McMillan Campground, Silver City, NM

Silver City Ranger District, Gila National Forest

Gila National Forest

Free Camping Near Silver City, NM

This is a free, developed campground offered by Gila National Forest. It's located in a canyon about 14 miles north of Silver City, NM along Highway 15. It's small with only three (3) campsites, and these sites are small, suitable only for cars, vans, pickup trucks, and small trailers.

Authority

District Office

Tel: (575) 388-8201

Official campground webpage

Particulars

GPS: 32.9248, -108.2141

Elevation: 7,051 feet

Reservations: First come, first served

Camping Fee: None

Permit: None

Max stay: 14 days in a 45-day stay

Amenities: Picnic tables, vault toilet, fire rings, trash cans,

Submitted by

Admin Staff

Admin Staff

Boondocker's Bible

Camping at McMillan Campground

McMillan Campground is in a riparian area surrounded by tall conifers. Since it is a small area it makes it more private for either a picnic or for camping. Cherry Creek runs in front of the campground and when it carries water makes a great splashing place for kids. This campground is cool in the summer time and very scenic in the fall. The dark green of the evergreens, golden aspen, rustic scrub oaks, coupled with the bright red of sumac vines make for wonderful fall colors.

During heavy rains, this campground will flood from Cherry Creek running through it. The road into this campground actually runs through the creek, and when the creek rises, you may not be able to get out.

This area is also fraught with wildlife, particularly deer and packs of javelina. There are also black bear and mountain lions. At night, you can sit by a campfire and listen to owls.

No wood available in the area. You will either have to bring wood from somewhere else or you can use charcoal or propane. Silver City is the closest town with all the amenities. There are several grocery stores, gas stations and restaurants available. The town is big enough to offer anything needed.

Other Campsites Within 20 Miles Radius

Associated Documents

Gila National Forest Order 03-06-00-23-004, Occupancy rules, maximum camping limits, (eff: May 19, 2023, term: May 18, 2025)
Motor Vehicle Use Map, Silver City Ranger District & Big Burro Moutains, Illustrates dispersed camping restrictions & OHV restrictions, (eff: January 1, 2023)
Motor Vehicle Use Map, Black Range, Wilderness, & Silver City Ranger Districts, Page 2, Illustrates dispersed camping restrictions & OHV restrictions, (eff: January 1, 2023)
Motor Vehicle Use Map, Black Range, Wilderness, & Silver City Ranger Districts, Page 1, Illustrates dispersed camping restrictions & OHV restrictions, (eff: January 1, 2023)

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