Black Canyon Campground - Upper

Where rugged adventure meets serene tranquility, Black Canyon Campground - Upper in Silver City, New Mexico, offers a remote, off-the-grid camping experience in the enchanting Gila National Forest. Accessible via Forest Road 150 (North Star Road), this campground requires high-clearance, 4x4 vehicles for entry, enhancing its isolation and appeal for adventurous travelers. Immersed in a landscape of pine and juniper trees, the campground's natural beauty provides a peaceful backdrop with proximity to iconic attractions like the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument and the Catwalk National Recreation Trail, both within a reasonable drive.

The campground features a mix of primitive amenities, including pit toilets and nearby stream water that requires treatment, encouraging a true connection with nature. Sites are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, catering to spontaneous explorers. While there are no reservations, fees, or on-site services like garbage disposal, campers are rewarded with pristine surroundings ideal for birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and mountain biking along low-traffic roads.

Situated approximately 30 miles from the Wilderness Ranger District offices and about 40 miles from Mimbres, the campground's location provides easy access to the charming local store in Mimbres for last-minute supplies. Moreover, its position within the Gila National Forest places campers amidst some of New Mexico’s most stunning wilderness, offering an authentic escape where self-sufficiency and natural immersion reign supreme.