Head Of Ditch
Open year-round, first-come first-served. Forest-wide Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect through September 30, 2026, limiting campfires to designated fire structures at developed campgrounds only.
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
Head of the Ditch Campground is a free primitive campground located in the Gila National Forest, situated in a scenic valley approximately 1.5 miles west of historic Luna, New Mexico along US Highway 180. The campground sits at 7,187 feet elevation and takes its name from the irrigation ditch that originates at this location. Tall pines, oaks, cottonwoods, and willows provide shade throughout the camping area, with a large open space complementing the individual sites. The campground offers basic amenities including a vault toilet and picnic tables. Potable water is not available, so campers must bring their own water supply. This is a pack-in/pack-out area with no trash service provided. The campground is generally open year-round and operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees or reservations required. A 14-day stay limit applies, and each campsite is limited to two vehicles. Pets are welcome but must remain leashed. OHV and ATV use is prohibited within the campground. The campground is marked with a blue campground sign rather than the standard Forest Service brown sign.
Directions
Located 1.5 miles west of Luna, New Mexico on US Highway 180. The campground is marked with a blue campground sign.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| 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 | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 773-4678 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Gila NF - Head of the Ditch Campground | |
| Gila NF Alerts |
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