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Silver City KOA
- 11824 Highway 180 East
- Silver City, NM 88061
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Reserve(800) 562-7623
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2011 President's Award
KOA President's Award
Awarded to KOAs that meet exceptional quality standards and are recognized by their guests for outstanding service.
2011 KOA Founder's Award
KOA Founder's Award
KOA's highest service award, presented to KOA owners that achieve world class service scores from their camping guests.
"Silver City is a real jewel!" We hear this a lot from our campers. They never expected our area to offer so much. Plan to visit us. We have lots to share with you and can give you our personal recommendations. There are also hiking, bicycling, motorcyling and backroad opportunities.
One of my personal favorite days is coming, St. Patrick's Day! I'll be making a corned beef, cabbage and potatoes feast for all our campers. Come spend the weekend, enjoy the food and do some sightseeing or hiking in our beautiful Gila National Forest.
Easter Weekend we'll have activities for the kids including an Easter Egg hunt.
The Tour of the Gila bicycle race from May 2 thru the 6 will be really great this year with a higher caliber of racers and more races. Come for the racing excitement and if you ride bring your bike and enjoy some recreational riding on our scenic highways. We're also bicyclists and can show you some great rides and places to watch the race.
Check out our Hot Deals for discounts and come stay with us. We can help you with all the information you need to make the most of your stay.
Your Hosts, Jackie & Jim Blurton
Meet Your Hosts
KOA owners since 1993
In 1992 we were living and working in Phoenix, Arizona when we decided to make a lifestyle change and escape the city. Jim was an aeronautical engineer and engineering manager for a firm in Tempe and Jackie, a graphic artist. On a two-week vacation, we packed our vehicle with camping gear, backpacks, and mountain bikes and headed for northern Arizona, Utah and Colorado. It would be a decision-making trip. As we traveled, we talked about looking for a business of our own in a small town.
Outside a town in southern Utah we saw a KOA in a beautiful setting in the middle of nowhere. When we returned home we investigated KOA as well as other unrelated campgrounds. KOA is highly rated as a franchise. They have great guest services, standards, and support for their franchisees. It was the only organization that gave us the confidence to quit our jobs and risk it all. In January 1993 we purchased the Silver City KOA and moved to Silver City.
Over the years we’ve made many changes to our campground as we’ve strived to improve and renovate our sites and facilities. It’s a never ending process and we’re dedicated to providing the best service and accommodations that we can for our guests. We’ve met wonderful people through the years and have made friends from all over the country and around the world. Our guests are the greatest and most important part of our business.
The Silver City KOA has provided us with the life style we hoped for in a community and area of New Mexico we love. We are avid hikers, backpackers, bicyclists, and birders, and are fortunate to have the Gila National Forest and Wilderness at our doorstep where we can pursue our recreations and assist our campers in the same pursuits. We love our business and lifestyle choice and we’ll be here for some time to come welcoming our guests and helping them enjoy this beautiful country of ours.
Campground Amenities
- Planned Activities and BBQ's on Holidays
- Seasonal Pancake Breakfast
- Facilities for RV Clubs & Rallies, Motorcycle Clubs and Family Reunions
- Information on Outdoor Recreation, Area Attractions and Local Events
- Seasonal Homemade Pie and Ice Cream Socials
Campground Activities
Art Galleries
This is the place to go gallery hopping. Silver City is listed in the Best 100 Small Art Towns in America. The shops and artist-owned galleries feature quality art at affordable prices. In October on the Columbus Day weekend the annual Weekend at the Galleries takes place in downtown Silver City. This wonderful weekend event features special gallery showings, food, and entertainment at the galleries in Silver City's Historic and Cultural District. Come for the fun and the art!
Bicycling
Our beautiful river valleys and winding forest roads are great for bicycling. Good pavement and light traffic make our location a cyclists dream. If you're a mountain biker you'll like the many forest roads and trails for a great day of riding. Your hosts, Jim and Jackie Blurton, are bicyclists and can tell you about the best biking in the area. We've created our own bicycling brochure with our best picks for road and mountain bike rides.
Bird Watching
The diversity of habitat in southwestern New Mexico makes the Silver City area a year-round bird watching destination. The Gila River with its lush river willow thickets and cottonwoods provides prime habitat for 60% of the bird species seen in our state. The scenic mountains of the Gila National Forest and surrounding grasslands expand opportunities to see a variety of species. 339 species have been seen in our area. The spring migrations usually begin in mid-April. Your hosts, Jim and Jackie Blurton, have birding guides, maps, and tips on the best locations.
Golfing
Golfers will enjoy Silver City's fine 18-hole course. Green fees are very reasonable and the course is well maintained, fun, and challenging. You can play year-around.
Hiking
We invite you to discover the Gila National Forest and the many opportunities for hiking in quiet solitude. Scenic trails, natural beauty, mountain vistas, canyons, streams and clean, clear air make our location ideal as an outdoor recreation destination. The Fort Bayard Wildlife Refuge across the road from our KOA offers great hiking, mountain biking, birding and wildlife viewing. You can take your pets, too. Your hosts, Jim and Jackie Blurton, are hikers and will provide you with their free hiking brochure and advise on the best trails.
Rock Hounding
Your hosts, Jim and Jackie Blurton, can help you with locations and maps. The Royal Scepter Gem and Mineral Museum has mineral exhibits and can give you more information on rock hounding.
Sightseeing and Antiquing
Silver City has a unique historic downtown of brick Victorian homes and buildings dating to the 1800s and early 1900s. There are several antique and second hand shops with treasures waiting to be rediscovered. Enjoy Sightseeing and antiquing during your stay!
Museums
The Silver City Museum, an 1800's Victorian mansion, preserves the culture and history of the area. The Western New Mexico University Museum has the largest permanent collection of Mimbres pottery. The Mimbres people lived in this area in the 12th century and created the finest black on white painted pottery of the early indigenous people in America. This exhibit is a must see.
Bookstores
Silver City has a several interesting bookstores that feature southwest books. The most unique is High-Lonesome Books owned by author and publisher, Dutch Salmon, featuring new, used, rare, and out-of-print books of the Southwest. www.high-lonesomebooks.com
Fishing and Hunting
If you're coming to Silver City to fish or hunt consider staying at the Silver City KOA. We're centrally located to several area lakes and streams. Hunters will find our campground and excellent facilities a great place to stay and within a short distance of several hunting areas.
Group Accommodations
Groups and family reunions are welcome and group rates are available. A meeting room and outdoor patio are available at no charge for your group activities. We can prepare a BBQ and our great Cowpoke Breakfast for you at your request. We'll roll out the red carpet to make your groups stay great! Call us for a free information packet.
Motorcycle Touring
Beautiful mountain scenery, good pavement and light traffic make motorcycle touring here the best in the southwest. We have three main motorcycle tours that we described in our motorcycle brochure, available to our camper. Your hosts, Jim and Jackie can tell you about the best riding in our area.
Just for Kids
The KOA has a kid's playground, basketball court, soccer field, volleyball, tether ball, sports equipment. There is also a seasonal heated pool and hiking trails. You can also take the family to Penny Park that features a variety of play equipment including a climbing wall and skateboard park.
Easter Eggtivities
Hop on in and enjoy the Easter Weekend at the KOA with an Easter Egg Hunt and craft activities for the kids.
Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day Weekend ushers in the great days of summer. Silver City's Annual Blues Festival is the biggest attraction with concerts and free performances in the park and around town. At the Silver City KOA we have our Cowpoke Breakfast, BBQ, and Ice Cream and Homemade Pie Social as well as other planned events. Make your reservations early as this is our busiest weekend of the year.
Quilting and Beading
Silver City has become a destination for Quilters. We have a great quilt shop, Thunder Creek, which offers wonderful fabrics, including southwest prints, original quilt designs, and classes. There is also a bead shop, "A Bead or Two", that has beautiful stone, glass, and seed beads and offers classes.
Wolfsong Sanctuary
A visit to Wolfsong is a rare chance to interact with these beautiful creatures. You can actually sit with some of them and feed them by hand. Many of them were rescued from the exotic animal trade and are shy and non-aggressive to humans and gentle with children. Native Americans myths say wolves taught the first people how to be people. Their lesson was this: Mate for life. Care for your children; teach them useful skills and respect. Always be loyal to family. Visiting the Sanctuary is by appointment only and we can make your reservations for you when you arrive at the KOA.
4th of July
The 4th of July is a great family time. Fireworks are available locally and can be used on our campground. Each year we have wonderful displays that all the campers can enjoy. We ask that campers not use noisy firecrackers or fireworks out of respect for campers pets. We also have a BBQ, Ice Cream and Homemade Pie Social, and Cowpoke Breakfast. Silver City also has events in town that include a fireworks display, parade, booths, craft fair, musical entertainment in the city park and more. Come join us for a great time.
Labor Day Weekend
Celebrate the last great weekend of summer with us. We have our BBQ, ice cream and homemade pie social and cowpoke breakfast as well as planned activities for the kids.
4-Wheeling and Jeeping
From high-desert sandy washes to mountain tracks in the tall pines, the Gila National Forest has lots of roads to explore by 4-wheeler, dirt bike or jeep. The Silver City KOA makes a great base camp for your back-country adventures. Your hosts Jim and Jackie can provide you with their own Back Roads brochure and tell you about the best places to go.
Cowpoke Breakfast
Every weekend during our on-season we offer our Cowpoke Breakfast. Let us cook for you while you enjoy the morning sun and good company of other campers on our outdoor patio.
Ice Cream and Homemade Pie Social
Every Saturday night from Memorial Day to Labor Day we have a special treat of ice cream and homemade apple, cherry or our special French Crunch Peach Pie. It's only one day a week so you don't have to feel guilty for indulging yourself. Enjoy the wonderful summer evenings on our patio and a special treat.
Local Attractions
Gila (Hee-La) Cliff Dwellings National Monument
A Visit to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. By Jackie Blurton The Gila Cliff Dwellings are well known. Within five natural caves there are 42 well-preserved rooms of stone and mud mortar that were built in the 12th century. A beautiful wooden footbridge spans the West Fork of the Gila River from the Gila Cliff Dwellings visitor station to the mouth of Cliff Dweller Canyon. The West Fork of the Gila River flows under the bridge, rippling and sparkling in the sun. Two mule deer drinking at the shore look up than lower their heads again. Above you towering rocks pierce the blue sky. There is only the sound of the river and wind in cottonwoods and pines. It’s beautiful and peaceful, and time is forgotten. The river has flowed here for uncounted thousands of years. It was like this when the Mogollon people ventured up this valley and found the caves that would protect the dwellings they built and suddenly left behind 800 years ago. As the trail enters Cliff Dweller Canyon the walls close in and you walk in the dappled shade of pines accompanied by songs of birds and cascading water. There are little bridges that cross the stream and benches along the way to sit and enjoy the moment. A half-mile up the canyon the trail ascends in a series of stone steps. Here is your first view of the Gila Cliff Dwellings. Looking up you see dark arches, like giant eyes, in the cliffs above. Sheltered within the caves and reflecting the warm glow of the sun, are the Dwellings. You climb the stone steps to a broad shelf and pass by caves and ruins, inaccessible and high on the cliff face. At the largest of the caves a stair takes you up and into a great domed chamber, cool and dim with reflected light from outside. The stone walls of many rooms fit together like a puzzle on the sloping floor and the smoke of ancient fires blackens the high ceiling. Two great arched openings look out across the canyon to pine covered slopes. The view is stunning. A Monument volunteer is there to tell you about the Dwellings and the Mogollon people. Little is known about them but you can come to your own understanding of them by visiting their ancient homes. In learning how they lived you will find an appreciation for the endurance and spirit of the people who came before and left their mark in this timeless place. A visit to the Gila Cliff Dwellings in the heart of the Gila Wilderness is a great experience for everyone.
The Catwalk of Whitewater Canyon
Visit the unique Catwalk of Whitewater Canyon, a metal walkway that clings to the cliff walls of Whitewater Canyon. The Catwalk is a great place for everyone. You won’t find any cats on the Catwalk. You will find parents and children, couples holding hands, backpackers, seniors, photographers, birders, people from Europe or Australia, and locals like us who have been here countless times and keep coming back because it’s just so darned beautiful. Sometimes you won’t find anyone at all. You’ll have this gorgeous place of waterfalls and pools, colorful cliffs and giant boulders, walkways and bridges, all to yourself. You’ll have the Catwalk experience. At the parking lot to the Catwalk there’s a beautiful National Forest picnic area with giant Sycamore trees along the banks of Whitewater Creek. From here you have a choice of two trails that will take you to the narrows. One is carved out of the rock and the other is a paved universal trail. Both trails converge at the beginning of the narrows. The first section of the Catwalk through the narrows is universal and can accommodate people of varying abilities. The Catwalk is like a hidden passage into a secret place. Sheer cliff walls rise out of the streambed and the walkways, supported on steel beams 20 feet above the stream, switch from one cliff to other as they wind through the narrows. Once through the narrows the canyon opens and the trail continues up a short series of stone steps and across scenic footbridges that span the cascading stream. Waterfalls echo in hidden grottos inviting you to linger and listen. At the 1.1 mile marker a metal footbridge that bounces slightly under your steps takes you to a sheltered ledge and a waterfall that pours out of the rocks into a deep trout pool. This is where the Catwalk ends but the forest trail continues up Whitewater Canyon and you can hike further if you wish. It’s worth taking the trail to an overlook above the bridge to get a view of the canyon. A day at the Catwalk is a relaxing and rewarding day spent enjoying a natural wonder, making memories and taking lots of pictures. Open all year. Pets allowed.
Silver City
Silver City is the boyhood home of Billy the Kid. Silver City is a blend of the old and new, the last of the frontier days and modern culture. The historic downtown district has brick Victorian homes and stores built in the late 1800's and early 1900's. It's charm and character has been preserved by our community's efforts. You'll enjoy a visiting to the Silver City Museum, Western New Mexico University Museum, and the galleries and shops. Silver City has been listed in the books, The 100 Best Small Towns in America and The 100 Best Small Art Towns in America. The Silver City KOA has as all the area publications and maps to help you discover and enjoy Silver City and our wonderful area.
The Village of Pinos Altos
Located in this little mountain community nine miles from the Silver City KOA is the famous Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House where the flavor of the Old West is preserved. You'll have a great meal in a truly unique atmosphere. There is musical entertainment in the Saloon almost every night. You can also visit the Hearst Church, built in 1898 with money donated by the famous Hearst family. This unique adobe church now houses the Grant County Art Guild and an exhibit of horse drawn vehicles including the funeral hearse that carried Sheriff Pat Garrett.
The City of Rocks State Park
The City of Rocks State Park By Jackie Blurton It’s like the Flintstones’ Town of Bedrock. Giant boulders rise up out of the desert floor like the buildings of a stone village. Stony avenues and alleyways lead you into the boulder maze of this silent “prehistoric city”. An occasional lizard scurries away as you walk through it, but no one lives here. The sun passes over it casting ever-changing shadows like a Stonehenge of the West, but no hands built this place. The boulders are formed of volcanic material that is eroded and shaped by desert winds and rain. They are at once beautiful and grotesque, strange and familiar, inspiring and maybe a bit disconcerting as if they came from a distorted dreamscape. They are like the bones of the earth or the graveyard of dinosaurs. They are the ambush scenes from old western movies, and they are a lot of fun to wander through. The early people came by here and may have found shelter among the rocks. Maybe their children played hide and seek like children do today. It’s a place that will turn parents into children and children into tireless explorers. Why play video games when you can take the family to a real place where the imagination can fly? There is much here to inspire the artist, photographer, and all of us who love nature. In the shadow of the stones there is a place and time enough to enjoy a moment of solitude and the immense vistas of desert, distant mountains, and boundless sky. The City of Rocks is just one more good reason to come to the Silver City KOA and enjoy the rare beauty of this unique landscape. Take a picnic lunch and make a day of it.
Upcoming Events
There are lots of reasons to come to Silver City. To learn about the many events throughout the year visit these websites for more information: Silver City /Grant Co. Chamber of Commerce at http://www.silvercity.org and the Mimbres Regional Art
February:
Chocolate Fantasia. Tour the art galleries in Historic Downtown Silver City and sample delectable chocolates. Call the Mimbres Regional Arts Council at 1-505-538-2505 for date and details.
May:
Tour of the Gila. The first weekend in May features this 5-day bike race with several different racecourses through the mountains of the Gila National Forest. The best spectators day is the criterion in Silver City's Historic District. The race is open to independent racers and professional teams. There are also citizen races. Call Gila Hike and Bike at 1-505-388-3222 for information.
Blues Festival.
Come to Silver City on the Memorial Day weekend and enjoy a variety of performers at the annual Blues Festival. Call the Mimbres Regional Arts Council at 1-505-538-2505 for date and details. http://www.mimbresarts.org/.
June:
Wild, Wild West Pro Rodeo. Bull riding and rodeo clowns, it's everything a rodeo should be. Visit Wild Wild West Pro Rodeo online for more information.
Art Fairs:
Art in Gough Park. One weekend each month in May, June, July, and August artist set up booths in Gough Park in downtown Silver City. Call 1-505-388-4854 for dates and details.
September:
Annual Gem and Mineral Show: Come on the Memorial Day weekend and check out the rocks, gems and more. Call 1-505-538-3216 for dates and details.
Big Ditch San Vicente Art Fair. On the Memorial Day weekend. Call 1-505-388-4854 for dates and details.
Gila Inner Loop Bicycle Tour:
Bicycle through the beautiful mountains and winding river valleys on this two-day recreational bicycle tour. The Gila Inner Loop Bicycle Tour always takes place on the 3rd weekend in September. Call Jackie or Jim at the Silver City KOA for information and registration forms.
October:
A Weekend at the Galleries. The Columbus Day weekend is Silver City's biggest art event. Galleries are open into the evening with offerings of snacks, wine tasting, or musical entertainment. Enjoy the festivities and our beautiful October weather. Call the Mimbres Regional Arts Council at 1-888-758-7289 for details.
November:
The Annual Lighted Christmas Parade. On Saturday night during the Thanksgiving Day weekend Historic Downtown Silver City turns out its lights for the Lighted Christmas Parade. Enjoy hot chocolate and lighted floats. Stay at the KOA for the Thanksgiving weekend and see the Lighted Christmas Parade. We'll cook the turkey for our festive potluck.
Cowpoke Breakfast
Our special breakfasts include buttermilk pancakes, French toast, our special "stuffed" French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon and salsa. Breakfast is served on the weekends from April through November.
Fall and Winter Holiday Potlucks
Come spend the Thanksgiving Holiday with us. We'll cook the turkey for our annual Thanksgiving Day Potluck. On Saturday night following Thanksgiving you won't want to miss Silver City's Annual Lighted Christmas Parade in the old Historic District. Make the Silver City KOA your Thanksgiving Holiday getaway. We also have Christmas and New Years potlucks. Our New Year's Potluck features New Mexico's special New Year's dish, Posole, served with warm tortillas and side dishes.
If you happen to be passing our way on St. Patrick's Day you're in luck. We'll be cooking up a big pot of corned beef and cabbage and our special mustard sauce and you're invited to potluck.
Pie and Ice Cream Socials
From Memorial through Labor Day each Saturday night is desert night with homemade pies fresh out of the oven along with a selection of ice cream.
Memorial Day BBQ
Don't miss our Memorial Day BBQ. We serve our special beer can smoked chicken, tender smoked beef brisket and delicious sides.
4th of July Events
The 4th of July is a great family time. Fireworks are available locally and can be used on our campground. We don't allow noisy firecrackers out of respect for camper's pets but there are many exciting and colorful fireworks that can be purchased.
We also have a BBQ, pie and ice cream social and Cowpoke Breakfast. Come join us.
Silver City also has events which include a firework display, parade, booths and craft fair in the city park, and more.
Labor Day BBQ
Our Farewell to Summer Labor Day Weekend events include activities for the kids, a BBQ, pie and ice cream social and Cowpoke Breakfast. Come join us for the great weather and last glorious days of summer.
Labor Day Gem & Mineral Show
Find your treasures at the Annual Gem and Mineral Show on Labor Day Weekend, September 3, 4 & 5, 2011. Just down the road from the KOA. FREE admission. Vendors will have local minerals and minerals from around the world, beads, hand crafted jewelry, findings, lapidary supplies and equipment, and more. Special exhibits include the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, New Mexico University Zuhl Collection of Petrified Wood, and mineral displays. There will also be educational field trips. The show is presented by the Grant County Rolling Stones Gem and Mineral Society. For more information go to rollingstonesgms.blogspot.com
