Railroad Rec. Mgt. Area
Open year-round with no fees. Stage 1 fire restrictions are currently in effect forest-wide as of March 23, 2026, limiting campfires to designated fire rings in campgrounds. No potable water available on site.
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
Railroad Canyon Campground sits at 7,039 feet in the Black Range Mountains along New Mexico Highway 35. Managed by the Silver City Ranger District, this free primitive campground serves as the primary gateway to the Aldo Leopold Wilderness, making it popular with backpackers preparing for extended backcountry trips. Facilities are basic: a vault toilet, three picnic tables, and limited parking. Potable water is not available, so campers must bring their own supply. A small intermittent creek runs through the grounds. The campground offers direct access to multiple trails leading into the wilderness. Pets are allowed but must be kept leashed. Horses and pack animals are prohibited within the immediate campground area. OHV/ATV use and hunting or shooting are also prohibited. The maximum stay is 14 days.
Directions
Located on the north side of New Mexico Highway 35, between mileposts 25 and 26, in the Mimbres area.
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) 388-8201 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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