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 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 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
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!