Forks Campground

Star4.24
55 reviews
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

5,594 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Forks Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees for individual camping vary by location and are supplemented by service fees for reservations: $8 for online/app reservations, $9 for contact...
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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

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What Campers Say

4.24

Satisfactory

Based on 55 reviews

49 Google reviews

Most mentioned

locationwater

Some mention

crowded

"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."

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Campground Map

Forks Campground

33.1835, -108.2064

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."

Best Time to Camp at Forks Campground

Four 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Popular in summer for swimming in the cold river; but gets crowded on holidays.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers pleasant hiking weather and scenic changes; four-season location noted.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring likely excellent for hiking and river access; fewer direct spring reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Cool winters (30°F mornings) with fewer crowds; limited winter-activity info.

Planning Tips

    About Forks 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.
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    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.
    HikingHiking 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.
    SwimmingThe 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.'
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsUser reviews and source material suggest challenges including crowded holiday weekends, loud neighbors, occasional trash, and tricky drive-in roads with multiple hairpin turns.

    Weather at Forks Campground

    Reviews

    4.2
    55 reviews
    Satisfactory
    Satisfactory
    Forks Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 55 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...
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    Based on 55 reviews

    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...
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    Based on 55 reviews

    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 55 reviews

    Seasonal 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...
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    Based on 55 reviews

    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...
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    Based on 55 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    Specific site numbers are not mentioned in user reviews.
    Based on 55 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features.
    Based on 55 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or experiences.
    Based on 55 reviews

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    Last updated January 5, 2026
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