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.
Flood Watch issued October 30 at 12:31AM MDT until November 2 at 11:00AM MST by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of north central, northwest, and west central New Mexico, including the following areas, in north central New Mexico, Far Northwest Highlands, Jemez Mountains, Northwest Highlands and Tusas Mountains Including Chama. In northwest New Mexico, Chuska Mountains and Northwest Plateau. In west central New Mexico, San Francisco River Valley, Southwest Mountains, West Central Highlands, West Central Mountains and West Central Plateau. * WHEN...From early Sunday morning through Monday morning. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Another round of widespread rainfall is expected Sunday into Monday with rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches near and west of the Continental Divide. This rainfall will occur over very saturated soils which will increase runoff. These are also areas that are still recovering from the last flood event. River rises are likely, but rises are not expected to be as high as the last flood event. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
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…
Mogollon Box Day Use Area gate closure
Due to high stream flows on the Gila River that have overflowed onto roadways within the Mogollon Box Day Use Area, the vehicle access gate into the day use area was closed on October 23, 2026. Water flowing over the roadway and deposited silt and other debris are a hazard to vehicle entrapment.…
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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