Forks Campground
Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations. 14-day stay limit enforced.
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
Forks Campground offers a primitive camping experience in the heart of Gila National Forest along the scenic West Fork of the Gila River. The campground features dramatic cliff formations and sandy ground, making it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding wilderness. Located approximately 40 miles north of Silver City on Highway 35, the campground serves as a convenient stopping point for visitors heading to Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, which is 15 miles to the north. The campground is divided into two sections: the upper portion is designated for overnight camping, while the lower section along the West Fork of the Gila River is restricted to day-use only. The lower section has a steep access road and is not recommended for RVs. The sandy terrain and riverside location make this a popular spot, particularly during summer weekends when visitors come to float down the river. Doc Campbell's General Store is located about 4 miles south and offers gas, groceries, hunting and fishing licenses, and hot springs showers for a fee. This is a pack-in, pack-out facility with no potable water or trash service. Campers should come prepared with their own water and supplies. The campground operates on a 14-day stay limit and prohibits OHV/ATV use, hunting, and shooting within the camping area. Stock animals are not permitted in the immediate campground area.
Directions
From the intersection of New Mexico Highways 15 and 35, follow Highway 35 north toward Gila Hot Springs. Forks Campground is located on the east side of Highway 35 near milepost 38, approximately 40 miles north of Silver City.
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
| Forks Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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