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 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
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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