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 device in effective working order.
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits: Using any type of vehicle that does not comply with an applicable state law.Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.Operating a vehicle in violation of speed, load,…
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 states of Texas and…
Hiring for seasonal positions: Feb. 20 - Mar. 3
We are encouraging anyone interested to apply to seasonal positions on the Gila National Forest. These positions will be recreation and visitor services support positions on all districts of the forest. Applicants can view open job announcements and submit applications through USAJOBS.gov.Forestry…
Vandalism on forest defers maintenance, decreases public safety
Resources diverted from recreation improvements and law enforcement to address damage from vandalismRepairing, restoring, and investigating vandalized sites takes Forest Service time and U.S. taxpayer money away from making other improvements on the 3.3 million acres of the Gila National Forest.…
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. Harmful algae blooms, or HABs, occur when certain types of algae grow excessively in water, posing potential health risks to people…
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. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and…
Gila National Forest Occupancy and Use Prohibitions
PROHIBITIONSPursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) the following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Gila National Forest (including those lands identified on the Gila National Forest Map as Apache National Forest, within the State of New Mexico)…
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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