Cherry Creek Campground
4.5841 reviews3005 E Camino del Bosque Silver City, NM 88061
Cherry 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
There are no fees for use. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
About this campground
Nestled within the embrace of towering conifers and whispering deciduous trees, Cherry Creek Campground offers adventurers a genuine back-to-nature experience without the price tag. This intimate Forest Service gem invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the wilderness, where crackling campfires cast dancing shadows on ancient tree trunks and the simple pleasures of picnic table conversations under starlit skies become the evening's entertainment.
Cherry Creek Campground provides free, first-come, first-served camping options suitable for tents, small RVs, and pop-ups. Group camping is possible, though there are no designated group sites.
Historical SignificanceYour journey to Cherry Creek follows the legendary Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway, a route steeped in centuries of human stories. Ancient pueblos dot the surrounding landscape, their weathered stones whispering tales of the indigenous peoples who first called these mountains home. Each twist of the scenic byway reveals layers of history, from ancient trading paths to the footsteps of Spanish explorers, making your camping experience part of a much larger narrative.
Weather and SeasonsPerched at 6,800 feet, Cherry Creek transforms with the seasons like a living canvas. Summer brings refreshingly cool mountain air that offers sweet relief from desert heat below, while winter drapes the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for the hardy souls who venture here. Spring visitors should pack rain gear and watch for dramatic afternoon storms that can send flash floods tumbling through nearby washes, while autumn rewards campers with crisp nights perfect for stargazing.
ElevationAt nearly 7,000 feet above sea level, Cherry Creek Campground exists in that magical elevation where the air feels lighter and the stars seem closer. Here, summer temperatures rarely climb above the comfortable 70s, while nights require cozy sleeping bags even in July. The thin mountain air carries the scent of pine resin and wildflowers, and on clear mornings, you'll wake to sweeping vistas that stretch across multiple mountain ranges, reminding you just how high you've climbed.
Natural Features and SceneryNature puts on a year-round show at Cherry Creek, where each season brings its own spectacular performance. Spring carpets the forest floor with delicate wildflowers, while summer provides a lush green canopy overhead. But it's autumn that truly steals the show – golden aspens shimmer like coins in the breeze, rusty oaks add warm bronze tones, and bright red sumac creates firework bursts of color against the evergreen backdrop. The dense mixed conifer forest creates natural cathedral spaces, perfect for quiet contemplation or woodland exploration.
Geological RegionDeep within the Gila National Forest, Cherry Creek Campground sits at the intersection of ancient geological forces and modern natural beauty. The surrounding landscape tells a story written in stone and forest, where volcanic activity and erosion have sculpted dramatic ridges and peaceful valleys. This pristine pocket of wilderness along the Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway showcases the remarkable diversity of Southwest mountain ecosystems, from towering ponderosa pines to delicate meadow flowers that bloom in protected glades.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information on accessibility features is provided.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, generally suitable for tents and smaller RVs (up to 17 feet).
Sites PrivacySites are noted to be well-spaced, offering a decent level of privacy. However, some user reviews mention that the proximity to other campers can vary.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUsers recommend scouting sites for level ground and accessibility before parking.
Best CampsitesSite #1 is commonly noted as the best site by user reviews.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14-day consecutive stay limit applies.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Various user reviews suggest site capacity for tents and smaller RVs within approximately 15-22ft.
Groups
While group camping is possible, there are no specific group sites or details on vehicle limits per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSmall layout with limited sites near a winding forest road in wooded areas. Sites are spaced apart.
Open and Closed SeasonYear-round, but subject to occasional closures in winter due to ice buildup.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability with limited sites. Users recommend arriving early to secure a spot.
Cancellation PolicyAs reservations are not required, cancellations do not apply.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Cherry Creek Campground offers a range of outdoor activities that cater to nature enthusiasts and those seeking a quiet retreat. Activities include hiking, wildlife viewing, and mountain biking.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include trails that start at the campground, with routes winding through the mountains and along a seasonal creek. One user stated, 'Our favorite hike starts at this campground. Beautiful and shady, it follows the creek through the mountains.'Biking
Mountain biking is noted as an available activity, with trails suitable for this recreational option.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with reports of hummingbirds, javelinas, and even butterflies enriching the camping experience. One user shared, 'Lots of butterflies and squirrel,' and another noted the presence of a small pack of javelinas.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities like snowshoeing or ice fishing are mentioned, though the campground is generally open year-round except during unsafe winter conditions such as heavy ice buildup.Water Sports
No water sports activities like kayaking or canoeing are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfire rings are available; users must bring their own firewood.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include poison ivy, flash floods during heavy rain, and occasional wildlife encounters like javelinas and bears.
Active alertsWinter closures due to ice buildup may occur.
Weather forecast
82
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 19%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 11.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Silver City Ranger District (address: 3005 E Camino del Bosque, Silver City, NM 88061; phone: 575-388-8201) provides supervisory services.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThe campground provides bear-proof trash receptacles for waste disposal. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresSeasonal creek runs through the campground but is often dry.
Common complaintsVault toilets can smell unpleasant. Roads are rough and parking is limited. Creek is often dry.
HostRangers check in regularly, especially during periods of fire danger.
Campground Map
3005 E Camino del Bosque Silver City, NM 88061
Driving directionsFrom Silver City, follow New Mexico Highway 15 approximately 14 miles. The campground is located on the east side of Highway 15.
Road access is somewhat bumpy and wet as noted by user reviews. RVs are limited to 17 feet due to tight spaces and road conditions.Nearby places
Silver City: 14 miles (~30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Silver City has grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants. Campground users are advised to bring water and firewood.
Camper Reviews
4.6
41 reviews
Cherry Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the serene environment, spacious sites, and cleanliness of facilities. Positive aspects include the peaceful setting, abundance of trees, and well-maintained vault toilets. Some users noted issues such as the lack of potable water, occasional bear or javelina sightings, and road conditions.
Review Summaries
Based on 41 reviews
What Campers Love
- Free camping
- Clean and well-maintained vault toilets
- Spacious and shaded campsites
- Proximity to hiking trails and scenic views
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- Bear-proof trash receptacles
Based on 41 reviewsCommon Concerns
- Lack of potable water on-site
- No electricity or water hookups
- Small campsite sizes not ideal for large RVs or trailers
- Occasional odor from vault toilets
- Reports of bears and javelinas in...
Based on 41 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring your own water and firewood (if wood fires are permitted at the time of your visit).
- Arrive early to secure a site, especially during peak seasons.
- Be prepared for wildlife, including...
Based on 41 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring: Visitors appreciate the blooming wildflowers and cool weather. Summer: Popular for its shaded sites and escape from the heat. Autumn: Colorful foliage makes this season a favorite for scenic...
Based on 41 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Great campsite. No fee. Bathrooms were clean and well stocked.'
2. 'The snorting was from a small pack (4 or 5) of javelinas. They generally just ignore you.'
3. 'No drinking water is available,...
Based on 41 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #1 is noted as the best spot by one reviewer: 'I went straight to #1 at Cherry Creek, the best site IMO.'
Based on 41 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific user reviews explicitly address accessibility features.
Based on 41 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome but must be leashed. No specific issues or highlights about pets from user reviews.
Based on 41 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025