South Fork
Open year-round, first-come, first-served with no fees. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect through September 30, 2026, but campfires are permitted in the provided fire pits at this designated campground. 14-day stay limit. No potable water available.
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
South Fork Campground is a small, free primitive campground tucked into the mountains of the Gila National Forest at 7,505 feet elevation. Located along the South Fork of Negrito Creek, the campground provides access to the surrounding forest and serves as a jumping-off point for the northern boundary of the Gila Wilderness. The campground offers seven individual campsites plus one day-use picnic site. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire pit with grill. A vault toilet serves the area, but there is no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. Most sites can accommodate trailers up to 32 feet in length, with parking limited to two vehicles per site. The campground is first-come, first-served with no fees and a 14-day stay limit. Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. OHVs, ATVs, stock animals, hunting, and shooting are prohibited within the campground. Access is via Forest Road 141 from Reserve, approximately 24 miles from the end of Highway 435.
Directions
From Reserve, turn south onto State Highway 435 and travel approximately 5 miles to its end at Forest Road 141. Continue straight on Forest Road 141 for approximately 24.4 miles to the campground on the south (right) side of the road. The road is paved but has many potholes.
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 | 32ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 533-6232 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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