How much does camping cost at Apache Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Apache Creek Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Apache Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Apache Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. First-come, first-serve, and free camping with 14-day limits.

What is the best time to visit Apache Creek Campground?

Apache Creek Campground is open Open year-round.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Apache Creek Campground?

Apache Creek Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Apache Creek Campground?

Fire policies at Apache Creek Campground: Campfires permitted in provided fire rings. High fire safety due to ring design.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Apache Creek Campground have?

Apache Creek Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Apache Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Apache Creek Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Apache Creek Campground?

Apache Creek Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Apache Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Apache Creek Campground include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Apache Creek Campground

4.50

56 reviews

5 Smokey Bear Circle, P.O. Box 170, Reserve, NM 87830

Peace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Desert Camping New Mexico Spring Camping New Mexico Fall Camping New Mexico +10 more

Quick Facts

6,431 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,431 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Apache Creek Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fee for use.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

575-388-8201

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

5 Smokey Bear Circle, P.O. Box 170, Reserve, NM 87830

Apache Creek Campground

5 Smokey Bear Circle, P.O. Box 170, Reserve, NM 87830

Nearby places

Reserve, NM (12 miles, approximately 15 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Apache Creek Store offers limited groceries and other services for campers, located 0.5 miles away on Route 12.

Weather at Apache Creek Campground

Current alert: Campground will be closed June 27–28, 2025 for Catron County Community 3-D Archery Shoot.

Best Time to Camp at Apache Creek Campground

Fall is the most reliable window for visiting. Daytime temperatures settle into the 60s and 70s, nights drop to the 30s and 40s, and trails dry out after the summer monsoons. Wildlife viewing peaks during this season, though hunters occasionally increase traffic on nearby roads. Summer brings afternoon thunderstorms that turn the campground roads muddy. Multiple reviews mention this. Mosquitoes are also bad during monsoon season, so repellent is non-negotiable.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall is the most reliable window: mild days, dry trails and peak wildlife viewing.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Apache Creek Campground

Apache Creek Campground sits at 6,431 feet in the northwest corner of Gila National Forest, surrounded by park-like stands of Ponderosa pine and juniper. The 10 sites are spacious, well-spaced, and free on a first-come basis. Elk and deer wander through camp regularly, and there's no cell service.

Apache Creek Campground is a first-come, first-serve, free campground that caters to both tent and RV campers. It is primitive and offers no modern hookups or conveniences.

Historical Significance

A trail near camp leads to petroglyphs, though reviews don't specify which culture created them or when. Some stone foundations and rockwork remain from a Civilian Conservation Corps camp that once occupied the site.

Weather and SeasonsFall is the most reliable window for visiting. Daytime temperatures settle into the 60s and 70s, nights drop to the 30s and 40s, and trails dry out after the summer monsoons. Wildlife viewing peaks during this season, though hunters occasionally increase traffic on nearby roads. Summer brings afternoon thunderstorms that turn the campground roads muddy. Multiple reviews mention this. Mosquitoes are also bad during monsoon season, so repellent is non-negotiable.

ElevationPerched at 6,431 feet above sea level, Apache Creek Campground offers a natural air conditioning system courtesy of Mother Nature. This mile-high retreat provides welcome relief from desert heat, where cool mountain breezes carry the vanilla scent of Ponderosa bark and temperatures drop delightfully after sunset. The elevation creates perfect conditions for those towering pines and ensures comfortable camping even during summer's peak.

Natural Features and SceneryMature Ponderosa pines and junipers dominate the landscape here, creating shaded groves that feel both open and secluded. Apache Creek flows seasonally nearby, leaving marshy areas that attract wildlife year-round. The terrain reflects the region's volcanic past. Rolling hills softened by millions of years of erosion. Birds, butterflies, and mammals frequent the wetter pockets, and the forest floor is dotted with wildflowers after summer rains.

Geological RegionTucked into the northwest reaches of the legendary Gila National Forest, Apache Creek Campground showcases the region's signature landscape—a perfect blend of rugged Southwest geology softened by park-like stands of majestic conifers. Here, ancient volcanic activity and millions of years of erosion created the rolling terrain now cloaked in Ponderosa pine and juniper forests, offering campers a front-row seat to one of New Mexico's most enchanting geological theaters.

Scenic ViewsOffers scenic views of towering Ponderosa pines and junipers. Nearby trails lead to historic pictographs.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or other accommodations are available at the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesVisitors can explore the nearby CCC-developed trail to view historic petroglyphs, which offers a cultural and educational experience.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

First-come, first-serve
no specified check-in time.

Check-out

14-day stay limit enforced
no specified check-out time.

Stay Limit

14-day stay limit applies.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites are generously spaced among the trees, which creates good privacy despite the small campground size. Parking aprons are dirt and irregular in shape. Roads get muddy when it rains.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable for reservations; contact phone number for rental information is 575-388-8201.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-serve, and free camping with 14-day limits.

Cancellation PolicyReservations are not applicable as this campground is first-come, first-serve.

AccessibilityThe vault toilet is wheelchair accessible. There are no additional accessibility features explicitly mentioned for the campground.

Site SizeCampsites are generously spaced and can accommodate multiple RVs or tents. Sites are described as spacious and capable of fitting multiple setups.

PrivacyThe campsites provide a good degree of privacy due to their spacing and the surrounding forest. They are not clustered together, creating a sense of seclusion.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early to secure sites with gazebos, as these fill quickly. Flat and spacious sites recommended for privacy.

Best CampsitesThree of the 10 sites have gazebos, and campers recommend arriving early to claim one. Reviews don't mention specific site numbers, but emphasize that all sites are spacious enough for multiple RVs or tents.

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Camp Store

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers opportunities for relaxing in a serene forest setting and engaging in day hikes and wildlife viewing. There is also a nearby trail to historic petroglyphs, which adds an educational and cultural dimension to the visit.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFrequent mosquito activity due to nearby Tularosa River and marshy areas. Users note the fire rings may have high sides, complicating grilling.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. The campground features a single pit-style vault toilet that is described as basic but clean and stocked with toilet paper.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyCampfires permitted in provided fire rings. High fire safety due to ring design.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No specific hours indicated.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services located at Reserve Ranger District: Phone (575) 533-6232.

Trash & RecyclingThere are no trash or recycling facilities at this campground. Campers must pack out all garbage and dispose of it responsibly elsewhere.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Apache Creek and seasonal marshy areas that attract diverse wildlife.

Camp HostNo campground host available; restroom cleaning service is noted.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

56 reviews

Recommended

Apache Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight Apache Creek Campground as a peaceful and scenic destination with spacious campsites, abundant wildlife, and mature ponderosa pines. While the campground's lack of amenities is noted, this is often regarded as part of its rustic charm. A few concerns include mosquitoes in summer and muddy conditions during rainy weather.

Review Summaries

Based on 56 reviews

What Campers Love

- 'Spacious campsites surrounded by towering ponderosa pines.' - 'Clean and well-maintained vault toilet.' - 'Abundant wildlife, including elk and deer.' - 'Proximity to a trail leading to historic...

Based on 56 reviews

Common Concerns

- 'No potable water is available; you need to bring your own.' - 'Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially after monsoon rains.' - 'Roads within the campground can become muddy and difficult to...

Based on 56 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites with gazebos are particularly popular and fill up quickly. Reviewers have also noted that most campsites are spacious and well-shaded.

Based on 56 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring plenty of potable water and mosquito repellent. - Arrive early to secure a site, especially those with gazebos. - Be prepared for muddy conditions if it has rained recently. - Pack out all...

Based on 56 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are the most popular seasons due to mild temperatures and fewer mosquitoes. Summer can bring mosquitoes due to standing water, and the monsoon season can make the roads muddy. Winter...

Based on 56 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'A quiet, pretty campground with wide open spaces and towering pines.' - 'The most distinctive feature were the huge, stately ponderosas.' - 'Driving past the campground, we saw many animal...

Based on 56 reviews

Accessibility Features

The vault toilet is wheelchair accessible, but no additional comments on accessibility were provided.

Based on 56 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. No specific reviews about pet experiences were noted.

Based on 56 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Fall campers who bring all their own water and want spacious, shaded sites for free. The CCC-built petroglyph trail is a mile out, wildlife sightings are frequent, and sites with gazebos go fast so arrive early.

Skip if

No potable water on-site is a hard stop for campers who don't plan carefully. Summer visits during monsoon season mean muddy dirt roads, relentless mosquitoes, and afternoon storms. Zero cell service also rules this out for anyone who needs connectivity.

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Campgrounds

Gila National Forest

Apache Creek Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Apache Creek Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

This is a nice quiet undeveloped campground amongst ponderosa pines and abundant wildlife.Apache Creek Campground is in the northwest region of the forest. There are plenty of trees to provide shade and this is a very clean campground.

About the campground

The elevation is 6,400 ft. This large, spacious and scenic campground meanders through a park-like stand of towering Ponderosa pine and junipers. The former site of a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp, reminates of foundations as well as cement and rock work can be seen near the campground's entrance. Popular during the hunt season, campsites can accommodate multiple RVs. Although adjacent to Apache Creek that tends to be seasonal, year-round marshy, wet area attracts wildlife. Nearby Apache Creek Store offers limited groceries and other services for campers. Also nearby is the one mile, foot-only, CCC developed trail to historic pictographs - look but don't touch. This is bear country: practice safe food storage techniques.

Seasons & access

The parking aprons are dirt, poorly defined and irregular in shape. There is an RV waste station, no potable water, available for a fee at Apache RV Park (private) in Cruzville, NM. Facilities Flush Toilets: No Hot Showers: No Vaults: Yes Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes Public Phone: No Playground: No No. Water Spigots (non-site): 0 Comments: Hot showers are available for a fee at Apache RV Park (private) in Cruzville, NM. Water Sports None Hiking: None Fishing: None

Facilities

Hot showers are available for a fee at Apache RV Park (private) in Cruzville, NM.

RV information

The parking aprons are dirt, poorly defined and irregular in shape. There is an RV waste station, no potable water, available for a fee at Apache RV Park (private) in Cruzville, NM.

Directions

In Reserve, NM, at the intersection of State Rts. 12 and 435, take Rt. 12 east 12.1 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign onto a dirt road and go 0.3 miles to campground on left.

National Forest: Gila National Forest
Ranger District: Reserve
Elevation: 6400
Rate: No Charge
Maximum Stay: 14