Little Walnut Group Picnic Sites
Open — 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 devic
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits:
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 s
Small Business Timber Sale 5-year Recomputation
Under provisions of the Small Business Timber Sale Program, Forest Service and Small Business Administration (SBA) policies provide for recomputation of the small business share of National Forest timber sale offerings every five years.
Quemado Lake Closure
Quemado Lake and nearby recreation areas are closed due to harmful algal blooms. See full alert for more information.
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.
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.
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
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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