Apache Creek Campground – Under the ponderosas

There’s nothing like some big old ponderosa pines to make it feel like mountain living! 😊 That’s what you’ll find at Apache Creek Campground.

This lovely little campground in southwestern New Mexico is one of those places that without being spectacular, is exceedingly pleasant.

Up in the northern part of the Gila National Forest, the Apache Creek Campground is a great place to escape the summer heat and get away from it all. Sitting in the shade of giant ponderosa pine trees, you can’t help but feel your problems slip away…

Staying at Apache Creek Campground

This is a pretty spot in the forest, and the individual campsites are huge! I chose one near the back of the campground, and it was a fair walk to the closest other site. I had tons of space and privacy – it was fabulous! 🙂

The campsites here have picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. Some of them have really cool tables made from monster-sized logs, while others are typical picnic tables. There’s a bit of dirt road to get to the campground, but it was no problem for Zennie. The campground has clean vault toilets, no water, and no hookups. I had no T-Mobile cell service.

I was here on the Thursday before a holiday weekend, and only a few other spots were taken. So if you’re looking for a place to get away from the crowds, it seems safe to say this place will fill the bill!

There are also a couple of petroglyph sites nearby. One is further down the dirt road that comes to the campsite, near an old corral. The other is accessed from a turnoff on the highway just a little way south. I didn’t have a chance to see either of these spots, so I can’t vouch for them, but if you do see them, I’d love to know what you think!

Apache Creek Campground – Gila National Forest
Official campground. Spacious shady campsites with picnic tables and fire rings. Clean pit toilets, no water, no hookups. Access via a good dirt road.

Rating: 4****
Altitude: 6,463 ft
GPS: 33.83002, -108.62730
Price: Free

Questions? Comments?

Have you stayed here, or at a different place in the area? Please share your thoughts in the Reply section below. Thanks!

PHOTO CREDITS: Deanna Keahey

Hi! I’m Deanna, creator of Uphill Zen. I’m currently yondering around North America with my 1986 Toyota motorhome, Zennie. What makes my heart sing is travel, adventure, and the awe-inspiring wonders of nature. Finding ways to share that joyous spirit is what this is all about.