Boating - Non-Motorized

***Attention Gila River Rafters - please see the latest Gila River trip report from Gila National Forest from April 6 - 9, 2023***

The Gila National Forest does not manage any open water lakes or ponds. Five resevoirs are located close to or on Forest Service land where non-motorized boating is allowed:

Bear Canyon Dam
Bill Evans Dam
Glenwood Pond
Quemado Lake
Snow Lake

Fees may be charged for launching or camping. Check the bulletin board near the launch area for information.
In addition, some non-motorized watercraft may operate on the Gila River. For information on river flow rates, warnings and restrictions -- click on USGS Current Conditions for New Mexico Streamflow

Boating - Non-Motorized Areas

Quemado Lake Recreation Area
Quemado Lake is located 16 miles south of Quemado, NM. From Quemado, take NM 32 south 14.2 miles to the Quemado Lake/NM 103 sign. At sign turn left onto NM 103 and go 4 miles to where Forest Road 13 (gravel) begins. Continue straight on FR 13 for 1 mile.
Cove Day Use Area
El Caso I-IV Campground
El Caso V Campground
Juniper Campground
Piñon Campground
Quemado Lake Boat Launch
Snow Lake
Snow Lake is a small reservoir located on the Reserve Ranger District approximately 30 miles from the town of Reserve. Snow Lake is most easily accessed via FR 142.
Dipping Vat Campground
Snow Lake Boat Launch
Mogollon Box Day Use Area
Lake Roberts
Lake Roberts is located in the Wilderness Ranger District along NM 35. It can be accessed via NM 35 or NM 15. NM 15 is a narrow paved, winding road that may not be suitable for trucks with trailers.
Lake Roberts Boat Launch
Upper End Campground