Goat Camp Spring

Greenlee County, New Mexico · Near Clifton
32.8300°N, 109.0470°W · 4,400 ft
69°F 4,400 ft Open Roadside Bureau of Land Management Camping nearby (17.8 mi)

Goat Camp Spring discharges at 69 degrees Fahrenheit on BLM land in Greenlee County, New Mexico, only 4.8 degrees above ambient air temperature. At 4,400 feet elevation with roadside access just 35 meters from the nearest road, this is a marginally thermal feature on federally managed public land.

Location

The spring sits in the arid terrain along the New Mexico-Arizona border near Clifton, where annual precipitation averages just 9.5 inches and snowfall barely reaches 3 inches. The surrounding BLM landscape at this mid-elevation is characterized by sparse desert scrub and rocky slopes typical of the Gila region. The land carries a protection status that permits extractive use, and the broader area includes the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area across the state line in Arizona.

The nearest campground is Owl Creek Campground, 28.6 km away in Arizona's Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area, with seven first-come, first-served sites and no potable water. A 14-day stay limit applies. Summers are hot, with average air temperatures around 64 degrees Fahrenheit annually. Bring all water and supplies.

History of Goat Camp Spring

Documentation on Goat Camp Spring is limited. The name suggests historic livestock grazing in the area, consistent with ranching traditions across this stretch of the border country. The spring appears in the 1980 NOAA/NCEI thermal springs compilation. No significant development or commercial use has been recorded at the site.

Monthly Climate
43°
Jan
48°
Feb
57°
Mar
64°
Apr
71°
May
83°
Jun
83°
Jul
82°
Aug
75°
Sep
66°
Oct
54°
Nov
44°
Dec
Annual Precip: 9.5 in Annual Snow: 3.1 in
Best Time to Visit
January Air 43°F · Water 69°F · +26° contrast
December Air 44°F · Water 69°F · +26° contrast
February Air 48°F · Water 69°F · +21° contrast
January offers 40°F more contrast than July
Current Conditions
NNW 39.6 mph
Thursday 80° Low 48° Sunny
Friday 86° Low 52° Sunny
Saturday 90° Low 56° Sunny
Sunday 92° Low 59° Sunny
Monday 92° Low 61° Sunny
Where to Stay

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Nearby Camping
Owl Creek Campground 17.8 mi away

Located in the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area in Arizona, Owl Creek Campground has seven campsites, picnic tables, grills, ramadas, trash receptacles, and restroom facilities available to make your stay more enjoyable. There is no potable water available at the campground. Three of the campsites are pull-through sites, and four are pull-in sites, making the campground suitable for trailers and RVS.  The campground is a stop on the Black Hills Back Country Byway, and it is also j...

Stay limit In the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area, camping at developed sites — and primitive camping elsewhere — is limited to 14 consecutive days in a 28-day period.
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Temperature
69°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 69°F (21°C)
Avg Air Temp 64°F
Above Ambient +5°F
Mild soaking conditions May
Access
Open
Road Access Roadside
Distance to Road 116 ft
Land
Ownership Federal
Agency Bureau of Land Management
Designation PUB
Unit Las Cruces District Office
Manager Bureau of Land Management
Protection 3 - Protected, subject to extractive use
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Goat Camp Spring?
Goat Camp Spring has a water temperature of 69°F (21°C). This is a warm thermal spring.
Where is Goat Camp Spring located?
Goat Camp Spring is located in Greenlee County, New Mexico at 4,400 feet elevation, near Clifton. Coordinates: 32.8300°N, 109.0470°W.
How do I get to Goat Camp Spring?
Goat Camp Spring has Roadside road access (116 ft from the road).
Is Goat Camp Spring free to visit?
Goat Camp Spring has Open access. It is managed by Bureau of Land Management.
Can I camp near Goat Camp Spring?
Yes, Owl Creek Campground is located nearby (17.8 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Goat Camp Spring?
Goat Camp Spring is generally safe for soaking at its recorded temperature. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Goat Camp Spring crowded?
Goat Camp Spring is accessible from a paved road, making it easy to reach. Weekends and holidays may be busier — consider visiting on a weekday for a quieter experience.
What should I bring to Goat Camp Spring?
Essentials for Goat Camp Spring: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, camping gear, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in.
Sources: USGS NWIS