Willow Creek Campground
Willow Creek Campground provides a quiet, peaceful area in the pines.
Willow Creek is located approximately 55 miles from the town of Reserve. Willow Creek is a very beautiful campground nestled in the canyon under tall pines. The camp sites run along both sides of the stream.
Though generally open year-round, road access may become difficult or impossible during periods of heavy snow or spring thaw.
Active Alerts
General Information
All but the fourth campsite are open and available on a first come, first serve basis. This campground is for tent camping only. The turn-around has been washed out, so no RVs are allowed.
There is no trash service, so you must pack out your garbage.
All camping on the Gila National Forest is restricted to a 14-day stay.
Though generally open year-round, road access may become difficult or impossible during periods of heavy snow or spring thaw.
Available for overnight use
- There is a 14 day stay limit.
- ATV/OHVs are prohibited in the campground.
- Hunting is prohibited in the campground.
- Saddle, pack, and draft animals prohibited in the campground.
No pass required
Permits are required for commercial or organized uses.
No fees are required for this site
Please contact the Gila National Forest Supervisors Office at 575-388-8201 for information about outfitters and guides who are authorized to operate on the forest.
Address: 5 Smokey Bear Circle, P.O. Box 170 Reserve, NM 87830
Phone: (575) 533-6232
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 33.40167999
Longitude: -108.57962036
Elevation
7,920 Feet
Directions
From Reserve, follow New Mexico Highway 435 south to Forest Road 141 for about 34 miles. Turn south onto Forest Road 28 and follow it to its end at Willow Creek Campground.
Alternately, Follow New Mexico Highway 159 from US Highway 180 north of Alma to Willow Creek.
Travel Considerations
Federal Highway Administration is planning to replace the South Fork Negrito Creek Bridge, adjacent to South Fork Campground in summer 2025. This project is likely to affect traffic en route to Ben Lilly Campground.
Forest Road 141 was paved at one time. Now it is paved, with many potholes. Slow down before entering corners, especially where there is gravel on the paved road surface. A resurfacing project is expected in 2026.
Alert, NM 159 eastbound and westbound from mile marker 4, 4 miles east of US 180 to mile marker 25, Willow Creek Campground.
NM 159 between milepost 3 to milepost 9.5 has STEEP GRADES AND NUMEROUS TIGHT TURNS. Trucks without a retarder break and/or longer that 45 feet in length are PROHIBITED on this section on NM 159, also required is to utilize a pilot vehicle for lengths exceeding 30 feet. Consider using an alternate route. THIS IS A PERMANENT ALERT.
Parking
Maximum of two vehicles per campsite
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
VaultWater
Potable water is not available at this site.
