Rocky Canyon
Open — Open year-round, first-come, first-served. Access may be seasonally limited by snow and icy road conditions on Forest Road 150, which requires high clearance 4WD vehicles.
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
Rocky Canyon Campground is a small, primitive camping area located at 7,376 feet elevation in the Gila National Forest's Wilderness Ranger District. This free, first-come, first-served campground features only 2 campsites with picnic tables and offers access to remote wilderness trails and the Continental Divide Trail system. The campground serves primarily as a base for hikers, hunters, and horseback riders exploring the surrounding wilderness areas. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, and a vault toilet serves the campground. No potable water is available, so campers must bring their own supply. Limited parking is available, and the remote location ensures a quiet, isolated camping experience away from crowds. Access to Rocky Canyon requires a high clearance 4WD vehicle, as Forest Road 150 is very rough, particularly through the Rocky Canyon section during the final miles. The campground is open year-round, though access may be limited by snow and icy conditions during winter months. A 14-day stay limit applies, and pets must be leashed. OHV and ATV use is prohibited within the campground, as is hunting and shooting. While popular with equestrians, stock animals are not permitted in the immediate campground area.
Directions
From Mimbres, NM, follow New Mexico Highway 35 north approximately 9 miles to Forest Road 150. Turn right onto Forest Road 150 and proceed 12.5 miles to Rocky Canyon Campground on the left. High clearance 4WD required.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 536-2250 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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