WILLOW CREEK
Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Road access may become difficult or impossible during periods of heavy snow or spring thaw.
Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions
To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device in effective working order.
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits: Using any type of vehicle that does not comply with an applicable state law.Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.Operating a vehicle in violation of speed, load,…
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…
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Begin March 23, 2026
The Gila National Forest is planning to enact Stage 1 Restrictions on March 23. The decision was made based on several factors including; long term severe drought in the Gila region, increased tree mortality across the forest due to drought and insects and forecasted weather patterns which…
Vandalism on forest defers maintenance, decreases public safety
Resources diverted from recreation improvements and law enforcement to address damage from vandalismRepairing, restoring, and investigating vandalized sites takes Forest Service time and U.S. taxpayer money away from making other improvements on the 3.3 million acres of the Gila National Forest.…
In-person purchases unavailable at Silver City Ranger District Office until 1 pm on Feb. 3
The Silver City Ranger District Office will be open Tuesday, Feb. 3., but we will not be able to sell passes, maps, or permits at this office until after 1 pm MST. Other Gila National Forest offices will be open for in-person purchases: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/gila/offices Online options for…
Small Business Timber Sale 5-year Recomputation
Under provisions of the Small Business Timber Sale Program, Forest Service and Small Business Administration (SBA) policies provide for recomputation of the small business share of National Forest timber sale offerings every five years.Following consultation with the SBA, the Gila National Forest…
Harmful algae detected in Quemado and Snow lakes
The New Mexico Environment Department is warning visitors to use caution at Quemado Lake, Snow Lake, and Hopewell Lake due to the formation of harmful algae blooms. Harmful algae blooms, or HABs, occur when certain types of algae grow excessively in water, posing potential health risks to people…
Forest Road 141 Now Open
Forest Road 141, which provides major access to much of the Reserve Ranger District and the northern boundary of the Gila Wilderness, has reopened for public travel as of Monday, October 6, 2025. The removal and reconstruction of the South Fork Negrito Creek Bridge is complete. Gila National Forest…
Gila National Forest to begin prescribed fires
Gila National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations this fall, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through the spring as weather conditions allow. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and…
Road construction on Forest Road 150 August 11 - September 5
As part of the Gila National Forest’s ongoing Black Fire recovery efforts, a contractor will begin road repair work on a 1-mile segment of Forest Road 150 (North Star Road) beginning August 11. A road crew will complete minor resurfacing, replace culverts, and make other improvements between…
Gila National Forest Occupancy and Use Prohibitions
PROHIBITIONSPursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) the following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Gila National Forest (including those lands identified on the Gila National Forest Map as Apache National Forest, within the State of New Mexico)…
14-day Stay Limit
In order to provide for public health and safety and to mitigate impacts on natural resources, camping for longer than 14 days in a consecutive 30-day period is prohibited. The area includes all National Forest Service (NFS) lands within the boundaries of the Gila National Forest (including those…
About
Willow Creek Campground provides a quiet, peaceful camping area nestled in a canyon under tall pines along Willow Creek in the Gila National Forest. Located approximately 55 miles from Reserve, this small, free campground offers three operational tent-only campsites that run along both sides of the stream. The fourth campsite remains closed due to washout. Access is restricted to small vehicles, cars, vans, and pickup trucks only, as the turnaround has been washed out and RVs cannot maneuver through the area. The campground serves as a gateway to the Gila Wilderness, with the West Fork Gila River Trail #151 trailhead located at the recreation area. Campers enjoy stream fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities in this remote setting. The sites feature picnic tables and fire pits, though campers must pack out all trash as no service is provided. Water is available from Willow Creek but must be treated before consumption, as no potable water is available on-site. Access to Willow Creek requires careful planning. Forest Road 141 from Reserve is paved but has many potholes, while NM 159 from Alma features steep grades and numerous tight turns. During winter months and spring thaw, road access may become difficult or impossible due to snow. The campground enforces a 14-day stay limit, and ATVs, OHVs, hunting, and pack animals are prohibited within the campground.
Directions
From Reserve, follow New Mexico Highway 435 south to Forest Road 141 for about 34 miles. Turn south onto Forest Road 28 and follow it to its end at Willow Creek Campground. Alternately, follow New Mexico Highway 159 from US Highway 180 north of Alma to Willow Creek. Note: NM 159 has steep grades and numerous tight turns between mileposts 3 to 9.5.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 0ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 0ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 533-6232 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Willow Creek #151 Trailhead |
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