Elk Horn Canyon (FR 161) in NM -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in New Mexico

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Elk Horn Canyon (FR 161) in NM

Gila NF, Reserve Ranger District
8,360 ft
Maps
Overnight camping allowedRUTTED
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An 8.5-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Catron County, NM. The road serves Eckleberger Hill.

Gila National Forest, Reserve Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 30 days.

All 8.5 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. 6 of the 8.5 miles in are dirt. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~100 ft on the downhill side. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch.

Secluded here -- the nearest through road is 2.7 miles off. Divide Pasture Tank lies 0.6 mi off. Elk Mountains stands 1,408 ft above the site, 4.0 miles east. The nearest town, Little Walnut Village, is 53 mi off.

September normals 4572°F, 3.0″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Fire restrictions

Set by Gila National Forest, Reserve Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.

fs.usda.gov
Sources checked August 2026Something wrong here?