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.
Flood Watch issued July 22 at 11:45AM MDT until July 22 at 10:00PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of northwestern, west-central NM, and the Southwest Mountains. * WHEN...Until 10 PM MDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms with rainfall rates in excess of 1 inch per hour may lead to rapid runoff and flash flooding. Areas that have recently received heavy rainfall will be more susceptible to flash flooding impacts. - 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…
Ben Lilly and Willow Creek Campground Closure
The Gila National Forest is issuing a temporary closure order for the Ben Lilly Campground and the Willow Creek Campground, in effect from 6 a.m. on July 21, 2026 through October 16, 2026 (or until rescinded). This order serves to protect public health and safety as monsoonal flood events have…
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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