Railroad Canyon Campground
4.388 reviews3005 E Camino del Bosque Silver City, NM 88061
Railroad Canyon Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / 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
There is no fee for use.
About this campground
Perched at the edge of the legendary Aldo Leopold Wilderness, Railroad Canyon Campground beckons adventurers seeking authentic backcountry experiences. This rustic outpost strips camping down to its essentials, trading modern amenities for something far more valuable: direct access to some of New Mexico's most pristine wilderness trails. From your tent, the morning sun illuminates a spider web of paths leading deep into untouched forests and mountain meadows, making this modest campground a cherished basecamp for those who measure wealth in trail miles rather than conveniences.
Railroad Canyon Campground primarily caters to primitive camping experiences. The campground serves as a trailhead for backcountry trips, with minimal amenities provided.
Weather and SeasonsThe campground welcomes visitors throughout the year, each season painting the landscape in dramatically different hues. Late spring brings wildflower explosions and rushing creeks, while early fall transforms the surrounding aspens into rivers of gold. Summer offers warm days perfect for high-altitude hiking, though afternoon thunderstorms often roll through with dramatic flair. Winter adventurers find solitude and snow-dusted pines, though access requires preparation for mountain weather's mercurial moods.
ElevationAt 7,039 feet above sea level, Railroad Canyon exists in that sweet spot where the desert's heat surrenders to mountain coolness. This elevation gifts campers with crisp mornings that demand an extra layer and afternoon temperatures that rarely become oppressive. The thin air reminds lowlanders to pace themselves, while the elevation provides natural air conditioning that makes summer camping a joy rather than an endurance test.
Natural Features and SceneryA modest creek whispers through the campground, its flow ebbing and surging with the seasons, providing a gentle soundtrack to wilderness nights. The surrounding Black Range Mountains rise like ancient sentinels, their forested slopes hiding elk, deer, and the occasional black bear. Ponderosa pines tower overhead, their vanilla-scented bark and whispering needles creating natural cathedral spaces between campsites.
Geological RegionThe Black Range Mountains cradle this campground in layers of volcanic history and ecological diversity. These peaks form the western boundary of the Aldo Leopold Wilderness, where the father of modern conservation once walked and wrote. The rugged terrain tells stories of ancient eruptions and patient erosion, creating a landscape of hidden canyons, sudden meadows, and panoramic ridgelines that reward those willing to explore beyond the campground's boundaries.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features beyond vault toilets (wheelchair accessible) are noted.
Sites SizeNo specific details on the size of sites are provided.
Sites PrivacyMixed privacy levels. Some reviews note very little privacy between sites and proximity to the road.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesReviews suggest proximity to trails is the best feature of the sites.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Available for overnight use.
Stay Limit
Stay limit is 14 days.
Groups
No group sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutVery limited site availability with only three spaces included.
Open and Closed SeasonYear-round availability.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-served as reservations not permitted.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Railroad Canyon Campground center around connecting with nature. Hiking is a major draw with access to nearby trails like Gallinas Canyon. Wildlife viewing is another highlight as the campground is near the Aldo Leopold Wilderness.
Hiking
"One of the closest hikes to Las Cruces that can be an overnighter or longer if you like" reflects the hiking opportunities. Trails like Gallinas Canyon are popular options accessible from the campground.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is noted as an activity. Cattle grazing nearby was mentioned by a user as a specific instance of animal activity.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities mentioned.Water Sports
There are no facilities for water sports as no water bodies are present.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
Hazards
General hazardsFlash flood zone along the stream and limited parking options are noted hazards.
Active alertsPermanent alert for steep grades on New Mexico Highway 152 prohibiting certain trucks.
Weather forecast
67
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 26%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
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
Emergency Services
Contact Silver City Ranger District at (575) 388-8201 for emergencies. Closest town with full amenities is Silver City.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash bins are available, including bear-proof bins as indicated in user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresLocated next to a small intermittent creek that runs through the campground.
Common complaintsToo close to the road and limited privacy between sites as per reviews.
Campground Map
3005 E Camino del Bosque Silver City, NM 88061
Driving directionsCampground located on the north side of New Mexico Highway 35, between mileposts 25 and 26.
New Mexico Highway 152 between San Lorenzo and Kingston has steep grades and numerous tight turns. Trucks longer than 40 feet or without retarder brakes are prohibited. Alternate routes include New Mexico Highway 26 to US Highway 180 or US Highway 60 to New Mexico Highway 12 to US Highway 180. Permanent alert in place.Nearby supplies
Mimbres has a store, gas station, and several restaurants. Silver City has all other amenities.
Camper Reviews
4.4
8 reviews
Railroad Canyon Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally positive with an emphasis on the campground's proximity to trails and wilderness. Some users pointed out the lack of privacy between sites and the proximity to the road as drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include the campground’s scenic location near trails, cleanliness of restrooms, and the availability of picnic tables and fire pits. Users also appreciated its remote and...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most common concerns are limited privacy between sites and proximity to roads. Some mentioned that vault toilets could benefit from more frequent cleaning.
Based on 8 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring sufficient water as potable water is not available on-site. Be prepared for foot traffic as the campground serves as a trailhead. Flash floods may occur near the stream.
Based on 8 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews do not indicate strong seasonal trends, but flash flood warnings suggest potential summer challenges.
Based on 8 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Great little campground tucked around a curve in the road. Only 3 spaces available." "Towards the end of the trail, we saw cattle roaming around." "Too close to the road, very little privacy between...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific sites were not identified by number, but users highlighted the limited number of sites (three) and noted features like picnic tables and grills.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews were provided beyond noting vault toilets and their general cleanliness.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed. No specific reviews about pet experiences were provided.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025