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 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
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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