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 October 31 at 11:53AM MDT until November 2 at 11:00AM MST by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be 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 late tonight 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 generally between 1 and 2 inches near and west of the Continental Divide, except near 3 inches in favored upslope regions of the Tusas Mountains near Chama. 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. If river flooding materializes, it will likely continue into Monday evening. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Flood Advisory issued October 31 at 11:42AM MDT until November 2 at 5:00PM MST by NWS Albuquerque NM
...The Flood Advisory is extended for the following rivers in New Mexico... San Francisco River at Reserve affecting Catron County. * WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues. * WHERE...San Francisco River at Reserve. * WHEN...Until Monday afternoon. * IMPACTS...At 13.0 feet, Bankfull stage. Some minor overbank flow may begin into drainage ditches near Highway 12. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 10:55 AM MDT Saturday the stage was 10.0 feet. - Bankfull stage is 13.0 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise to 13.1 feet Monday morning. Additional rises are possible thereafter. - Action stage is 13.0 feet. - Flood stage is 15.0 feet. - 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…
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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