Black Canyon Campground - Upper
Open and available for overnight camping. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect across the Gila National Forest through September 30, 2026; campfires are permitted in designated fire rings. No potable water available on site.
Flood Watch issued July 20 at 9:32AM MDT until July 21 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Gila Region and portions of Otero County. * WHEN...Monday afternoon and evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
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…
Ben Lilly and Willow Creek Campground Closure
The Gila National Forest is issuing a temporary closure order for the Ben Lilly Campground and the Willow Creek Campground, in effect from 6 a.m. on July 21, 2026 through October 16, 2026 (or until rescinded). This order serves to protect public health and safety as monsoonal flood events have…
About
Upper Black Canyon Campground provides a remote and rugged camping experience deep within the Gila National Forest. Located along Forest Road 150 (North Star Road), the campground sits approximately 30 miles from the Wilderness Ranger District office and about 40 miles from Mimbres, NM. The upper campground is the first camping area encountered when arriving and is visible from the entrance road. This primitive, no-fee campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations available. Facilities include a vault toilet and picnic tables with fire rings. Campers must bring their own water as no potable water is available, and must pack out all trash. The 14-day stay limit applies. Access requires careful vehicle selection. Forest Road 150 passes through Rocky Canyon with very rough sections, and a high-clearance 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended. RVs will find it very difficult to reach the campground. OHV/ATV use, hunting, shooting, and stock animals are prohibited within the campground. The area experienced flooding following the 2022 Black Fire.
Directions
From Mimbres, take Highway 35 to Forest Road 150 at milepost 15. Turn north (right) and travel approximately 26 miles on an improved dirt and rock road. Turn left into the upper campground. La Tienda in Mimbres is the last place to get gas before the campground. High-clearance 4WD vehicle recommended.
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 |
Photos
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