Lower Black Canyon
Open — Open year-round, first-come, first-served. No reservations. High clearance 4WD vehicles recommended due to rough road sections and steep stream crossing. Potential for flooding during monsoon season and high stream flows. Limited to 14 consecutive days.
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…
Hiring for seasonal positions: Feb. 20 - Mar. 3
We are encouraging anyone interested to apply to seasonal positions on the Gila National Forest. These positions will be recreation and visitor services support positions on all districts of the forest. Applicants can view open job announcements and submit applications through USAJOBS.gov.Forestry…
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 offers a beautiful remote camping experience in the Gila National Forest, located approximately 30 miles from the Wilderness Ranger District office. The campground features 3 campsites with picnic tables and vault toilets, providing a primitive but scenic base for exploring the surrounding wilderness. The campground is accessed via a challenging route that requires high clearance 4WD vehicles. From Mimbres, travelers take Highway 35 to Forest Road 150 at milepost 15, then travel 26 miles over improved dirt and rock road (with particularly rough sections through Rocky Canyon) before turning left and crossing a steep stream to reach the lower campground. This access route can wash out during monsoon season, and flooding potential exists following the 2022 Black Fire. Lower Black Canyon Trail #94 begins at the rear of the campground, offering an 8.6-mile out-and-back day hike into the Gila Wilderness. The area is ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and mountain biking. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees, though campers must pack out all trash as there is no garbage pickup. OHV and ATV use is prohibited in the campground, as is hunting and shooting. Stock animals are not allowed in the immediate campground area. A 14-day stay limit applies, and pets must be leashed.
Directions
From Mimbres, take Highway 35 to Forest Road 150 at milepost 15. Turn north (right) and travel 26 miles over improved dirt and rock road to Black Canyon Campground. Turn left and travel 0.5 mile over a steep stream crossing to the lower campground. High clearance 4WD vehicles recommended.
Nearby Campgrounds
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 | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 536-2250 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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