample parking. Campers should note that no potable water is available on-site, so bringing an adequate water supply is essential. The campground is accessible via Forest Road 94 (Cox Canyon Road), located just off Highway 12 near mile marker 19. A small store is available on Highway 12 about 500 yards from the campground entrance. The area offers opportunities for day hiking, wildlife viewing, and rockhounding. Use of OHVs and ATVs is prohibited within the campground, and a 14-day stay limit applies. Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash.
Directions
From Reserve, travel north on New Mexico Highway 12 for 12 miles to Apache Creek across from New Mexico Highway 32. Turn east (right) onto Forest Road 94 (Cox Canyon Road) and proceed about 0.25 mile to the campground on the right.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 533-6232 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Apache Creek Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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