Little Walnut Group Picnic Sites
Open for day use with reservations available through Recreation.gov. Generally open 8:00 a.m. until sunset during spring, summer, and fall. Winter hours vary according to weather conditions.
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 is planning to enact Stage 1 Restrictions on March 23. The decision was made 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…
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
Little Walnut Group Picnic Sites provides pleasant day-use facilities for groups in a scenic Ponderosa and Pinyon-Juniper landscape just outside Silver City. The facility includes two distinct group areas: the West Group Area accommodates up to 50 people with parking for 10 vehicles, 8 tables, and 3 pedestal grills, while the East Group Area accommodates up to 75 people with parking for 15 vehicles, 10 tables, 1 serving table, and 4 pedestal grills. Both areas feature vault toilets and trashcans. The site offers views of Gomez Peak and serves as a trailhead for the popular Gomez Peak/Little Walnut Trail System, which attracts mountain bikers and hikers with numerous loop options. Wildlife such as deer, squirrels, and various bird species are commonly seen. The area is generally open from 8:00 a.m. until sunset during spring, summer and fall, with winter hours varying according to weather conditions. No firewood is available and overnight camping is prohibited. Water is not available at the group picnic areas.
Directions
From Silver City, drive north on Little Walnut Road from US Highway 180 for approximately 5 miles.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| SM.FS.GilaForest@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (575) 388-8201 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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