This free dispersed camping area sits along a narrow, rocky forest road before reaching Bear Mountain's summit. Campers access the four to five sites via Road 4242D, which requires careful navigation due to low-hanging trees and tight clearances. anneliese notes "A narrow, rocky road with some low-hanging trees" that allowed their Sprinter van to pass but required attention.
The sites spread along the road at approximately 7,500 feet elevation, with the best spot located where the road dead-ends. This final site offers more open space compared to the others. Forest cover provides shelter but limits direct sunlight throughout much of the day. A small brown sign marks the entrance, though the location doesn't appear on most maps and sits away from the coordinates commonly listed online.
Cell service reaches the area, with Verizon users reporting two bars of coverage. The elevation provides cooler temperatures during summer months compared to lower desert areas. Road conditions discourage casual visitors, resulting in fewer crowds. Past campers have encountered litter including broken glass, so checking sites before setup helps avoid hazards.
For additional camping options in the region, campers can explore places to camp around Silver City. The nearby Bear Mountain Camp provides another close option. Pack out all trash and bring a first aid kit for glass cleanup if needed.
Description
The majority of campgrounds on the Gila National Forest are primitive and offer dispersed camping. You may camp outside of developed campgrounds anywhere on the Forest at no charge. The Gila National Forest implemented Travel Management and we recommend you stop in to one of our six ranger stations and pick up travel management maps so that you are aware where vehicles are and are not permitted. Potable water, toilets, and other amenities are not generally available. If you choose to camp outside developed areas, be sure to bring adequate water or be prepared to purify any water source before drinking. No permits are required to camp in wilderness areas. The Gila National Forest has a 14-day stay limit, in any 30 day period, on all camping. Areas designated as “Day Use Only” are limited to posted hours, no overnight use.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingBear Mountain is located in New Mexico
Coordinates
32.83018542 N
108.36225782 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Bear Mountain needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 56 min from Las Cruces, NM
- 2 hrs 38 min from El Paso, TX
- 3 hrs from Sierra Vista, AZ
- 3 hrs 2 min from Tucson, AZ
