Black Canyon Campground - Upper
02 reviewsBlack Canyon Campground - Upper
$3.00 - $8.00 / 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
Fees vary by reservation method ($8 online or app, $9 via contact center, and $3 in-person). Recreation Use fees apply to specific camping activities.
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About this campground
Escape to Black Canyon Campground - Upper, where the untamed beauty of Gila National Forest beckons adventurous souls seeking solitude. Nestled alongside a babbling mountain stream, this secluded haven rewards those willing to navigate Forest Road 150 with their high-clearance 4x4 vehicles. Here, far from the crowds, you'll discover what camping truly means—just you, the wilderness, and the gentle symphony of flowing water.
The campground provides primitive camping opportunities in a remote forest area. This environment is suitable for campers looking for a rugged experience.
Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms Black Canyon into a crystalline wonderland where crisp, freezing air fills your lungs with pure mountain freshness. The cold season brings its own quiet magic—delicate dustings of snow occasionally grace the landscape while moderate breezes whisper through the pines. With minimal precipitation and refreshingly dry conditions, the weather creates perfect conditions for cozy campfire gatherings and star-filled nights that seem to stretch forever.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where nature reigns supreme. Towering conifers create a natural cathedral above your campsite, while the rugged terrain tells ancient stories written in stone and soil. The small stream that threads through the canyon provides both a soothing soundtrack and a lifeline for the diverse wildlife that calls this remote corner of the forest home. Every direction offers a new vista of untamed wilderness waiting to be explored.
Geological RegionDeep within the heart of the Gila National Forest, Black Canyon reveals the raw beauty of New Mexico's backcountry. This remote sanctuary showcases nature's artistry through dramatic terrain carved by time and water. Small streams have sculpted their way through the rugged landscape over millennia, creating intimate canyons and peaceful pools that offer glimpses into the Earth's geological story. Here, the forest feels primeval and untouched, a true wilderness experience for those seeking authentic connection with the natural world.
Campsite details
Total Campsites0 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Stay limit not specified.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Guests per site not specified.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe upper campground is the first area visible from the entrance road.
Open and Closed SeasonSeasonality not explicitly stated.
Reservation PlatformsNot reservable; first-come, first-serve.
Walk-in AvailabilityCampground is first-come, first-serve as reservations are not allowed.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit of the first night's fees if canceled late.
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at the campground are not explicitly detailed in the source material. However, its remote and less-visited nature suggests opportunities for solitude and nature immersion.
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsAccess road FR150 is rough and recommended for high-clearance 4x4 vehicles.
Weather forecast
83
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 21%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
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
Good to know
Proximity to water featuresSmall stream next to the campground.
Common complaints"Pretty rough to get to by car or truck" - Anthony (2019).
Campground Map
Driving directionsThe campground is located off FR150 (North Star Road) approximately 30 miles from the Wilderness Ranger District offices and approximately 40 miles from Mimbres, NM.
Accessible via Forest Road 150 (North Star Road). The forest recommends high-clearance 4x4 vehicles on FR150.Nearby places
Mimbres, NM - 40 miles
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Black Canyon Campground - Upper has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground has an overall sentiment rating of 2.0. Reviews suggest mixed experiences, with some appreciating its quiet and remote setting, while others noted challenges with accessibility.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
"Small quiet campground next to a small stream" as described by a user suggests a tranquil environment.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
One review mentioned that Google Maps inaccurately shows the campground as closed.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend ensuring vehicle suitability for Forest Road 150 due to rough conditions.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Small quiet campground next to a small stream. Pretty rough to get to by car or truck." - Anthony; "Google maps say this beautiful campground is closed. It is open." - David Morris.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025