Upper Scorpion Campground
Open year-round, first-come first-served. No reservations accepted. Free camping with a 14-day stay limit per year. Flash flood risk exists on HWY 15 during monsoon season. All trash must be packed out.
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…
Catwalk Recreation Area Temporary Closure (Flooding)
For public safety, a portion of Whitewater Trail #207.1 is closed until further notice due to recent flooding along Whitewater Creek.
FR 141 construction road closure near Reserve
As of Sept. 23, 2026, there is a closure order in place along FSR 141 near Reserve. This closure will be in effect intermittently, mid-week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) as needed by the contractor, and as needed for unforeseen events where closure of the road is necessary to protect public health and…
About
Upper Scorpion Campground sits just off NM State Highway 15, less than one mile from Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument in southwestern New Mexico. This partially developed campground features 10 tent-camping sites within walking distance of the West Fork of the Gila River. The campground was originally designed for tent campers, though RVs, trailers, and camper vans may use the parking lot for camping without blocking access for tent campers. The campground provides vault toilets year-round and potable drinking water. Tables and grills are available at select sites. Campfires are permitted only in provided metal grills or fire pits, and firewood may be gathered from downed wood using hand tools. There is a 14-day stay limit per year. Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM. The setting offers excellent birdwatching opportunities and a more secluded feel compared to the busier Lower Scorpion Campground. All food and trash must be secured inside vehicles as there are no trash services in or around the monument. One ADA-accessible campsite with accessible picnic table, fire pit, and vault toilet is available.
Directions
From Silver City, take NM Highway 15 north approximately 44 miles to the Gila Cliff Dwellings area. Upper Scorpion Campground is located just off Highway 15, less than one mile from the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. Note that Highway 15 is winding and narrow with limited cell service.
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 | — |
Contact
| gicl_information@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (575) 536-9461 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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