Apache Creek Campground
4.6724 reviews5 Smokey Bear Circle, P.O. Box 170, Reserve, NM 87830
Apache Creek Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No fee for use.
About this campground
Escape to Apache Creek Campground, where time slows down beneath a cathedral of towering Ponderosa pines in the Gila National Forest's pristine northwest corner. This rustic hideaway offers an authentic back-to-nature experience, where the only sounds you'll hear are birdsong and wind whispering through ancient trees. Once home to hardworking Civilian Conservation Corps crews, today's visitors find solace in its quiet, clean sites scattered through well-shaded groves. Wildlife roams freely here—don't be surprised to spot deer at dawn or hear elk bugling in the distance.
Apache Creek Campground is a first-come, first-serve, free campground that caters to both tent and RV campers. It is primitive and offers no modern hookups or conveniences.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at this former Civilian Conservation Corps camp, where the ghosts of America's Great Depression-era workers left their mark on the landscape. Stone foundations and carefully crafted rockwork peek through the forest floor, telling silent stories of young men who built America's outdoor legacy. A nearby trail beckons history buffs to discover ancient pictographs—mysterious messages from indigenous peoples who called these mountains home long before any campground existed.
Weather and SeasonsApache Creek's weather dances between seasons with the grace of mountain rhythms. Summer days bring gentle warmth perfect for hiking, while crisp winter nights invite cozy campfires and stargazing through crystal-clear skies. When monsoon season arrives, dramatic afternoon thunderstorms transform the landscape—creating temporary pools that mirror the sky and turning dusty roads into muddy adventures. Visitors during these rainy spells often remark on the unexpected lushness, with some playfully comparing the verdant, water-kissed scenery to tropical Florida.
ElevationPerched at 6,431 feet above sea level, Apache Creek Campground offers a natural air conditioning system courtesy of Mother Nature. This mile-high retreat provides welcome relief from desert heat, where cool mountain breezes carry the vanilla scent of Ponderosa bark and temperatures drop delightfully after sunset. The elevation creates perfect conditions for those towering pines and ensures comfortable camping even during summer's peak.
Natural Features and SceneryWander through what feels like nature's own cathedral, where massive Ponderosa pines stretch skyward alongside ancient junipers in park-like groves. Apache Creek itself adds a liquid soundtrack to your stay, flowing seasonally but maintaining marshy sanctuaries year-round that act as magnets for wildlife. These wetland pockets burst with life—watch for tracks in the mud, listen for frog choruses at twilight, and keep your camera ready for the parade of birds, mammals, and butterflies that call this diverse ecosystem home.
Geological RegionTucked into the northwest reaches of the legendary Gila National Forest, Apache Creek Campground showcases the region's signature landscape—a perfect blend of rugged Southwest geology softened by park-like stands of majestic conifers. Here, ancient volcanic activity and millions of years of erosion created the rolling terrain now cloaked in Ponderosa pine and juniper forests, offering campers a front-row seat to one of New Mexico's most enchanting geological theaters.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe vault toilet is wheelchair accessible. There are no additional accessibility features explicitly mentioned for the campground.
Sites SizeCampsites are generously spaced and can accommodate multiple RVs or tents. Sites are described as spacious and capable of fitting multiple setups.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites provide a good degree of privacy due to their spacing and the surrounding forest. They are not clustered together, creating a sense of seclusion.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive early to secure sites with gazebos, as these fill quickly. Flat and spacious sites recommended for privacy.
Best Campsites3 of the 10 sites have gazebos, which are popular among campers.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- First-come, first-serve
- no specified check-in time.
Check-out
- 14-day stay limit enforced
- no specified check-out time.
Stay Limit
14-day stay limit applies.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites generously spaced out and set among mature trees. Dirt parking aprons are irregular in shape.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable for reservations; contact phone number for rental information is 575-388-8201.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-serve, and free camping with 14-day limits.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not applicable as this campground is first-come, first-serve.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers opportunities for relaxing in a serene forest setting and engaging in day hikes and wildlife viewing. There is also a nearby trail to historic petroglyphs, which adds an educational and cultural dimension to the visit.
Hiking
There is a one-mile, foot-only trail developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps that leads to historic petroglyphs. The trail is close to the campground and offers an opportunity for cultural exploration.Wildlife viewing
The campground is home to abundant wildlife, including deer and elk. Visitors have reported sightings of female elk with calves and many deer around the area. Wildlife viewing can be a highlight of the camping experience.Cultural and Educational Programs
Visitors can explore the nearby CCC-developed trail to view historic petroglyphs, which offers a cultural and educational experience.Winter Activities
None mentioned.Water Sports
None mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires permitted in provided fire rings. High fire safety due to ring design.
- Quiet hours are No specific hours indicated.
Hazards
General hazardsFrequent mosquito activity due to nearby Tularosa River and marshy areas. Users note the fire rings may have high sides, complicating grilling.
Active alertsCampground will be closed June 27–28, 2025 for Catron County Community 3-D Archery Shoot.
Weather forecast
82
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 21%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 19.8 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services located at Reserve Ranger District: Phone (575) 533-6232.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThere are no trash or recycling facilities at this campground. Campers must pack out all garbage and dispose of it responsibly elsewhere.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Apache Creek and seasonal marshy areas that attract diverse wildlife.
Common complaintsMosquitoes are a nuisance, especially during monsoon season. Muddy campground roads during rain have been reported.
HostNo campground host available; restroom cleaning service is noted.
Campground Map
5 Smokey Bear Circle, P.O. Box 170, Reserve, NM 87830
Driving directionsIn Reserve, NM, at the intersection of State Rts. 12 and 435, take Rt. 12 east 12.1 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign onto a dirt road and go 0.3 miles to campground on left.
Short drive from pavement on an improved dirt road with a few overhanging limbs that were easy to navigate.Nearby places
Reserve, NM (12 miles, approximately 15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Apache Creek Store offers limited groceries and other services for campers, located 0.5 miles away on Route 12.
Camper Reviews
4.7
24 reviews
Apache Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Apache Creek Campground as a peaceful and scenic destination with spacious campsites, abundant wildlife, and mature ponderosa pines. While the campground's lack of amenities is noted, this is often regarded as part of its rustic charm. A few concerns include mosquitoes in summer and muddy conditions during rainy weather.
Review Summaries
Based on 24 reviews
What Campers Love
- 'Spacious campsites surrounded by towering ponderosa pines.' - 'Clean and well-maintained vault toilet.' - 'Abundant wildlife, including elk and deer.' - 'Proximity to a trail leading to historic...
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Common Concerns
- 'No potable water is available; you need to bring your own.' - 'Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially after monsoon rains.' - 'Roads within the campground can become muddy and difficult to...
Based on 24 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring plenty of potable water and mosquito repellent. - Arrive early to secure a site, especially those with gazebos. - Be prepared for muddy conditions if it has rained recently. - Pack out all...
Based on 24 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring and fall are the most popular seasons due to mild temperatures and fewer mosquitoes. Summer can bring mosquitoes due to standing water, and the monsoon season can make the roads muddy. Winter...
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Camper Quotes
- 'A quiet, pretty campground with wide open spaces and towering pines.' - 'The most distinctive feature were the huge, stately ponderosas.' - 'Driving past the campground, we saw many animal...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Sites with gazebos are particularly popular and fill up quickly. Reviewers have also noted that most campsites are spacious and well-shaded.
Based on 24 reviewsAccessibility Features
The vault toilet is wheelchair accessible, but no additional comments on accessibility were provided.
Based on 24 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed. No specific reviews about pet experiences were noted.
Based on 24 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025