Black Canyon Campground - Upper
Open — Open year-round, first-come, first-served. No advance reservations. High-clearance 4WD vehicles are required due to rough road conditions on Forest Road 150.
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
Black Canyon Campground - Upper provides a remote camping experience deep within the Gila National Forest. Located approximately 30 miles from the Wilderness Ranger District office and 40 miles from Mimbres, this campground is the first camping area encountered when approaching from Forest Road 150 (North Star Road) and is visible from the entrance road. The campground experienced flooding following the 2022 Black Fire, and potential exists for flooding during periods of high stream flows. Access requires a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle due to the challenging road conditions, especially through Rocky Canyon. The improved dirt and rock road makes RV access very difficult. La Tienda, a small store in Mimbres, is the closest place to purchase supplies and the last opportunity to get gas before heading to Black Canyon. This primitive campground operates on a pack-in, pack-out basis with no garbage pickup service. Basic amenities include restrooms and picnic tables, but no potable water is available. Mountain biking and wildlife viewing are popular activities in the area. The campground enforces a 14-day stay limit, allows leashed pets, and prohibits OHV/ATV use, hunting, shooting, and stock animals within the immediate campground area.
Directions
From Mimbres, take Highway 35 to Forest Road 150 at milepost 15. Turn north (right) and travel 26 miles over an improved dirt and rock road to Black Canyon Campground. Turn left into the upper campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 536-2250 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Black Canyon Campground - Upper | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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