Grapevine Campsite Gila Hot Springs NM
Boondocking Location
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Gila Hot Springs, New Mexico GPS: 33.178993, -108.204735 Elevation: 5578′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Forest Service (USDA) (Official) 575-536-2250 This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
Grapevine Campsite Gila Hot Springs NM boondocking location: The road in is Gravel and 0.1 miles from a paved road. Grapevine Campground is open Year round. There are 16-29 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is none. You may stay 15 days at Grapevine Campground.
This free Gila National Forest (Southwest New Mexico) campground is located on the banks of the Gila River and has beautiful cliffs serving as a natural backdrop. The campground is located 40 miles north of Silver City on NM Hwy 15.
The Grapevine Campsite is named for an actual old grapevine that can be seen today. Today there is a large chain around it to protect it. The East, West and Middle Forks of the Gila River come together near this campground. No reservations taken. All on a first come, first serve basis.
Inexpensive showers, amenities, facilities, hot springs, and more are available at nearby Gila Hot Springs Ranch in Hot Springs, NM for $2. You can also take a dip in the hot springs.
About This Location
Looking for a peaceful place to camp near Gila Hot Springs? The Grapevine area gives you free dispersed camping right along the Gila River. You can boondock at Grapevine Campsite Gila Hot Springs NM boondocking location without paying a dime, and you’ll have easy access to natural gems like the Gila Cliff Dwellings. If you’re craving an off-grid camping trip and want to skip the usual campground hassle, this spot is worth a look.
You’ll spot the Grapevine Campsite Gila Hot Springs NM boondocking location off NM 159 and North Star Mesa Road. Just pull in and set up camp surrounded by nature. Since it’s dispersed camping, you’ve got to bring your own water and everything else you’ll need. Honestly, it’s smart to check the weather and river conditions before you head out—things can change fast out there.
Location And Access
The Grapevine Campsite Gila Hot Springs NM boondocking location sits in southern New Mexico, tucked near the Gila River floodplain and close to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. It’s roughly 40 miles north of Silver City.
To get to Grapevine Campsite Gila Hot Springs NM boondocking location, start in Silver City, take US-180 east, then NM-152 east, and turn onto Meadow Creek Road. You’ll pass by several dispersed camping spots, including Grapevine Campground.
The campground’s near 144 West Fork Road, Mimbres, NM. Gila National Forest used to manage this area, but now it’s open for free camping. No fees, but don’t expect any formal facilities.
Some roads out here can get rough or narrow, so it helps to have a vehicle with decent clearance. Weather and river conditions can impact your trip, especially if flooding rolls in.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Gila Cliff Dwellings, NM |
| Distance from Silver City | About 40 miles north |
| Access Roads | US-180, NM-152, Meadow Creek Rd |
| Camping Type | Dispersed, free camping |
| Vehicle Recommendation | High clearance advised |
Bring everything you need—there aren’t any services nearby. If you’re after a quiet, natural place to camp, it’s tough to beat.
Directions: How To Get There And What To Expect
Head for Highway 15 to reach Grapevine Campsite Gila Hot Springs NM boondocking location. Right before mile marker 39, look for a business sign and turn onto Access Road.
Follow Access Road and you’ll get closer to the hot springs. Coming from the Gila Cliff Dwellings? Take Highway 15 and drive about 14 miles. The campground and boondocking area are right in the neighborhood.
Expect a pretty barebones camping setup. The Grapevine Campsite Gila Hot Springs NM boondocking location is strictly dispersed camping, so you won’t find water, electricity, or any of the usual campground perks. It’s free, but you need to show up prepared.
The surroundings are quiet and wild, right in the Gila National Forest. You’ll be roughing it—primitive camping is the name of the game. If you want to camp near natural hot springs without spending money, this is your jam.
Key points to remember:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Turn off Highway 15 | Right turn near mile marker 39 |
| Follow Access Road | Look for business signs |
| Distance from cliff dwellings | About 14 miles on Highway 15 |
| Camping type | Dispersed, no amenities |
| Costs | Free camping |
Check if your vehicle can handle dirt or gravel roads—conditions can be unpredictable. Make a plan for your water and food before you go.
Amenities And Activities
At Grapevine Campsite Gila Hot Springs NM boondocking location, you get a no-frills, free campground. There aren’t electrical hookups or water, just a spot for basic boondocking and tent camping in the wild.
The Gila Hot Springs Ranch is nearby if you want more comfort—they’ve got RV spaces, a few rental apartments, and hot springs pools for soaking.
You can hike the area, and the famous Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is just a few miles up the road. The trails give you a chance to check out ancient homes built right into the cliffs.
Bring your camera for river photography or just wander and enjoy the landscape. Grapevine Campsite Gila Hot Springs NM boondocking location’s a solid spot for wildlife watching or if you just want some quiet time outside.
| Amenity | Details |
|---|---|
| Camping | Free, no hookups |
| Nearby lodging | RV sites & apartments at Ranch |
| Hot springs access | At nearby Ranch |
| Hiking | Trails near cliff dwellings |
| Activities | Photography, wildlife viewing |
Camping Regulations And Restrictions
Only bring passenger vehicles or small RVs when camping at Grapevine Campsite Gila Hot Springs NM boondocking location. The roads and campsites just aren’t built for big rigs or large trailers.
Since it’s not an official campground anymore, you won’t find water, restrooms, or trash service. Pack in everything you need and pack out all your trash.
You can camp here up to 14 days within any 30-day period. That’s the rule to help protect the environment and keep the space open for others. You don’t need a permit.
Set up camp only in designated spots along the forest roads or near the river. Don’t trample plants or mess with wildlife habitats when you pick your site.
Stick to forest rules. If fires are allowed, keep them small and safe. Always check for fire restrictions before lighting up. Respecting the place keeps it open for everyone.
Leave No Trace
When you’re camping at Grapevine Campsite Gila Hot Springs NM boondocking location, it’s honestly important to stick to the Leave No Trace principles. These aren’t just rules—they’re how we keep the place wild and welcoming for everyone.
Pack out every bit of your trash. Seriously, don’t leave anything behind—not even that tiny gum wrapper or a cigarette butt. It adds up fast.
If you want a fire, use the fire rings that are already there. Build small fires, keep an eye on them, and don’t walk away until you’re sure they’re totally out. No one wants to be responsible for a mess or, worse, a wildfire.
Try not to mess with plants, animals, or any cool rocks and features you find. Just stick to the roads and trails that already exist—wandering off can really hurt the land, even if it doesn’t seem like it.
When nature calls, dig a hole at least 6-8 inches deep and make sure you’re 200 feet or more from any water or campsites. It’s not glamorous, but it keeps things clean for everyone.
Be mindful of noise, especially at night. Keeping things quiet helps wildlife feel safe and lets other campers actually relax.
Here’s a quick checklist for Leave No Trace at Grapevine:
| Action | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Trash | Pack out everything |
| Fires | Use existing fire rings safely |
| Wildlife | Observe without disturbing |
| Human waste | Bury properly, 200 feet away |
| Noise | Keep quiet, respect others |
If we all pitch in and follow these, Grapevine Campsite Gila Hot Springs NM boondocking location stays beautiful and healthy. It’s really up to us, isn’t it?
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Fire Ring Restrooms |
RV Camping Tent Camping OHV Fishing Hiking Hunting Swimming Photography |
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