Upper Scorpion Campground
4.436 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
null
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
null
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsUpper 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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(575) 536-9461gicl_information@nps.gov
What Campers Say
4.43
Recommended
Based on 6 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."
Fees & Passes at Upper Scorpion Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: null
Cancellation: Camping is first-come, first-served; no explicit cancellation policy applies.
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official National Park Service website.
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.
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
- 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.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Sites SizeNo details provided about the size of campsites.
Sites PrivacyReviews suggest limited privacy as some sites are close to each other. One user stated, "Not much privacy but acceptable."
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Pro tip: stay on the west side of the camp to see the sunset colors and the sunrise!" (Crystal Faunt)
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutnull
Open and Closed Seasonnull
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.
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.
Hiking
The 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
No specific winter activities, such as skiing or snowshoeing, are mentioned.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports, such as kayaking or paddleboarding, are mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Tables and grills are provided at select sites, but no information is available on specific fire policies.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsNo explicit hazards are mentioned, but user reviews advise avoiding large families or small children due to snug sites and limited entertainment options.
Active alertsnull
Weather at Upper Scorpion Campground
49
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 37%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 2.1 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
null
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo specific information available regarding trash and recycling facilities at the campground.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is within walking distance of the West Fork of the Gila River.
Common complaints"Not much privacy but acceptable." (Susan Clemmons). "Sites are pretty snug." (Crystal Faunt). Lack of phone signal mentioned by Sonya J.
Host"The folks that work here are very friendly and welcoming." (Crystal Faunt). No explicit details about campground hosts are provided.
Campground Map
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
null
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.4
6 reviews
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 6 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 6 reviewsShow more
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 6 reviewsShow more
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 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No explicit seasonal data trends are provided in the reviews.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper 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 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
One user highlighted that some sites are close to each other, which can limit privacy.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressed accessibility features.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews or information regarding experiences with pets were provided.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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0 review
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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