Forks Campground
4.6410 reviewsForks Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees for individual camping vary by location and are supplemented by service fees for reservations: $8 for online/app reservations, $9 for contact center reservations, and $3 for in-person reservations. Cancellation fees apply and forfeiture of the first night's fee is common for late cancellations.
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Recreation.govProvider
About this campground
Perched alongside the dramatic West Fork of the Gila River, Forks Campground offers adventurers a gateway to one of New Mexico's most spectacular wilderness areas. The upper campground welcomes overnight visitors seeking solitude beneath towering cliffs, while the lower Forks Recreation Site provides a perfect basecamp for day-trippers exploring the rugged beauty of the Gila.
The Forks Campground primarily offers primitive camping for tent campers, with no specific amenities for RVs or group sites. It is a day-use area in its lower section and allows overnight camping in its upper section.
Historical SignificanceStep back seven centuries at the nearby Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, where the ancestral Mogollon people carved their homes directly into the volcanic cliffs. This archaeological treasure stands as one of the Southwest's most intact examples of ancient cliff dwelling architecture, offering visitors a profound connection to the indigenous peoples who first called these canyons home.
Weather and SeasonsFour distinct seasons paint this high desert landscape in ever-changing hues. Winter brings crisp mornings averaging 30°F that warm to pleasant 52°F afternoons—perfect for hiking without the crowds. Summer transforms the campground into a refreshing oasis where the famously cold waters of the Gila River provide natural air conditioning against the desert heat. Expect dry conditions year-round with gentle breezes that whisper through the canyon walls.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering sandstone cliffs frame your camping experience at Forks, where the gentle murmur of the Gila River creates nature's perfect soundtrack for restful nights. Sculpted rock formations rise like ancient sentinels above the campground, their weathered faces telling stories of millions of years of geological artistry. During quiet weekdays and non-holiday periods, the campground transforms into a tranquil retreat where the only sounds are birdsong and the soothing rhythm of flowing water.
Geological RegionThe West Fork of the Gila River has carved a masterpiece through layers of volcanic rock and sandstone, creating a dramatic canyon landscape that captivates geologists and casual observers alike. Fascinating rock formations punctuate the riverbank, their cool surfaces providing natural resting spots for hikers exploring this geological wonderland. These ancient cliffs showcase nature's patient artistry, with each layer revealing chapters in Earth's dynamic history.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information provided about accessibility features.
Sites SizeThe campground is described as a primitive camping area with no specific details about campsite sizes.
Sites PrivacyThe privacy level of campsites is not explicitly described, but one user mentioned, 'Not much shade,' implying limited natural barriers between sites.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy and quieter experience, visit during regular weekends as noted by Eduardo Torres. For swimming opportunities, the lower Fork (day use only) has the best swimming hole in the Silver City area as mentioned by Ashley Garner.
Best CampsitesUser review highlights particular appeal to the lower Fork for its swimming hole, open during daylight hours.
Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Reservation PlatformsReservation platforms include Recreation.gov for online, app, and phone reservations. Scan & Pay is available for first-come-first-served campsites.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is possible but sites fill quickly during busy weekends, particularly holidays as noted by Eduardo Torres: "It does get crowded during long holiday weekends..."
Cancellation PolicyCancellation fees apply: $10 fee for any cancellation, and forfeiture of the first night’s camping fee for cancellations after 12:00am local time the day before check-in.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Forks Campground offers a range of recreational activities centered around its natural environment, notably the Gila River, cliffs, and nearby Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. One reviewer described the river as 'nice and really cold water in the summer,' making it an excellent spot for refreshing dips. Hiking opportunities abound, but detailed trail descriptions are lacking.
Hiking
Hiking trails are accessible from this campground, offering visitors a chance to explore the surrounding cliffs and natural beauty. Specific trail information, such as difficulty and length, is not provided.Swimming
The river offers opportunities for swimming, as noted by one reviewer: 'The river is nice and really cold water in the summer. Some spots have water 5 feet deep, but most of the river is safe for kids as it's under a foot deep.'Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews and source material suggest challenges including crowded holiday weekends, loud neighbors, occasional trash, and tricky drive-in roads with multiple hairpin turns.
Weather forecast
77
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 22%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 5.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo specific information provided about trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresLocated along the West Fork of the Gila River, offering access to swimming and scenic water views. User review notes: "A walk away from the river."
Common complaintsCommon complaints mentioned in reviews include loud music during holidays, trash around the sites, car alarms going off, and crowded conditions on weekends.
Campground Map
Driving directionsThe Forks Campground is located approximately 40 miles north of Silver City on the east side of New Mexico Highway 15, just north of mile marker 38, and is located approximately 5 miles south of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.
Roads are paved all the way and well-maintained but the route involves several hairpin turns and can be tricky to navigate, particularly at night. User review from Matthew Foote highlights: "the roads on the way out were pretty sketchy at night. Hairpin after hairpin with cliffs or rock faces on either side."Camper Reviews
4.6
10 reviews
Forks Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the campground's natural beauty and primitive setup. Positive themes include proximity to the Gila River and scenic views, while complaints often mention crowds, lack of shade, and noise during weekends and holidays.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the scenic location and the river. One reviewer mentioned, 'A walk away from the river,' and another remarked on its suitability for swimming: 'The river is nice and really cold water...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users raised issues about overcrowding during holidays, noise levels, and the primitive nature of the campground. One reviewer noted, 'It does get crowded during long holiday weekends, and...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Reviewers suggest visiting during non-holiday weekends to avoid crowds. One camper recommended bringing your own shade and picnic setup due to the lack of amenities.
Based on 10 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground gets crowded quickly during holiday weekends, as noted by several reviewers. Summers are popular for swimming due to the cold river water. Winter reviews are less frequent, but the...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'It's a primitive campsite with a pit toilet. Not much shade, no picnic tables, so bring your own.' - Matthew Foote
2. 'The river is nice and really cold water in the summer.' - Arturo...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site numbers are not mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or experiences.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025