Lower Scorpion Campground
Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations accepted. Camping is free of charge.
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 Scorpion Campground provides convenient access to Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, located just off NM State Highway 15 in the Gila National Forest. This partially developed campground sits within walking distance of the West Fork of the Gila River and serves as an ideal base for exploring the ancient cliff dwellings and surrounding wilderness trails. The campground features 7 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. Amenities include potable drinking water, vault toilets available year-round, and select sites equipped with picnic tables and grills. One ADA-accessible campsite is available with accessible picnic table, fire pit, and toilet access. The campground is primarily set up for tent camping, though RVs and trailers up to 25 feet may park in the parking lot. A seasonal staff or volunteer host is typically on site. The campground enforces quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Campfires are allowed only in provided metal grills or fire pits. All food and trash must be secured inside vehicles as ravens routinely open bags left outside. There are no trash services, so visitors must pack out all waste. Flash flooding can occur on Highway 35 and Highway 15, particularly during monsoon season, so visitors should check weather conditions before traveling.
Directions
Lower Scorpion Campground is located less than one mile from Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, just off NM State Highway 15 in Gila National Forest, Catron County, New Mexico.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| 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 | 25ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 25ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| gicl_information@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (575) 323-2904 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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