Railroad Canyon Campground
4.388 reviews3005 E Camino del Bosque Silver City, NM 88061
Quick Facts
7,039 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
3 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Quick Facts
7,039 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
3 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Railroad Canyon Campground
$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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider575-388-8201
What Campers Say
4.38
Recommended
Based on 8 reviews
21 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanrestroomslocation
"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."
Fees & Passes at Railroad Canyon Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: Stay limit is 14 days.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Gila National Forest Supervisors Office website.
Best Time to Camp at Railroad Canyon Campground
The 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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Operating Season: Year-round availability.
- Current Alerts: Permanent alert for steep grades on New Mexico Highway 152 prohibiting certain trucks.
About Railroad Canyon 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.
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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.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
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.Advertisement
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 at Railroad Canyon Campground
50
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 24%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
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 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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