Lower Black Canyon
Open year-round, first-come first-served, no reservations. Stage 1 fire restrictions in effect through September 30, 2026, limiting campfires to designated campgrounds with adequate fire rings. FR 150 road construction near Diamond Creek may cause temporary 30-60 minute delays through early May 2026. Potential for flooding during high stream flows due to post-fire damage.
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 will enact Stage 1 Restrictions on March 23. This decision is 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 indicate higher…
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
Lower Black Canyon Campground sits at 6,734 feet elevation in a remote area of the Gila National Forest, approximately 30 miles from the Wilderness Ranger District office near Silver City. The campground occupies a beautiful meadow alongside a stream, offering a quiet backcountry experience with direct access to the Gila Wilderness via Lower Black Canyon Trail #94. This primitive campground features a newer vault toilet and three picnic tables. No potable water is available, so campers must bring their own supply. Trash service is not provided; all refuse must be packed out. The campground is free with no reservations and operates first-come first-served with a 14-day stay limit. Pets are permitted but must remain leashed. Access is challenging. From Mimbres, take NM Highway 35 to Forest Road 150 at milepost 15, then travel 26 miles north on improved dirt and rock road before turning left for 0.5 mile over a steep stream crossing. Sections of FR 150, particularly through Rocky Canyon, can be very rough, and high-clearance 4WD vehicles are strongly recommended. Long trailers are not recommended due to the stream crossing. The campground experienced flooding damage following the 2022 Black Fire, and potential for flooding exists during high stream flows.
Directions
From Mimbres, take NM Highway 35 to Forest Road 150 at milepost 15. Turn north and travel 26 miles over improved dirt and rock road to Black Canyon Campground, then turn left and travel 0.5 mile over a steep stream crossing to the lower campground. High-clearance 4WD vehicles are recommended, especially through Rocky Canyon.
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 | — |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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