Camping Near Silver City

Camping in the Gila National Forest near Silver City offers a range of options, from developed campgrounds to dispersed camping. For a more rugged experience, dispersed camping is allowed throughout much of the forest, following Leave No Trace principles. The area features stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and access to hiking trails. Be prepared for varying weather conditions and check for fire restrictions before your trip.

Please check fire conditions and weather conditions before camping.

These campgrounds are managed by the US Forest Service. Please contact the Gila National Forest for more information about the different sites. (The Gila National Forest offices are closed on weekends and holidays).

• Silver City District: (575) 388-8201

Cherry Creek Campground

Cherry Creek is by one of the most scenic parts of the Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic ByWay. The campground is located along NM Highway 15 and is surrounded by dense mixed conifer. It is a cool place in the summer for people to enjoy a day's outing or for those wishing to camp overnight. If there has been a little snow during the winter, you will find a trickle of water in the small stream that runs through the campground. In the autumn hillsides turn into a beautiful mosaic of golden aspens, rusty oaks, and bright red sumac. If you are seeking springtime wildflowers, the Cherry Creek CG is the place to stop. You might also see hummingbirds, and ladybug nurseries.

• First come - first serve. All Gila NF campgrounds have a 14-day stay limit.
• There is no fee for this campground
• Camping trailer: over 17 feet is not recommended
• Picnic tables:12
• Tent camping: 12 sites
• Toilets: Vault toilets (no showers)
• No water is available at this site

McMillan Campground

It is possible that Cherry Creek, which runs in front of the campground, could get high water during periods of heavy rain.

McMillan Campground is a great place for either a picnic or overnight camping.

McMillan Campground is in a riparian area surrounded by tall conifers. Since it is a small area it makes it more private for either a picnic or for camping. Cherry Creek runs in front of the campground and when it carries water makes a great splashing place for kids. This campground is cool in the summer time and very scenic in the fall. The dark green of the evergreens, golden aspen, rustic scrub oaks, coupled with the bright red of sumac vines make for wonderful fall colors.

• First come - first serve. All Gila NF campgrounds have a 14-day stay limit.
• There is no fee for this campground
• Picnic Tables: 3
• Tent Camping:3 sites (metal fire rings)
• Parking: limited (dirt)
• Toilets: Vault Toilet (1)
• There is no water at this site
• No wood available in the area. You will either have to bring wood from somewhere else or you can use charcoal or propane.