Silver Creek (FR 523) in NM -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in New Mexico
Silver Creek (FR 523) in NM
A 6.5-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Grant County, NM. The road serves Upton Cabin Well.
Gila National Forest, Silver City Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 30 days.
All 6.5 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (6.5 miles). Climbs 1,500 ft over 6.5 miles -- sustained grades near 12%, with pitches to 15%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~120 ft on the downhill side. Little level ground alongside -- few of the stretches measured have a flat spot to pull onto. Winds through 9 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch.
The Upton Cabin Well shoreline is 0.2 mi off. Sawyers Peak stands 2,927 ft above the site, 4.0 miles northeast. Private here -- the nearest through road is 1.6 miles off. The nearest town, Bayard, is 19 mi off.
September normals 53–77°F, 2.8″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
Set by Gila National Forest, Silver City Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.
fs.usda.gov