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.
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…
Hummingbird Fire Forest Closure and Updates
Hummingbird Fire Emergency Closure for Public Health and SafetyGlenwood, Reserve, and Wilderness Ranger DistrictsAreas and trails around Willow Creek are closed to the public. The extent of the area closure was reduced beginning May 22, 2026. Formerly affected trails have been reopened aside from…
Forest Service Road 150/North Star Road construction through May 2026
Starting the week of April 13, work will begin on Forest Service Road 150 (also known as North Star Road) near Diamond Creek, approximately 43 miles north of Mimbres. We estimate this work to run through early May of 2026. Forest visitors should expect temporary road closures (30 - 60 minutes)…
Suspected rabid animals reported near Cliff Dwellings
We recently received several reports of suspected rabid animals near the Gila Cliff Dwellings. DO NOT APPROACH ANY ANIMAL EXHIBITING STRANGE BEHAVIOR.If you encounter any animal that seems sick or is acting strangely, call the New Mexico Department of Wildlife (Las Cruces Office) at 575-532-2100…
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Begin March 23, 2026
The Gila National Forest will enact Stage 1 Restrictions on March 23. This decision is 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 indicate higher…
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.…
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…
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…
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)…
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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