Lower Scorpion Campground
4.5011 reviewsnull
Lower Scorpion Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping is free of charge.
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Providernullgicl_information@nps.gov
About this campground
Discover the untamed beauty of Lower Scorpion Campground, where adventure meets ancient history just a stone's throw from the legendary Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. This rustic riverside retreat offers the perfect basecamp for explorers seeking authentic wilderness experiences without sacrificing essential amenities. Nestled less than a mile from the monument along scenic Highway 15, this free, first-come, first-served campground welcomes travelers with fresh drinking water, select sites featuring tables and grills, and convenient vault toilets. Here, the West Fork of the Gila River whispers stories of centuries past, inviting you to pitch your tent where ancient peoples once roamed.
The campground offers primitive camping opportunities and is suitable for tent camping. RV suitability is not explicitly mentioned.
Historical SignificanceStep into a living museum where every trail tells a story spanning millennia. The nearby Gila Cliff Dwellings serve as your gateway to understanding the Mogollon people who called these canyons home over 700 years ago. Follow ancient pathways to discover hidden pictographs painted on canyon walls and explore remarkably preserved two-room dwellings tucked into natural cave formations. These sacred sites offer profound connections to the past, where you can literally walk in the footsteps of ancient inhabitants and marvel at their architectural ingenuity.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic temperature swings that define high-desert camping at its finest. June days bring the warmth of summer sunshine, perfect for river explorations and cliff dwelling tours, but don't let the daytime heat fool you—desert nights can surprise even seasoned campers with temperatures plummeting to a crisp 35°F. Crystal-clear morning skies reward early risers with spectacular sunrises over the rocky landscape, while the cool air provides perfect conditions for that first cup of campfire coffee. Pack layers and prepare for Mother Nature's full repertoire of desert moods.
ElevationPerched in the heart of New Mexico's high-desert country, this campground offers the unique ecosystem found where rugged rocky cliffs meet riparian corridors. The desert landscape creates a natural amphitheater of stone, providing both shelter and stunning backdrops for your wilderness stay. This elevation zone supports a fascinating mix of desert and river habitats, creating unexpected oases in the arid Southwest.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where towering rocky cliffs frame the gentle flow of the West Fork Gila River, creating a dramatic canyon oasis in the high desert. This unique ecosystem harbors surprising biodiversity, from the curious native gourd buffalo plants that dot the landscape to the enchanting chorus of desert frogs that serenade campers through the night. The interplay of water and stone has sculpted a photographer's paradise, where golden hour light dances across canyon walls and the river reflects the ever-changing desert sky.
Geological RegionSituated in the remarkable confluence of the West Fork Gila River valley and the ancient volcanic landscape surrounding Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, this campground showcases millions of years of geological artistry. The high-desert terrain reveals layers of Earth's history written in stone, where erosion has carved spectacular rocky cliffs from ancient lava flows. This dynamic landscape continues to evolve, with the persistent Gila River sculpting new features while preserving the timeless beauty of this southwestern geological wonderland.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo explicit mention of accessibility features in the source materials.
Sites SizeNo specific details provided about campsite sizes.
Sites PrivacyNo specific details provided about the level of privacy at individual campsites.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near vault toilets and potable water may offer convenience. Sites near trails to historical landmarks provide easy access to activities.
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
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Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutPartially developed with tables and grills at select sites.
Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is exclusively first-come, first-served. No reservations accepted.
Cancellation PolicyCamping is first-come, first-served. No reservations or associated cancellation policies apply.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Lower Scorpion Campground provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring nearby petroglyphs and cliff dwellings.
Hiking
Multiple user reviews mention hiking trails in the vicinity, including 'Trail to the Past,' which features petroglyphs and a two-room dwelling. The trails are described as short but rewarding.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities are mentioned in user reviews. One user noted, 'Saw wildlife while we were there.'Winter Activities
No specific winter activities mentioned.Water Sports
No specific non-motorized water sports mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed in designated fire pits.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsVisitors should exercise caution with native flora, including 'small watermelon-like plants,' which are poisonous.
Active alertsGila Cliff Dwellings are currently inaccessible due to the Trout Wildland Fire. Road closures are in effect for public safety.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 19%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 2.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo trash service is available; campers must pack out what they bring in. Recycling details are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresWalking distance to the West Fork of the Gila River.
Common complaintsSome visitors wished for more marked trails leading off the campsite. Frogs are loud at night, which may disturb some campers.
HostThe campground host described in reviews as 'super friendly and knowledgeable.'
Campground Map
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Driving directionsLower Scorpion Campground directions and information are available at https://www.nps.gov/gicl/planyourvisit/camping.htm
Located just off NM State Highway 15, partially developed but accessible by road. Seasonal road closures may occur due to fires or other emergencies.Nearby places
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Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.5
11 reviews
Lower Scorpion Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Lower Scorpion Campground is well-received for its cleanliness, peaceful environment, and proximity to hiking trails with cultural and historical significance. Visitors appreciate the clean vault toilets and the presence of potable water, although the lack of trash service requires preparation. The campground's remote and natural setting is a highlight.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean vault toilets, availability of potable water, peaceful and remote environment, proximity to hiking trails and cultural sites.
Based on 11 reviewsCommon Concerns
Lack of trash service, loud frogs at night, limited marked trails, and potentially dangerous local plants.
Based on 11 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Be prepared to pack out your trash and bring a flashlight for evening use. Avoid eating the small watermelon-looking plants as they are harmful. Check for weather changes, as conditions can vary...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground experiences wide temperature variations: one reviewer noted daytime heat and nighttime lows of 35°F in June. Visitors are advised to prepare for changing weather conditions.
Based on 11 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Easy in and easy out. Not crowded, has vault toilets but no trash service, so be prepared to pack out what you bring in.' (Desiree Townsend, Aug 2019)
2. 'Great primitive campground 40 miles from...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific sites or areas aren't mentioned in detail within the user reviews.
Based on 11 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not discussed in the provided reviews.
Based on 11 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are not explicitly mentioned in the user reviews or official sources.
Based on 11 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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