Gallinas Campground - Upper

4.45

44 reviews

Gallinas Campground - Upper, approximately 37 miles east of Silver City along NM State Hwy 152, between mileposts 26 and 27

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds New Mexico

Quick Facts

6,909 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Silver City Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,909 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Silver City Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Gallinas Campground - Upper

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

There is no fee for use.

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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USFS

Provider

(575) 388-8201

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What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 44 reviews

43 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanlocation

Some mention

noisesmall

"User reviews generally describe this campground as a small, quiet, and scenic spot with access to a creek and wildlife. Visitors appreciate its natural beauty and basic amenities but note limited privacy and proximity to the highway."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Gallinas Campground - Upper, approximately 37 miles east of Silver City along NM State Hwy 152, between mileposts 26 and 27

Gallinas Campground - Upper

Gallinas Campground - Upper, approximately 37 miles east of Silver City along NM State Hwy 152, between mileposts 26 and 27

Driving directionsThe campground is located approximately 37 miles east of Silver City along the north side of New Mexico Highway 152, between mileposts 26 and 27. Easily identified by posted signs. Alert from NMDOT: New Mexico Highway 152 eastbound and westbound from mile marker 15, San Lorenzo to mile marker 40, Kingston, has steep grades and numerous tight turns. Trucks without retarder brakes and/or longer than 40 feet in length are prohibited on this section. Consider alternate routes such as New Mexico Highway 26 to US Highway 180.

Road access is generally good for most vehicles and weather conditions, but NM Hwy 152 has steep grades and tight turns. Longer trucks and those without retarder brakes are prohibited.

Nearby places

Silver City: 37 miles east

Mimbres Valley: 17 miles west

Nearby supplies

General stores located in the Mimbres Valley, approximately 17 miles west of the campground along NM State Hwy 152. Food, phone, and gasoline are available.

Best Time to Camp at Gallinas Campground - Upper

Experience the dramatic dance of seasons at nearly 7,000 feet, where crisp winter mornings occasionally dust the landscape with snow, transforming the campground into a serene wonderland. As spring arrives, gentle rains awaken the forest floor, while summer brings those perfect camping days with warm sunshine filtered through pine boughs and cool mountain evenings around the campfire. Autumn paints the surrounding oaks in brilliant golds and russets, accompanied by refreshing afternoon showers that keep the creek flowing and the air crystal clear.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Popular in summer with flowing creek and active wildlife—many positive reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

At ~6,900 ft in forested Black Range, fall likely offers strong colors and pleasant weather.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring popular with flowing creek and active wildlife noted in reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Open year-round with occasional snow; winter access possible but no winter rec infrastructure.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Year-round
Current Alerts: No current alerts other than usual NMDOT restrictions for NM Hwy 152.

About Gallinas Campground - Upper

Nestled in the heart of the Gila National Forest, Upper Gallinas Campground beckons travelers seeking the perfect balance between wilderness adventure and modern convenience. Just off New Mexico Highway 152, this mountain retreat features thoughtfully designed gravel-lined parking spaces and inviting picnic areas where families gather under towering pines. Whether you're planning a weekend escape or an extended stay, this accessible sanctuary offers the ideal basecamp for exploring the rugged beauty of the Black Range.

The campground is small and offers options for tent and RV camping. Group and cabin sites are not available.

Historical SignificanceThis resilient landscape tells a powerful story of nature's ability to heal and regenerate. Following the dramatic Silver Fire of 2013, which swept through these ancient forests, Upper Gallinas has become a living testament to the Black Range's enduring spirit. Visitors today witness firsthand the remarkable recovery process, where new growth emerges alongside weathered survivors, creating a unique ecosystem that speaks to both devastation and hope. The campground sits within the historically rich Black Range, a region that has captivated explorers, miners, and nature lovers for generations.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic dance of seasons at nearly 7,000 feet, where crisp winter mornings occasionally dust the landscape with snow, transforming the campground into a serene wonderland. As spring arrives, gentle rains awaken the forest floor, while summer brings those perfect camping days with warm sunshine filtered through pine boughs and cool mountain evenings around the campfire. Autumn paints the surrounding oaks in brilliant golds and russets, accompanied by refreshing afternoon showers that keep the creek flowing and the air crystal clear.

ElevationPerched at an impressive 6,909 feet above sea level, Upper Gallinas offers a refreshing escape from desert heat and a chance to breathe in the pure mountain air. This elevated paradise provides naturally cooler temperatures that make summer camping a delight, though newcomers should take a day or two to acclimate to the thinner atmosphere. The altitude gifts visitors with spectacular star-filled nights and those magical morning moments when clouds drift through the valleys below.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the enchanting wilderness of the Black Range, where ancient oaks mingle with stately pines to create a diverse forest canopy overhead. A melodious creek winds alongside the campground, its gentle babbling providing nature's soundtrack to your stay. This vibrant ecosystem supports an impressive array of wildlife – from black bears foraging for berries to graceful deer stepping quietly through the underbrush. Keep your eyes skyward for soaring raptors, while ground-dwelling javelinas and coveys of quail add excitement to any nature walk. Even the occasional visit from free-ranging cattle reminds visitors of the region's ranching heritage.

Geological RegionThe campground rests within the spectacular Black Range of the Gila National Forest, a geological wonderland of rugged mountain peaks, deep canyons, and pristine creeks that have carved their stories into the landscape over millions of years. This dramatic terrain, characterized by its distinctive blend of oak-pine forests and exposed rock formations, offers endless opportunities for exploration. The interplay of elevation, water, and ancient geology has created a unique environment where diverse ecosystems thrive, making every trail a journey through natural history.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14-day stay limit.

Groups

Group camping is not available at this site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSmall campground with three sites and two pull-through parking areas. Layout is linear alongside NM Hwy 152.

Reservation PlatformsContact Gila National Forest Supervisors Office at 575-388-8201 for outfitter and guide information.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served basis as reservations are not available.

Cancellation PolicyPermits are required for commercial or organized uses, but no reservation system is available.

AccessibilityAccessibility options specific to campers with disabilities were not mentioned.

Site SizeSites seem relatively small and are described as accommodating tents, trailers, and camper vans.

PrivacySites are close to the highway, with limited privacy noted by reviewers. Some reviewers mentioned large parking areas but less ideal tent pitching spots.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose campsites near the creek for privacy and scenic views. Avoid small children or toy dogs wandering due to signs of predators.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, hiking, and horseback riding. No trails are immediately adjacent to the campground, but hiking and biking are possible along nearby streams and wilderness areas.

HikingNo formal hiking trails adjacent to the campground, but visitors have noted enjoyable stream hiking within a mile or two of the campsites.

BikingMountain biking is possible, but no formal biking trails are immediately adjacent to the campground.

Wildlife viewingSeveral species can be observed, including painted redstarts, spotted owls, bears, deer, javelinas, cows, quail, and raptors. User reviews emphasize the rich wildlife experience.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential flooding due to Silver Fire damage, wildlife such as bears and predators near the creek.

Active AlertsNo current alerts other than usual NMDOT restrictions for NM Hwy 152.

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

Weather at Gallinas Campground - Upper

Reviews

4.5

44 reviews

Recommended

Gallinas Campground - Upper is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally describe this campground as a small, quiet, and scenic spot with access to a creek and wildlife. Visitors appreciate its natural beauty and basic amenities but note limited privacy and proximity to the highway.

Review Summaries

Based on 44 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restroom facilities, scenic location near a creek, abundant wildlife, and quiet atmosphere. Fire pits and picnic tables enhance the experience.

Based on 44 reviews

Common Concerns

Limited privacy, proximity to highway noise, absence of potable water, and scarcity of tent-friendly sites. Some reviewers found the limited number of campsites challenging.

Based on 44 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring plenty of water as none is available on-site. Keep small pets and children close due to wildlife presence. Vault toilets are clean and stocked, but carrying extra toilet paper may be prudent.

Based on 44 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and summer seem popular due to flowing creek water and active wildlife. Winter conditions are not detailed, but proximity to the road may make access easier during colder months.

Based on 44 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Small campground (only a few sites) but very beautiful. Scenic Creek right next to sites. Tables, fire pits and public restrooms." - bret B b, "The creek has water and there were many birds active...

Based on 44 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites are close to the highway, and one pull-through site is noted. Limited tent-friendly spots, but camper vans and small trailers find the area suitable.

Based on 44 reviews