WILLOW CREEK
Currently closed due to the Hummingbird Fire Forest Closure, which went into effect April 25, 2026. No reopening date has been announced. Stage 1 fire restrictions are also in effect forest-wide through September 30, 2026.
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…
Cattleguard replacement on FR 522
8/11 - 8/14: Crews will replace cattleguards along Forest Service Road (FSR) 522 in the Tierra Blanca area, southeast of Kingston. The road will remain open, but slow down and watch for heavy equipment and workers.
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.
About
Willow Creek Campground offers a remote and scenic tent camping experience deep in the Gila National Forest of southwestern New Mexico. At 7,920 feet elevation, the campground is nestled in a beautiful canyon with sites spread along both sides of a stream, shaded by tall pines. The setting provides excellent access to the Gila Wilderness via the nearby West Fork Gila River Trail #151. This is primitive, no-fee camping on a first come, first served basis with a 14-day maximum stay limit. All campsites except the fourth are open for use. Vault toilets are provided, but there is no potable water or trash service. Campers must bring adequate water supplies and pack out all garbage. A maximum of two vehicles per campsite is enforced. The campground is tent-only as the vehicle turnaround has been washed out, preventing RV access. Saddle, pack, and draft animals are prohibited within the campground. While generally open year-round, road access via Forest Road 28 may become difficult or impossible during heavy snow or spring thaw conditions.
Directions
From Reserve, follow New Mexico Highway 435 south to Forest Road 141 for approximately 34 miles. Turn south onto Forest Road 28 and follow it to its end at Willow Creek Campground. Alternate route: Follow New Mexico Highway 159 from US Highway 180 north of Alma to Willow Creek.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| 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 | No |
Contact
| sm.fs.gilapao@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (575) 388-8201 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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