NM · Southwest
Gila NF & Gila Wilderness
America's first designated wilderness. The Gila is remote, wild, and almost completely unknown outside the Southwest. Drive-in natural hot springs on the Gila River. Ancient cliff dwellings that predate Mesa Verde. Box canyons, ponderosa pine forests, and a silence that feels sacred. El Paso is 2.5 hours, surprisingly accessible for how remote it feels.
- Drive-in natural hot springs: no hike required, just pull up and soak
- America's first designated wilderness (1924), still as wild as it was then
- Almost nobody goes here, so trails are empty and dispersed spots are easy to find (14-night limit)
- El Paso is 2.5 hours; ABQ is 4 hours, surprisingly accessible
- Gila trout in the river, one of the rarest trout species in North America
Free camping near Gila NF & Gila Wilderness
Gila NF: Gila Hot Springs Dispersed Area
Gila National Forest (Wilderness Ranger District)
Free dispersed camping right next to the natural hot springs on the Gila River. Wake up, walk 200 ft to a natural hot pool. The hot springs feed directly into the river, so soak in 100°F water while watching the Gila ripple past. No fee, no permit, no reservation.
How to get there
From Silver City NM, take NM-15 north about 40 miles to Gila Hot Springs. The camping area is right at the end of the road near the Gila Cliff Dwellings visitor center.
Gila NF: Signal Peak / Forest Road Dispersed
Gila National Forest
Higher-elevation dispersed camping in ponderosa pine forest with views of the Mogollon Mountains. Cooler temperatures, excellent hiking access, and true solitude. 3.3 million acres of national forest means you can always find an empty spot.
How to get there
From Silver City NM, take US-180 north or NM-15. Numerous FS roads branch off into dispersed camping zones. Look for FS-150, FS-154, FS-157 series.
Dispersed camping ground rules
- Usually a 14-night limit in one area, then you move on
- Camp at least 200 ft from water, trails and roads
- Pack out all trash. Leave no trace.
- Check local fire restrictions before building a campfire
- No potable water: bring or filter everything you drink
Rules vary by forest and BLM field office, so check with the local ranger district or field office before you go.
Find more free spots
Get an app like iOverlander to find places to camp on public land for free in the states. Other campers post what's there, how rough the road is and whether a ranger moved them on.
- iOverlander (opens in a new tab)Free. Campsites reported by other travelers, with recent notes on access, signal and rangers.
- Campendium (opens in a new tab)Free to browse. A map of free campsites across the US, much of it on public land, with reviews.
Spots change. Read the newest reports and any posted rules before you set up, and pack out everything you bring in.
When to go
- January
- February
- March: best month
- April: best month
- May: best month
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October: best month
- November: best month
- December
WanderRank Scores
Daily Cost
$10 to $45
per day (food + transit)
Free camping available
Plus gas for the drive
Recommended Stay
2 to 6
days · moderate difficulty
Drive time from your airport
Avoid if
- Summer: June/July heat hits 100°F+ in lower elevations
- Flash flood season (monsoon July/August) can trap river crossings
- You need internet or cell service. This place has essentially none