Gila Camping/Hot Springs Advice

[banjo1981]

Planning to take my family camping near the Gila Cliff Dwellings. Want to get in the hot springs but my wife and I have a 9yo, 8yo, & a 5yo. So we need easy access to hot springs if possible. We prefer dispersed camping, but if a campground is the best option near hot springs then so-be-it. Any experienced individual’s advice is appreciated.

Pic of the new rig:

 

[GTV]

There is camping at the hot springs, that’s the way to go IMO.

 

[alia176]

the camping at the Gila hot springs is limited to get a res or get someone on the phone. The animal farm is next door and all walking distance to the springs.

 

[banjo1981]

Thanks guys. We will try the campground at the GCDNM and if it’s full or no fun, go to the wilderness. I appreciate ya @GTV & @alia176

 

[JLH]

We camped at Cherry Creek CG, it was free and the camps have some space, probably a 15 minute drive to the sprins.

 

[banjo1981]

We camped at Cherry Creek CG, it was free and the camps have some space, probably a 15 minute drive to the sprins.

I’ll look that up. Thanks for the tip

 

[alia176]

Thanks guys. We will try the campground at the GCDNM and if it’s full or no fun, go to the wilderness. I appreciate ya @GTV & @alia176

there are tons of established CGs along the river.

 

[banjo1981]

Camped at the upper scorpion campground closest to the cliff dwellings. It was great. Had a flat spot big enough for our 10 person mega tent. Vault toilet, concrete picnic table, fire ring, river access and no neighbors after the first night. Quiet at night except for the hunters with hounds. They shot a lion or a bear one night, there was much commotion in the woods down the canyon for a minute .

Hiked to the light feather hot springs (1.5 mile hike round trip), included two river crossings to get there. It was worth it. So peaceful on New Year’s Day to soak in the springs with the family. Good way to start the year.

Found our way to the Gila Hot Springs (privately owned and operated) yesterday. $8 a person for a day pass. Water temps around 101-102 and a very nice accommodating owner/host. There are three concrete lined pools and plenty of room for whoever showed up.

Overall the trip was a great success. I definitely want to get back over there at some point. It’s 5 hours from Ruidoso, so there may be other places to see in that same radius.