Map showing campground location near Mimbres, New Mexico

Camper submitted image from Railroad Canyon Campground

Railroad Canyon Campground

Within Gila National Forest, Railroad Canyon Campground operates as a small US Forest Service facility with just three to four sites tucked along a creek. The campground runs from April through November, accommodating RVs up to 17 feet and offering drive-in, walk-in, or boat-in access depending on water levels.

A creek flows behind each campsite, creating a natural backdrop that campers consistently mention in reviews. Large trees provide overhead cover across the flat camping spots, while vault toilets, fire pits, picnic tables, and trash service handle basic needs. The location sits close to the road, though reviewers note it offers more privacy than other nearby options like Iron Creek Campground and Upper Gallinas Campground.

Multiple trails branch out from the campground into wilderness areas, with a maintained path following the creek. Water levels can affect creek crossings during certain seasons. Teresa T. describes finding "trees, a decent hike on a maintained trail" at this compact spot. The campground often sees light use, with some visitors finding themselves as the only occupants during their stay.

For those exploring the broader region, places to camp around Gila National Forest include several other small forest service campgrounds within a few miles. Contact the Forest Service for current seasonal status before planning your trip.

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Location

Public Campground

Railroad Canyon Campground is located in New Mexico

Directions

Railroad Canyon Campground is located East of Silver City off of State 152.

Coordinates

32.90795034 N
107.817052 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
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Verizon
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AT&T
No Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Toilets
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 46 min from Las Cruces, NM
2 hrs 22 min from El Paso, TX
3 hrs from Albuquerque, NM
3 hrs 28 min from Sierra Vista, AZ

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Many campers appreciated this small campground's flat sites with large trees and creek access. Basic amenities like vault toilets and picnic tables meet needs. Road proximity creates mixed reactions but offers more privacy than area alternatives.

Amziah Z.

Guide

Reviewed May. 18, 2025

Very nice location to camp at, they got restrooms picnic tables flat surface for RV’s

they got restrooms picnic tables, flat surface ground for RV’s the weather is nice the water stream is very satisfying to view while relaxing away from town or city life.

Month of VisitMay

Teresa T.

Legend

Reviewed Nov. 29, 2024

Nice campground

Of the handful of formal places to camp, this is very small but very nice. Trees, a decent hike on a maintained trail. Only a few spots to take but cute if you get one.

Site3

Month of VisitNovember

Beth G.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 19, 2023

Little Campsite tucked between the road and Iron Creek

We enjoyed how small this campsite is and we were the only people there during our visit.

I gave it 3 stars because it’s right next to the road, but also next to the water.

It has large trees and flat camping spots. It even has a vault toilet.

Month of VisitMarch

(13) View All

Todd J.

Guide

Reviewed Dec. 23, 2021

Closed for season? Dec 2021

The four campgrounds in this area (Iron Creek, Railroad Canyon, Upper and Lower Gallinas) are all closed in December 2021. Perhaps just for the season. Contact NFS for status.

SiteNA

Month of VisitDecember

Mark O.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 17, 2021

Clean Quick Stop

This is a solid little campground with 3 (maybe 4?) campsites and few amenities. This campground is a “little” more hidden from the road than other nearby campgrounds. Railroad Canyon Campground has many trails to access the wilderness from, and a small creek running behind each of the three campsites.

The campground does have a toilet, fire pits, picnic tables, and trash service. Please clean up after yourself, and leave no trace.

SiteSite 3

Month of VisitApril

(12) View All

Mark O.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 17, 2021

Clean Quick Stop

The campground does have a toilet and trash service. Please clean up after yourself, and leave no trace.

SiteSite 3

Month of VisitApril

(12) View All

Ginae L.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 15, 2020

Small

Only 4 sites available. Some privacy from the road, which was better than the other campgrounds near by. By a creek, which is nice. Vault toilet. There was a trail along the creek that eventually crossed it, but the water was too high to cross.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Railroad Canyon Campground?

Railroad Canyon Campground offers basic amenities including vault toilets and picnic tables. The small campground features 3-4 campsites with flat surfaces suitable for tents and RVs. Large trees provide shade throughout the camping area. A creek runs behind the campsites, offering pleasant water views and sounds. The campground also provides access to maintained hiking trails leading into the surrounding wilderness area.

Where is Railroad Canyon Campground located and how do I get there?

Railroad Canyon Campground is a small, secluded campground located in a forested area adjacent to a creek. It's situated near other campgrounds in the area including Iron Creek, and Upper and Lower Gallinas. The campground is accessible via a road that provides some privacy from traffic compared to neighboring camping areas. It serves as a gateway to wilderness areas with trail access directly from the campground. For specific directions, contact the National Forest Service as they manage this campground and can provide the most current access information.

Do I need reservations for Railroad Canyon Campground?

Reservations are not required at Railroad Canyon Campground as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. With only 3-4 campsites available, the campground fills up quickly during peak seasons. Plan to arrive early to secure a spot, especially on weekends. Be aware that the campground may close seasonally - it has been noted as closed during winter months. Contact the National Forest Service before your trip to confirm current operating status.

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