Forks Campground
Open year-round, first-come first-served, no reservations. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect forest-wide through September 30, 2026 due to drought conditions. No potable water; campers must bring water and pack out trash.
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…
Quemado Lake Area/Trail Closure - Harmful Algal Blooms
The Gila National Forest has issued a public health and safety area closure of Quemado Lake due to a harmful algal bloom. The area closure will remain in effect until December 31, 2026 at 6 a.m., or until NMED advises that the lake is safe for public use.
Silver City Ranger District and Supervisor's Office Phones Down
Phones at the Silver City Ranger District and Supervisor's Office are down as of July 22, 2026. This alert will be removed once the phones are back in working order.
About
Forks Campground occupies a scenic stretch along the West Fork of the Gila River in New Mexico's Gila National Forest, approximately 40 miles north of Silver City via Highway 15. Dramatic cliffs frame the campground, which sits at 5,614 feet elevation in the Wilderness Ranger District. The upper portion is designated for overnight camping while the lower section along the river is day-use only. This is a primitive, no-fee campground operating first-come first-served with no reservations. Amenities are limited: there is one fully accessible restroom, fire rings at campsites, and pull-through sites available, but no potable water. Campers must pack out all trash. The sandy ground is suitable for tent camping, and each site allows a maximum of two vehicles. A 14-day stay limit applies. The steep, winding Highway 15 makes this campground unsuitable for RVs and large trailers. OHVs, ATVs, stock animals, hunting, and shooting are prohibited in the campground. Pets are permitted on leash. Doc Campbell's General Store, located 4 miles south, offers gas, groceries, hunting and fishing licenses, and fee-based hot springs showers. The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is approximately 5 miles north.
Directions
From Silver City, travel approximately 40 miles north on New Mexico Highway 15. The campground is on the east side of the highway just north of mile marker 38, approximately 5 miles south of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| 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 | Yes |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 536-2250 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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