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

Willow Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All but one site are first-come, first-serve. The fourth site is the exception.

What is the best time to visit Willow Creek Campground?

Willow Creek Campground is open Open year-round, but road access becomes difficult during heavy snow or spring thaw.. 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 Willow Creek Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Willow Creek Campground?

Fire policies at Willow Creek Campground: No explicit fire policies mentioned.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Willow Creek Campground have?

Willow Creek Campground has 4 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Willow Creek Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Willow Creek Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Willow Creek Campground?

Willow Creek Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Willow Creek Campground?

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

Willow Creek Campground

3.25

8 reviews

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

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

7,920 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,920 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Willow Creek Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

There is no fee for use.

No campsite 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

Willow Creek Campground

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

Nearby places

Reserve (55 miles, approximate travel time unclear)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are likely available in Reserve, NM, approximately 55 miles away.

Driving directionsFrom Reserve, follow New Mexico Highway 435 south to Forest Road 141 for about 34 miles. Turn south onto Forest Road 28 and follow it to its end at Willow Creek Campground. Alternately, follow New Mexico Highway 159 from US Highway 180 north of Alma to Willow Creek.

Forest Road 141 was paved at one time. Now it is paved, with many potholes. Slow down before entering corners, especially where there is gravel on the paved road surface. A resurfacing project is expected in 2026. NM 159 between milepost 3 to milepost 9.5 has steep grades and numerous tight turns.

Weather at Willow Creek Campground

Current alerts(1)

Alert, NM 159 eastbound and westbound from mile marker 4, 4 miles east of US 180 to mile marker 25, Willow Creek Campground. NM 159 between milepost 3 to milepost 9.5 has STEEP GRADES AND NUMEROUS TIGHT TURNS.

Best Time to Camp at Willow Creek Campground

Summer brings daytime highs around 60-75°F and cool nights in the mid-30s to 50°F. The elevation makes this a cooler alternative to desert lowlands. July and August see brief afternoon monsoon storms, so plan hikes for mornings and pack rain gear. Trout fishing and wildlife viewing peak during summer months. Winter snow can limit access entirely.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Cool summer highs (60–75°F) and flowing creek make for pleasant summer camping.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round, but road access becomes difficult during heavy snow or spring thaw.

About Willow Creek Campground

Willow Creek Campground sits in a pine-covered canyon in the Gila National Forest at 7,920 feet elevation. The campground has just four small tent sites along both sides of Willow Creek. Access requires navigating rough roads, and the turnaround has washed out, making the campground unsuitable for RVs.

Willow Creek Campground is designed exclusively for tent camping and is unsuitable for RVs or trailers due to the washed-out turn-around.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings daytime highs around 60-75°F and cool nights in the mid-30s to 50°F. The elevation makes this a cooler alternative to desert lowlands. July and August see brief afternoon monsoon storms, so plan hikes for mornings and pack rain gear. Trout fishing and wildlife viewing peak during summer months. Winter snow can limit access entirely.

ElevationPerched at 7,920 feet above sea level, Willow Creek Campground offers that perfect high-country experience. The thin mountain air carries the scent of pine resin and wildflowers, while the elevation provides natural air conditioning and spectacular star-gazing opportunities free from light pollution.

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa pines fill this narrow canyon, and Willow Creek runs directly through the campground. The water creates pools and riffles along the sites. Deer visit regularly. The elevation keeps the forest green and the creek running strong through much of the season. The canyon walls create an intimate setting, with sites set close to the water.

Geological RegionSet within the magnificent Gila National Forest, Willow Creek Campground showcases the rugged beauty of New Mexico's high country. This pine-studded canyon represents millions of years of geological artistry, where water has carved through ancient volcanic rocks to create this intimate mountain refuge, offering campers a front-row seat to the raw beauty of the American Southwest.

Scenic ViewsSerene views of the flowing creek and surrounding pines.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or similar accommodations are available at Willow Creek Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not referenced in the source materials.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 days

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of two vehicles per campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutFour small tent-only sites line both banks of the creek. The washed-out turnaround prevents RV access. Reviewers note the sites feel unobtrusive and maintain good spacing despite the small footprint.

Reservation PlatformsReservations cannot be made; all but one site operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll but one site are first-come, first-serve. The fourth site is the exception.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy not applicable due to first-come, first-serve policy.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not described in the provided documentation.

Site SizeThe campground has small tent-only sites, and the turn-around has been washed out, making it unsuitable for RVs.

PrivacyUser reviews suggest a secluded and quiet setting. Alejandro Marquez noted the serenity of the spot, stating it was "a serene spot" and that "the other sites were unobtrusive." Carol S. added, "Quiet. On the creek with just a few camp sites.

Total Campsites4 campsites

Recommended SitesNo site-specific recommendations provided.

Amenities available

This campground is for tent camping only. The turn-around has been washed out, so no RVs are allowed. All but the fourth campsite are open and available on a first come, first serve basis.

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Willow Creek Campground

Willow Creek Campground emphasizes wildlife viewing and fishing in a natural, serene setting. The creek provides opportunities for relaxation and interaction with nature.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Fishing3.0/5

Fishing available in the stream; pools and riffles run through sites.

Winter Activities2.0/5

Open year-round but road access becomes difficult during heavy snow/spring thaw.

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote Gila NF location and secluded sites imply low light for good stargazing.

Photography4.0/5Creek pools, pines, canyon walls and wildlife offer good photo subjects.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include difficult road conditions with steep grades and tight turns (especially on NM 159), and seasonal accessibility challenges during heavy snow or spring thaw.

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

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.3

8 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Willow Creek Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Willow Creek Campground is consistently praised for its serene and peaceful setting. The presence of a running creek and wildlife adds to the experience, though the remote location and poor road conditions are noted drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the quiet environment, the clean outhouses, and the natural setting along the creek. Wildlife sightings, including deer, enhance the camping experience.

Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

The primary concern raised by users is the difficulty of accessing the campground due to poor road conditions. Alejandro Marquez remarked, "Difficult to get to... Really wish the drive there and back...

Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Future campers are advised to prepare for the remote location, pack out all trash, and ensure their vehicles can handle rough road conditions.

Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is generally accessible year-round, but road conditions can deteriorate during periods of heavy snow or spring thaw, potentially limiting access.

Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

- Alejandro Marquez: "Difficult to get to, but a serene spot. The creek flowing was relaxing, and the other sites were unobtrusive. Outhouses were clean and kept up." - Carol S.: "Quiet. On the creek...

Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user feedback regarding accessibility features is available.

Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The source materials do not mention pet policies or experiences from pet owners.

Based on 8 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Willow Creek Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

There is no fee for use.

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

575-388-8201

Go if

Tent campers with high-clearance vehicles who want silence and a creekside site at no cost. Fishing and deer sightings come with the territory, and Carol S. noted the creek was still running strong when much of New Mexico had dried up.

Skip if

NM 159 has steep grades and tight turns that already give drivers headaches, and a 2025 bridge construction project may make access worse. Add 55 miles to the nearest supplies in Reserve, no potable water, and no cell signal, and this place punishes anyone who arrives underprepar

Nearby Campgrounds

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

Ben Lilly Campground sits along Willow Creek at 8,012 feet in the Gila National Forest, offering five primitive campsites without fees or reservations. The remote location demands a high-clearance vehicle or 4x4, but rewards visitors with genuine solitude and the constant sound of running water. Very few people make it here.

Willow Creek Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Willow Creek Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Willow Creek Campground

Current alerts(1)

Best Time to Camp at Willow Creek Campground

Planning Tips

About Willow Creek Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Willow Creek Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Ask Camp Sage about Willow Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Willow Creek Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Willow Creek Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Current alerts(1)

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns