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.
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…
Quemado Lake Area/Trail Closure - Harmful Algal Blooms
The Gila National Forest has issued a public health and safety area closure of Quemado Lake due to a harmful algal bloom. The area closure will remain in effect until December 31, 2026 at 6 a.m., or until NMED advises that the lake is safe for public use.
Silver City Ranger District and Supervisor's Office Phones Down
Phones at the Silver City Ranger District and Supervisor's Office are down as of July 22, 2026. This alert will be removed once the phones are back in working order.
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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