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Head of the Ditch Campground
This campground features beautiful cliffs along the West Fork of the Gila River.
This campground is a great place to stop on the way to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument (15 miles north). Overnight camping is allowed in the upper portion of Forks; however, the lower portion of the Forks Recreation Site along the West Fork of the Gila River is day use only.
At a Glance
| Reservations: | First come - first serve. All Gila NF campgrounds have a 14-day stay limit. |
|---|---|
| Area Amenities: |
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| Fees: | No fee. |
| Usage: | Light |
| Restrictions: | Horses are prohibited in the campground, but there are corrals nearby at TJ Corral or Woody's Corral. OHVs and ATVs prohibited in the campground All firearm use, including hunting, is prohibited in the campground. Dogs on leash only. |
| Closest Towns: | Mimbres, NM (1 hour drive) Silver City, NM (2 hour drive) |
| Water: | None |
| Restroom: | Vault toilet |
| Information Center: | Wilderness Ranger District Phone: (575)536-2250 |
General Information
Directions:The Forks Campground is located approximately 40 miles north of Silver City on the east side of New Mexico Highway 15, just north of mile marker 38, and is located approximately 5 miles south of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.
General Notes:
Closest Stores:
Doc Campbell's General Store is about 4 miles south. Phones are available here. They also have gas, sell hunting and fishing licenses, and sell grocery items. Hot springs showers are available for a fee.
Tent Camping Notes
The ground is sandy. Please pack out trash and help keep the area beautiful.
Vehicle Notes
Steep road into lower section of recreation site. RV's are not recommended in this area.
Activities
Mountain Biking
The campground offers access to Forest Road 882 which is a very rough dirt road going east to the NM-Arizona border.
| Status: | Open |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
Campground Camping
There are many user defined campsites with user built rock fire pits.
| No. of Sites | 12 |
| Status: | Open |
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RV Camping
There are 3 developed sites suitable for self contained RV camping. No hookups or dumping station.
Maximum RV size is 24'.
| Status: | Open |
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Day Hiking
Forest Road 882 may be used for hiking. The terrain is hilly and scenic.
| Status: | Open |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level: | Easy to More Difficult |
Viewing Wildlife
There is a beaver dam on the creek running through the campground. Lewis' Woodpeckers have been observed in the Luna area.
| Status: | Open |
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