Bighorn Campground
4.0618 reviewsHwy 180 S, 18 Ranger Station Rd., P.O. Box 8 Glenwood, NM 88309
Bighorn 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
There is no fee for use of the campground.
About this campground
Nestled at the gateway to adventure, Bighorn Campground offers a perfect basecamp for exploring the wonders of southwestern New Mexico. This intimate, no-fee campground sits just a short stroll from the charming village of Glenwood and the legendary Catwalk National Recreation Area. Beneath the aromatic canopy of piñon and juniper trees, campers find respite in this high-desert oasis where a peaceful dry creek bed winds through the landscape, creating natural spaces for quiet contemplation and wildlife watching.
This is a small, primitive campground offering free camping with minimal facilities. It is mainly suitable for short stays.
Historical SignificanceStep into the pages of the Old West at Bighorn Campground, where history whispers through the canyons. The nearby Mogollon ghost town stands as a haunting reminder of the area's mining boom days, its weathered buildings telling tales of fortune seekers and frontier families. Just moments away, the famous Catwalk National Recreation Area preserves the engineering marvel that once carried water to ore mills, now transformed into a spectacular suspended walkway through a dramatic box canyon.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic dance of high-desert seasons at Bighorn, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Winter brings crisp mountain air and occasional dustings of snow that transform the piñons into frosted sentinels. As spring unfolds, wildflowers dot the hillsides under azure skies, while fall delivers golden afternoons perfect for hiking. Summer's intense warmth reminds visitors why the shaded campsites are so treasured, with cool mornings and evenings bookending the desert's midday embrace.
ElevationPerched at 4,757 feet in the transition zone between desert and mountain ecosystems, Bighorn Campground offers a refreshing escape from the heat of lower elevations. This sweet spot elevation delivers noticeably cooler temperatures than the valley floors below, while still maintaining the characteristic high-desert climate that makes southwestern camping so appealing. Here, the thin mountain air carries the scent of piñon pine and the promise of star-filled nights.
Natural Features and SceneryThe semi-arid landscape of Bighorn unfolds like a living canvas painted in earth tones and punctuated by the twisted forms of ancient piñon and juniper trees. Though the adjacent creek bed runs dry most of the year, it creates a natural corridor that draws mule deer at dawn and dusk, their graceful forms moving between the shadows. Overhead, ravens and red-tailed hawks ride the thermals, while smaller songbirds flit among the branches, filling the air with desert melodies.
Geological RegionBighorn Campground showcases the distinctive character of the Gila National Forest's piñon-juniper woodland ecosystem, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of rugged beauty. This transition zone between the Chihuahuan Desert and the Southern Rocky Mountains creates a unique environment where drought-adapted trees sink deep roots into rocky soils formed over millennia. The surrounding terrain tells a story written in stone, from volcanic remnants to sedimentary layers that speak of prehistoric seas and dramatic uplift.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo accessibility features are noted in the source material.
Sites SizeThe sites appear to be moderately sized, as noted by a user who commented that site #2 was suitable for their 32-ft trailer. Another user mentioned that larger rigs, such as a 36-ft motorhome, might face leveling issues.
Sites PrivacySites are somewhat spaced apart, providing some degree of privacy. A user noted 'good distance between spaces,' but as a small campground, privacy may still be limited.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid sites 4, 5, and 6 if tent camping due to fire ant infestations.
Best CampsitesSite 2 is recommended for larger rigs (32 ft trailers), as noted by user Judy Mccabe.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open for overnight use.
Check-out
Open for overnight use.
Stay Limit
14 days maximum
Guests Allowed Per Site
Limited to two vehicles per campsite.
Groups
Group camping is not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features six sites arranged close to the road, offering tables, fire pits, and grills at each location.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not applicable for this campground; however, inquiries can be made through Gila National Forest Supervisors Office at 575-388-8201.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, as reservations are not required.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not applicable as reservations are not required.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities for campers primarily include access to nearby outdoor attractions. The campground's proximity to Catwalk National Recreation Area is a major highlight, with hiking being the most notable activity.
Hiking
The campground is within a quarter-mile of the Catwalk National Recreation Area, making it ideal for hiking enthusiasts. Multiple users mentioned its convenience: 'Closest free campground to the Catwalk,' and 'Great Campsites !! 1/4 Mile from Catwalk National Monument.'Wildlife viewing
The area offers opportunities for bird watching and occasional wildlife sightings. A reviewer noted, 'Nice trees for shade next to a dry creekside and many birds to watch and hear. Saw deer too.'Winter Activities
Winter camping is possible, but one user remarked it as 'definitely a winter campground' due to limited shade.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned as part of the campground's offerings.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire rings are available at each site for campfires.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsSome sites (e.g., sites 4, 5, and 6) have significant fire ant infestations, as noted by campers. Lack of potable water and proximity to the highway might pose minor hazards for some visitors.
Active alertsNo active alerts were provided in the source materials.
Weather forecast
94
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 15%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
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
Glenwood Ranger District (0.1 miles, immediate vicinity); Gila Regional Medical Center in Silver City (65 miles, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes by car)
Good to know
Peak season datesThere is no distinct peak season as the campground operates year-round.
Trash and recyclingUser reviews indicate there are no garbage bins on-site, requiring campers to pack out their trash. Recycling services are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to a dry creekside.
Common complaintsNoise due to proximity to the highway, lack of potable water, no garbage bins, poor toilet conditions, and fire ant infestations in specific sites.
HostNo host information is available.
Campground Map
Hwy 180 S, 18 Ranger Station Rd., P.O. Box 8 Glenwood, NM 88309
Driving directionsThe campground is located at the north end of Glenwood, New Mexico, on the west side of the highway - watch for sign along the highway.
The campground is located along US Highway 180, making it easily accessible. Roads leading to the campground are paved, and there are no seasonal closures or challenging terrains stated.Nearby places
Glenwood (0.1 miles, approximately 2 minutes by walking)
Silver City (65 miles, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes by car)
Reserve (30 miles, approximately 35 minutes by car)
Nearby supplies
Glenwood Trading Post (0.1 miles, immediate vicinity)
Silver City (approximately 65 miles for a larger range of supplies)
Camper Reviews
4.1
18 reviews
Bighorn Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is described as free, basic, and conveniently located near the Catwalk National Recreation Area. Users appreciate its simplicity and proximity to outdoor activities. However, some complaints include road noise, limited shade, and poor toilet conditions.
Review Summaries
Based on 18 reviews
What Campers Love
Proximity to Catwalk National Recreation Area; free camping; shaded areas in certain sites; bird watching and occasional wildlife viewing; functional facilities such as fire pits and picnic tables.
Based on 18 reviewsCommon Concerns
Proximity to the road leading to traffic noise; lack of potable water; no garbage disposal; poor toilet maintenance; limited facilities for larger RVs due to leveling issues.
Based on 18 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early as there are only six sites, and it fills up quickly; be prepared to pack out trash; carry potable water; check for fire ant hills in certain sites.
Based on 18 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Fall and winter seasons seem to be favored due to cooler temperatures. Limited shade and summer heat may make warmer months less ideal. Winter was noted as a better fit by one user: 'Definitely a...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Great Campsites !! 1/4 Mile from Catwalk National Monument.' 2. 'Nice shady spaces with tables and fire rings.' 3. 'Basic campground, table, firepit and a grill.' 4. 'The Milky Way was visible...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #2 is recommended for RVs up to 32 ft. Sites 4, 5, and 6 have issues with fire ant hills, making tent camping uncomfortable.
Based on 18 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility concerns are not mentioned by users.
Based on 18 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but they must be leashed. Specific reviews on pet-related experiences are not provided.
Based on 18 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025