Lower Scorpion Campground
Open year-round, free, first-come first-served. Water availability is uncertain; bring your own supply. Stage 1 fire restrictions in effect since March 23, 2026. Highway 15 and Highway 35 are at risk for flash flooding during monsoon season. 14-day stay limit.
Flood Watch issued September 15 at 11:07AM MDT until September 17 at 6:00AM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of central and west central New Mexico, including the following areas, in central New Mexico, San Agustin Plains and Adjacent Lowlands. In west central New Mexico, San Francisco River Valley and Southwest Mountains. * WHEN...From Wednesday afternoon through late Wednesday night. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Much of the area received a soaking rainfall of one half inch to two inches Monday and Monday night, saturating soils and increasing flows through area creeks and streams. Heavy rainfall rates of one to two inches per hour this afternoon and evening over saturated soils may result in flash flooding, including on and downstream of the Sacaton/Hummingbird burn scar. - Http://www.weather.gov/abq/EmergencyPrepFlood
Flood Watch issued September 15 at 11:07AM MDT until September 16 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of central and west central New Mexico, including the following areas, in central New Mexico, San Agustin Plains and Adjacent Lowlands. In west central New Mexico, San Francisco River Valley and Southwest Mountains. * WHEN...From Wednesday afternoon through late Wednesday night. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Much of the area received a soaking rainfall of one half inch to two inches Monday and Monday night, saturating soils and increasing flows through area creeks and streams. Heavy rainfall rates of one to two inches per hour this afternoon and evening over saturated soils may result in flash flooding, including on and downstream of the Sacaton/Hummingbird burn scar. - Http://www.weather.gov/abq/EmergencyPrepFlood
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…
About
Lower Scorpion Campground sits in the Gila National Forest within walking distance of the West Fork of the Gila River, less than one mile from Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. This partially developed campground offers 7 tent camping sites with picnic tables, vault toilets, and grills at select sites. Camping is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a 14-day stay limit. The campground is designed primarily for tent camping. While RVs and trailers up to 25 feet may park in the paved parking area, the sites themselves are not optimized for larger rigs. One ADA-accessible site is available with accessible picnic table, fire pit, and toilet access. Quiet hours run from 10 PM to 7 AM. Campfires are permitted only in provided metal grills or fire pits. Pack out all trash as no trash services exist in the monument area. The area experiences monsoon season flash flooding and visitors should check weather conditions before traveling Highway 15 and Highway 35.
Directions
From Silver City, NM, take NM Highway 15 north approximately 44 miles to the Gila Cliff Dwellings area. Lower Scorpion Campground is located just off Highway 15, less than one mile from the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.
Location
Amenities
| Water | — |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 25ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 25ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| gicl_information@nps.gov |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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