Free Lower Black Canyon NM Boondocking Location
| ADDRESS |
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| Mimbres, New Mexico GPS: 33.182571, -108.034767 Elevation: 6810′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Forest Service (USDA) (Official) Please be advised – the district recommends high-clearance 4×4 vehicles on FR 150. This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
The road into Lower Black Canyon NM boondocking location is dirt. Black Canyon – Lower is open year-round. There are 30 or more campsites at this location. Located in a remote area of forest approximately 30 miles from the Wilderness Ranger District office. This campground is accessible from FR 150, and driving approximately .5 miles from the road, across the stream. You will enter an area with a newer vault toilet and a beautiful meadow next to the stream. Pack it in and pack it out. No garbage pickup. No designated campsites.
30 miles from Wilderness Ranger District office. Take Hwy 35 to MM15 to FR150. Turn right & travel 26 miles over a improved dirt & rock road to Black Canyon Campground. Turn left & travel .5 miles, over a steep stream crossing to the Lower Campground.
Please be advised – the district recommends high-clearance 4×4 vehicles on FR 150.
About This Location
If you’re hunting for a quiet, out-of-the-way place to boondock in New Mexico, Lower Black Canyon is a solid pick. This spot offers free camping inside the Gila National Forest, about 30 miles from the Wilderness Ranger District office, and you’ll get there by navigating dirt and rocky roads.
You’ll be tucked away in forest and wilderness, which is honestly a relief if you’re tired of packed campgrounds. Getting there isn’t just a drive—it takes a bit of planning, since those access roads can get pretty rough.
It’s smart to bring the right gear and enough supplies. I’d recommend checking out some basics on Amazon or wherever you prefer, just to make your stay more comfortable.
Whether you’re itching to relax or hit some trails, Lower Black Canyon gives you a stripped-down, off-grid experience.
Location And Access
Lower Black Canyon sits in New Mexico, within the Gila National Forest. It’s about 30 miles from the Wilderness Ranger District office, surrounded by nothing but forest and wilderness.
Forest Road 150 (FR150) takes you in. The road cuts through mostly natural terrain, so keep your eyes open and drive slow—some stretches get pretty rough.
If you’re coming from bigger cities, here’s the rundown:
- Las Cruces: About 70 miles south
- Albuquerque: Roughly 150 miles northeast
- Capitan: Around 90 miles east
You can also get there via Highway 90. Heading north, you’ll pass through a mix of desert flats and rolling hills.
Closest towns for supplies? Lordsburg and Silver City, both less than an hour out. Some access roads aren’t friendly for every vehicle, so plan ahead.
At the site, you’ll spot basic amenities—vault toilets and a few picnic areas. You won’t find hookups or developed campsites, which is perfect for boondocking and those who like to camp self-sufficiently.
Directions
Start at the Wilderness Ranger District office if you’re heading to Lower Black Canyon. Drive about 30 miles on Highway 35.
At mile marker 15, turn onto Forest Road 150 (FR150). Free Keep going for another 26 miles. The road twists through forested stretches, so take it slow.
You won’t see big signs for the campsite. Instead, look for natural clearings along FR150—those are your dispersed camping spots.
If you’re coming from Silver City or nearby, you can use US-180 and NM-152 to connect to local roads that lead in. Some of these roads don’t have services, so make sure you’ve got enough fuel and supplies before you set out.
There’s no garbage pickup here. Bring trash bags and pack out everything you bring in. Let’s not leave a mess for the next folks.
Amenities And Activities
Lower Black Canyon offers dispersed camping and boondocking. You won’t find electrical hookups or water, so come prepared with your own water and maybe a generator or solar setup.
The area works for truck campers, Class A RVs under 32 feet, and tents. You’ll spot a few picnic tables and restrooms, but honestly, it’s pretty undeveloped.
Tall juniper and ponderosa pine trees give some shade and a natural vibe. There are hiking trails and rock formations nearby if you’re up for exploring.
Wildlife? Definitely. You might even see wild horses wandering around. There’s also a trailhead if you want more hiking or some biking.
Since it’s a dry camp area, you have to pack out all your trash and stick to the Leave No Trace rules. Gas is available at the last stop before the canyon—don’t forget to fill up.
If you want quiet, off-grid camping and easy access to nature, this spot’s a good bet. It’s simple, natural, and not full of frills.
Camping Regulations And Restrictions
Camping at Lower Black Canyon means following some rules to keep the wilderness intact. Since it’s part of the Gila National Forest, you’ll need to respect a few regulations.
Camp only in designated areas to avoid damaging plants and soil. During dry spells, campfires might be banned to prevent wildfires—always check current fire rules before you light anything.
You can usually stay for up to 14 days in a 30-day period. That way, everyone gets a shot at the spot.
Pack out your trash and leave no trace of your visit.
Lower Black Canyon sits near other wilderness areas in Cibola and Lincoln National Forests, which have similar rules—quiet hours, fire restrictions, and waste disposal.
Key rules to keep in mind:
- Stick to existing campsites
- Don’t cut live trees or pick plants
- Use portable stoves if fire risk is high
- Keep noise down, especially at night
- Store food safely to keep wildlife away
These guidelines help protect the beauty and safety of Lower Black Canyon and make sure everyone has a good experience out there.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
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| Near Water Picnic Tables Restrooms |
Hiking Wildlife Viewing |
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