New Mexico · Camping

Forks Campground

Apr–May, Sep–Oct
best months

Is Forks Campground open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Gila National Forest. It doesn't name Forks Campground, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · Gila National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

  • At 5,619 ft
  • Wilderness Ranger DistrictGila National Forest

Forks Campground sits along the West Fork of the Gila River in the Wilderness Ranger District of Gila National Forest in New Mexico, about 15 miles from Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. The Forest Service manages the land, and the campground is part of the Forks Recreation Site, which splits into two sections: the upper portion allows overnight camping, while the lower portion is for day use only. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to visit. Typical averages from the nearby Gila Hot Springs weather station show April highs around 73°F and October highs around 75°F, while July and August bring highs near 89°F and the most wet days of the year. Several trails start close by. The Cdt - Gila River Alternate is about 0.3 miles away, and the Alum Camp Trail is about 1.8 miles off. The Gila Cliff Dwelling Visitor Center Road lies about 3.5 miles away, and paddlers can head to the East Fork Gila River, roughly 4.7 miles from the campground.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Apr–May, Sep–Oct

    Best time to visit Forks Campground

    Best months: April–May and September–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      57° / 17°

      5 wet · 1 snow

    2. Feb

      60° / 22°

      5 wet

    3. Mar

      66° / 25°

      4 wet

    4. Apr

      73° / 30°

      2 wet

    5. May

      81° / 36°

      3 wet

    6. Jun

      90° / 44°

      5 wet

    7. Jul

      89° / 53°

      12 wet

    8. Aug

      87° / 53°

      13 wet

    9. Sep

      83° / 45°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      75° / 33°

      5 wet

    11. Nov

      65° / 24°

      4 wet

    12. Dec

      56° / 18°

      5 wet · 1 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Gila Hot Springs, NM, 1 mi away at 5,636 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Forks Campground

Book on Recreation.gov

Reserve