Aeroplane Mesa Campground

Aeroplane Mesa Campground is a great location for hikers and horseback riders to access the wilderness. The area is relatively open and 'park-like' with grass interspersed with trees.

Reservations

First come, first served

General Information

Closest Stores:
Reserve, the closest town, offers all common amenities.

Safety Note:
The temperature can change drastically and quickly. Please be properly equipped.

All year

Available for overnight use.

No pass required

Permits are required for commercial or organized uses.

There is a 14 day stay limit.
OHVs and ATVs prohibited in the campground.
Saddle, pack, and draft animals prohibited in campground.

There is no fee for use

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: 33.41700363

Longitude: -108.44082642

Elevation

7,984 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 and proceed approximately 10.2 miles, past Snow Lake, to the campground.

Travel Considerations

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.

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.