Free Camping

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Grapevine CG in Gila National Forest. Best choice for visiting the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. Monument campgrounds are terrible but free also. This one is about 5 miles before the monument where NM Hwy 15 decends (gear WAY down so you don't ride your brakes the whole way) to cross the Gila River. Campground is bounded on the North by the East Fork of the Gila River. Two side-by-side pit toilets but no other amenities. Sites most often have a fire ring made of rocks by previous users. Steep entry road but good large landing for larger vehicles to turn right into campground at the bottom. If your RV is over 35', you probably shouldn't drive NM Hwy 15 in the first place, otherwise you should be confortable with mountainous grades and curves. GPS is for site at the east end of campground. Topozone map is very accurate and helpful. Avoid summer holiday weekends, too crowded. Gila Cliff Dwellings are a minature Mesa Verde that can be toured in two hours or less. Monument is 100 years old in 2007 so lots of history available. Gila Hot Springs is also a tourist destination between Grapevine CG and the Monument along Hwy 15. Convenience store and phone there. NO cell phone service.