Lower Scorpion Campground

4.52

33 reviews

null

Quick Facts

5,689 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens null site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

5,689 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens null site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Lower Scorpion Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping is free of charge.

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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Provider

nullgicl_information@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.52

Top-Rated

Based on 33 reviews

36 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanhikingwater

"Lower Scorpion Campground is well-received for its cleanliness, peaceful environment, and proximity to hiking trails with cultural and historical significance. Visitors appreciate the clean vault toilets and the presence of potable water, although the lack of trash service requires preparation. The campground's remote and natural setting is a highlight."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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Lower Scorpion Campground

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Driving directionsLower Scorpion Campground directions and information are available at https://www.nps.gov/gicl/planyourvisit/camping.htm

Located just off NM State Highway 15, partially developed but accessible by road. Seasonal road closures may occur due to fires or other emergencies.

Nearby places

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Nearby supplies

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Best Time to Camp at Lower Scorpion Campground

Experience the dramatic temperature swings that define high-desert camping at its finest. June days bring the warmth of summer sunshine, perfect for river explorations and cliff dwelling tours, but don't let the daytime heat fool you—desert nights can surprise even seasoned campers with temperatures plummeting to a crisp 35°F. Crystal-clear morning skies reward early risers with spectacular sunrises over the rocky landscape, while the cool air provides perfect conditions for that first cup of campfire coffee. Pack layers and prepare for Mother Nature's full repertoire of desert moods.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

June offers warm days for river play and tours though nights can cool to ~35°F; river access is good.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall likely offers milder temperatures and good hiking; not explicitly detailed in reviews.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring likely great for hiking, wildlife and river flows though seasonal specifics are limited in data.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

High-desert temperature swings and cold nights suggest winter is less comfortable and not a snow-sport site.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: null
Current Alerts: Gila Cliff Dwellings are currently inaccessible due to the Trout Wildland Fire. Road closures are in effect for public safety.

About Lower Scorpion Campground

Discover the untamed beauty of Lower Scorpion Campground, where adventure meets ancient history just a stone's throw from the legendary Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. This rustic riverside retreat offers the perfect basecamp for explorers seeking authentic wilderness experiences without sacrificing essential amenities. Nestled less than a mile from the monument along scenic Highway 15, this free, first-come, first-served campground welcomes travelers with fresh drinking water, select sites featuring tables and grills, and convenient vault toilets. Here, the West Fork of the Gila River whispers stories of centuries past, inviting you to pitch your tent where ancient peoples once roamed.

The campground offers primitive camping opportunities and is suitable for tent camping. RV suitability is not explicitly mentioned.

Historical SignificanceStep into a living museum where every trail tells a story spanning millennia. The nearby Gila Cliff Dwellings serve as your gateway to understanding the Mogollon people who called these canyons home over 700 years ago. Follow ancient pathways to discover hidden pictographs painted on canyon walls and explore remarkably preserved two-room dwellings tucked into natural cave formations. These sacred sites offer profound connections to the past, where you can literally walk in the footsteps of ancient inhabitants and marvel at their architectural ingenuity.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic temperature swings that define high-desert camping at its finest. June days bring the warmth of summer sunshine, perfect for river explorations and cliff dwelling tours, but don't let the daytime heat fool you—desert nights can surprise even seasoned campers with temperatures plummeting to a crisp 35°F. Crystal-clear morning skies reward early risers with spectacular sunrises over the rocky landscape, while the cool air provides perfect conditions for that first cup of campfire coffee. Pack layers and prepare for Mother Nature's full repertoire of desert moods.

ElevationPerched in the heart of New Mexico's high-desert country, this campground offers the unique ecosystem found where rugged rocky cliffs meet riparian corridors. The desert landscape creates a natural amphitheater of stone, providing both shelter and stunning backdrops for your wilderness stay. This elevation zone supports a fascinating mix of desert and river habitats, creating unexpected oases in the arid Southwest.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where towering rocky cliffs frame the gentle flow of the West Fork Gila River, creating a dramatic canyon oasis in the high desert. This unique ecosystem harbors surprising biodiversity, from the curious native gourd buffalo plants that dot the landscape to the enchanting chorus of desert frogs that serenade campers through the night. The interplay of water and stone has sculpted a photographer's paradise, where golden hour light dances across canyon walls and the river reflects the ever-changing desert sky.

Geological RegionSituated in the remarkable confluence of the West Fork Gila River valley and the ancient volcanic landscape surrounding Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, this campground showcases millions of years of geological artistry. The high-desert terrain reveals layers of Earth's history written in stone, where erosion has carved spectacular rocky cliffs from ancient lava flows. This dynamic landscape continues to evolve, with the persistent Gila River sculpting new features while preserving the timeless beauty of this southwestern geological wonderland.

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

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Check-out

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Stay Limit

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Guests Allowed Per Site

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Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutPartially developed with tables and grills at select sites.

Reservation Platformsnull

Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is exclusively first-come, first-served. No reservations accepted.

Cancellation PolicyCamping is first-come, first-served. No reservations or associated cancellation policies apply.

AccessibilityNo explicit mention of accessibility features in the source materials.

Site SizeNo specific details provided about campsite sizes.

PrivacyNo specific details provided about the level of privacy at individual campsites.

Recommended SitesSites near vault toilets and potable water may offer convenience. Sites near trails to historical landmarks provide easy access to activities.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Lower Scorpion Campground provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring nearby petroglyphs and cliff dwellings.

HikingMultiple user reviews mention hiking trails in the vicinity, including 'Trail to the Past,' which features petroglyphs and a two-room dwelling. The trails are described as short but rewarding.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities are mentioned in user reviews. One user noted, 'Saw wildlife while we were there.'

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsVisitors should exercise caution with native flora, including 'small watermelon-like plants,' which are poisonous.

Active AlertsGila Cliff Dwellings are currently inaccessible due to the Trout Wildland Fire. Road closures are in effect for public safety.

Weather at Lower Scorpion Campground

Reviews

4.5

33 reviews

Top-Rated

Lower Scorpion Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Lower Scorpion Campground is well-received for its cleanliness, peaceful environment, and proximity to hiking trails with cultural and historical significance. Visitors appreciate the clean vault toilets and the presence of potable water, although the lack of trash service requires preparation. The campground's remote and natural setting is a highlight.

Review Summaries

Based on 33 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean vault toilets, availability of potable water, peaceful and remote environment, proximity to hiking trails and cultural sites.

Based on 33 reviews

Common Concerns

Lack of trash service, loud frogs at night, limited marked trails, and potentially dangerous local plants.

Based on 33 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Be prepared to pack out your trash and bring a flashlight for evening use. Avoid eating the small watermelon-looking plants as they are harmful. Check for weather changes, as conditions can vary...

Based on 33 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground experiences wide temperature variations: one reviewer noted daytime heat and nighttime lows of 35°F in June. Visitors are advised to prepare for changing weather conditions.

Based on 33 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Easy in and easy out. Not crowded, has vault toilets but no trash service, so be prepared to pack out what you bring in.' (Desiree Townsend, Aug 2019) 2. 'Great primitive campground 40 miles from...

Based on 33 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites or areas aren't mentioned in detail within the user reviews.

Based on 33 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not discussed in the provided reviews.

Based on 33 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not explicitly mentioned in the user reviews or official sources.

Based on 33 reviews

0 review

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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