Dipping Vat Campground
This is a fantastic place to get away from it all!
Dipping Vat Campground is located adjacent to the west side of Snow Lake. Snow Lake is approximately 52 miles southeast of Reserve, New Mexico. Excellent for night sky viewing due to its remote location. The campground offers a variety of activities to the visitor, including fishing, overnight camping, and hiking. Dipping Vat Campground has a potable water system including a well with a pump.
Snow Lake is stocked with trout three times a year, early spring, early summer, and late fall. If you wish to fish at Snow Lake you must have a New Mexico fishing license and more information is available at NM Department of Game and Fish
General Information
Closest Stores:
Reserve is the closest town with amenities. There are several gas stations and convenience stores. The town offers motel and restaurant opportunities as well.
Temperatures can drop suddenly. Plan accordingly.
Please keep animals on a leash.
Dipping Vat CG has no water during the winter.
Year-round
Available for overnight use
Fee payment by self-service fee envelope
Permits are required for commercial or organized uses.
- There is a 14-day stay limit.
- OHV/ATV use is prohibited.
- Hunting is prohibited in the campground.
- Saddle, pack, and draft animals prohibited in the campground.
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $10 per night
The camping fee is $10.00/night per site per vehicle for this campground. There is seasonal trash service (April - November). There is no trash service from December - March, so if you are visiting during this time period, please remember to "pack it in and pack it out."
Pets must be leashed in the campground
Please contact the Gila National Forest Supervisors Office at 575-388-8201 for information about outfitters and guides who are authorized to operate on the forest.
Address: 5 Smokey Bear Circle, P.O. Box 170 Reserve, NM 87830
Phone: (575) 533-6232
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 33.42274857
Longitude: -108.50340271
Elevation
7,451 Feet
Directions
From Reserve, follow New Mexico Highway 435 south to Forest Road 141 for about 34 miles. Turn south onto Forest Road 28 for approximately 11 miles to Forest Road 142. Turn left onto Forest Road 142, following sign for Snow Lake and Dipping Vat Campground.
Travel Considerations
Although open year-round, road and weather conditions may limit access during the winter and spring seasons. Small boat launch for non-motorized boats and boats with electric motors at Snow Lake near Dipping Vat Campground.
Federal Highway Administration is planning to replace the South Fork Negrito Creek Bridge, adjacent to South Fork Campground in summer 2025. This project is likely to affect traffic en route to Ben Lilly Campground.
Forest Road 141 was paved at one time. Now it is paved, with many potholes. Slow down before entering corners, especially where there is gravel on the paved road surface. A resurfacing project is expected in 2026.
New Mexico Highway 159 has extremely difficult driving conditions from milepost 12, just past the town of Mogollon to mile marker 17. High clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicles are strongly recommended. This is an unpaved, improved two-track road.
Parking
Limit of two vehicles per campsite. Overflow vehicle parking may be available at boat launch.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Water system is seasonally operable, generally from May through October.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Each site
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are not allowed at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Hiking Info
Snow Lake Trail #142 follows skirts the southwest side of Snow Lake, enters Snow Canyon, and leads into the Gila Wilderness and Middle Fork Trail #157 along the Middle Fork Gila River.
Recreation Groups
Snow Lake is a small reservoir, about 90 acres in size, located on the Reserve Ranger District, approximately 30 miles from the town of Reserve, NM.