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.
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…
Hummingbird Fire Forest Closure and Updates
Hummingbird Fire Emergency Closure for Public Health and SafetyGlenwood, Reserve, and Wilderness Ranger DistrictsAreas and trails around Willow Creek are closed to the public. See below for more information.Daily Hummingbird Fire updates are posted on Facebook, Inciweb and NM Fire Info.
Forest Service Road 150/North Star Road construction through May 2026
Starting the week of April 13, work will begin on Forest Service Road 150 (also known as North Star Road) near Diamond Creek, approximately 43 miles north of Mimbres. We estimate this work to run through early May of 2026. Forest visitors should expect temporary road closures (30 - 60 minutes)…
Suspected rabid animals reported near Cliff Dwellings
We recently received several reports of suspected rabid animals near the Gila Cliff Dwellings. DO NOT APPROACH ANY ANIMAL EXHIBITING STRANGE BEHAVIOR.If you encounter any animal that seems sick or is acting strangely, call the New Mexico Department of Wildlife (Las Cruces Office) at 575-532-2100…
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Begin March 23, 2026
The Gila National Forest will enact Stage 1 Restrictions on March 23. This decision is based on several factors, including: long term severe drought in the Gila region, increased tree mortality across the forest due to drought and insects, and forecasted weather patterns which indicate higher…
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
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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