Little Walnut Group Picnic Sites
This is a day-use picnic area only; overnight camping is prohibited. Open 8:00 a.m. until sunset during spring, summer, and fall. Winter hours vary by weather. Group sites are reservable via Recreation.gov. No potable water available; visitors must bring their own.
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
Located approximately 5 miles north of Silver City via Little Walnut Road, the Little Walnut Group Picnic Sites provide day-use facilities within the Gila National Forest's Silver City Ranger District. This is strictly a day-use area; overnight camping is prohibited. The Little Walnut West Group Area accommodates up to 50 people with parking for 10 vehicles and includes eight picnic tables, three pedestal grills, vault toilets, and trash receptacles. The Little Walnut East Group Area is larger, accommodating up to 75 people with parking for 15 vehicles, featuring 10 tables plus a serving table, four pedestal grills, vault toilets, and trash service. The sites offer views of Gomez Peak amid Ponderosa and pinyon-juniper woodland, with wildlife including deer, squirrels, and various bird species. The popular Gomez Peak/Little Walnut Trail System is accessible from here, making it a favored destination for group gatherings before or after hiking and mountain biking outings.
Directions
From Silver City, drive north on Little Walnut Road from US Highway 180 for approximately 5 miles.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $75 |
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 |
Availability
Photos
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