Upper Scorpion Campground

4.47

17 reviews

Quick Facts

5,719 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

null

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

5,719 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

null

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Upper Scorpion Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping is free of charge and first-come, first-served.

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(575) 536-9461gicl_information@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.47

Recommended

Based on 17 reviews

28 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocation

Some mention

signal

"Upper Scorpion Campground is appreciated for its cleanliness, proximity to hiking trails, and the Gila Cliff Dwellings. However, reviews suggest it is more suited for small groups or individuals seeking a quiet experience."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Upper Scorpion Campground

33.2305, -108.2610

Driving directionsDriving directions to Upper Scorpion Campground are available at https://www.nps.gov/gicl/planyourvisit/camping.htm.

Located off NM State Highway 15, less than one mile from Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. No information is available on whether roads are paved or unpaved.

Nearby places

null

Nearby supplies

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Best Time to Camp at Upper Scorpion Campground

Winter transforms Upper Scorpion into a crisp wonderland where morning frost sparkles on juniper branches and afternoon sun warms the canyon walls. With temperatures dancing between a brisk 25°F at dawn and a comfortable 48°F by midday, winter camping here offers crystal-clear skies and minimal precipitation—expect just a dusting of snow (0.73 inches) and occasional light rain (0.075 inches). The dry air and gentle breezes (averaging 4.16 mph) create perfect conditions for exploring nearby trails without the crowds of busier seasons.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Good for hiking and river access in summer; reviewers note trail proximity and scenery.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall likely strong for colors and hiking though no explicit seasonal reviews provided.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring should be good for hiking and wild scenery though explicit reviews are absent.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Winters are cold (frosts noted); scenic but limited winter-service info and chilly temps.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: null
Current Alerts: null

About Upper Scorpion Campground

Nestled in the heart of New Mexico's wilderness, Upper Scorpion Campground serves as your gateway to ancient wonders and pristine river valleys. Just a leisurely stroll from the legendary Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, this thoughtfully maintained campground offers the perfect blend of accessibility and adventure. Wake up to the sound of the West Fork of the Gila River nearby, enjoy your morning coffee at well-appointed picnic tables, and prepare meals on provided grills while surrounded by towering pines. Modern vault toilets and fresh drinking water ensure comfort without compromising the authentic outdoor experience.

Upper Scorpion Campground offers free camping for tents and RVs, making it ideal for budget-conscious campers.

Historical SignificanceStep back seven centuries at the neighboring Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, where the Mogollon people carved their homes directly into the volcanic cliffs. These remarkably preserved dwellings tell the story of an ingenious civilization that thrived in this rugged landscape from the 1270s to the early 1300s. Your campsite serves as a modern base camp for exploring these ancient architectural marvels, offering the rare opportunity to sleep under the same stars that guided these early inhabitants.

Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms Upper Scorpion into a crisp wonderland where morning frost sparkles on juniper branches and afternoon sun warms the canyon walls. With temperatures dancing between a brisk 25°F at dawn and a comfortable 48°F by midday, winter camping here offers crystal-clear skies and minimal precipitation—expect just a dusting of snow (0.73 inches) and occasional light rain (0.075 inches). The dry air and gentle breezes (averaging 4.16 mph) create perfect conditions for exploring nearby trails without the crowds of busier seasons.

Elevationnull

Natural Features and SceneryAs visitor Crystal Faunt notes, this is truly a 'beautiful spot' that opens doors to countless adventures. Towering Ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral overhead, their vanilla-scented bark warming in the afternoon sun, while hardy junipers dot the rugged terrain with their blue-green foliage. The campground's proximity to both the Cliff Dwellings and a network of incredible trails means you're perfectly positioned to explore deep canyons, hidden hot springs, and wilderness paths that reveal the Gila's untamed beauty at every turn.

Geological RegionPerched along the West Fork of the Gila River, Upper Scorpion Campground occupies a dramatic landscape where water has carved its signature through ancient volcanic rock over millennia. This rugged terrain showcases nature's artistry—from smooth river stones to towering cliff faces that shelter both modern campers and ancient dwellings. The diverse ecosystem supports everything from stately Ponderosa pines reaching skyward to gnarled junipers clinging to rocky outcrops, creating a living gallery of high desert resilience and beauty.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

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Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

No mention of designated group camping sites or specific group site policies.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutnull

Reservation Platformsnull

Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is first-come, first-served, with no reservation required.

Cancellation PolicyCamping is first-come, first-served; no explicit cancellation policy applies.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.

Site SizeNo details provided about the size of campsites.

PrivacyReviews suggest limited privacy as some sites are close to each other. One user stated, "Not much privacy but acceptable.

Recommended SitesPro tip: stay on the west side of the camp to see the sunset colors and the sunrise!" (Crystal Faunt)

Amenities available

Potable water

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is well-suited for hiking enthusiasts due to its proximity to the West Fork of the Gila River and the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.

HikingThe campground provides access to numerous hiking trails. One reviewer stated, "Beautiful spot within walking distance of the Cliff Dwellings as well as a multitude of other incredible trails the Gila has to offer." Another mentioned walking 60 miles of trails while staying there.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo explicit hazards are mentioned, but user reviews advise avoiding large families or small children due to snug sites and limited entertainment options.

Active Alertsnull

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyTables and grills are provided at select sites, but no information is available on specific fire policies.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are null

Emergency Servicesnull

Trash & RecyclingNo specific information available regarding trash and recycling facilities at the campground.

Water FeaturesThe campground is within walking distance of the West Fork of the Gila River.

Camp Host"The folks that work here are very friendly and welcoming." (Crystal Faunt). No explicit details about campground hosts are provided.

Weather at Upper Scorpion Campground

Reviews

4.5

17 reviews

Recommended

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

Upper Scorpion Campground is appreciated for its cleanliness, proximity to hiking trails, and the Gila Cliff Dwellings. However, reviews suggest it is more suited for small groups or individuals seeking a quiet experience.

Review Summaries

Based on 17 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the campground's cleanliness, the free availability of camping, and its close location to the Gila Cliff Dwellings. "Super clean vault toilets," and "beautiful spot within walking...

Based on 17 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns included the lack of cell phone service, limited privacy at campsites, and the snug layout of the sites. "Not much privacy but acceptable," and "I didn't have any phone signal," encapsulate...

Based on 17 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

One user suggested staying on the west side of the camp for better sunset and sunrise views. Another mentioned that the campground is better suited for smaller groups or quieter campers.

Based on 17 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No explicit seasonal data trends are provided in the reviews.

Based on 17 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful spot within walking distance of the Cliff Dwellings as well as a multitude of other incredible trails," "Super clean vault toilets with hand sanitizer and t-p!" "Not much privacy but...

Based on 17 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One user highlighted that some sites are close to each other, which can limit privacy.

Based on 17 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressed accessibility features.

Based on 17 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews or information regarding experiences with pets were provided.

Based on 17 reviews

0 review

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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