Area Status: Open

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. 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

Dipping Vat Location Map

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Water is typically turned off November 1 for the winter.
Reservations: First come, first serve. All Gila NF campgrounds have a 14-day stay limit.
Area Amenities:
  • Camping trailer: No hook-ups. Over 19 feet not recommended.
  • Picnic tables: Each site
  • Tent camping: 40 mainly flat sites
  • Toilets: Vault toilet
  • Fee charged for some activities: $10/night/vehicle
  • Drinking water: Water will be turned off around 11/1 annually for the winter.
Usage: Light-Medium
Restrictions:
  • 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.
Closest Towns: Reserve, NM
Water: Yes, potable water available in spring/summer/fall
Restroom: Vault
Information Center: Reserve Ranger District
Phone: (575)533-6231

General Information

General Notes:

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.


Directions:

The campground is located 52 miles southeast of Reserve via Forest Road 141, Forest Road 28 and County Road C-021.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

There are 40 developed sites, each with picnic tables and fire rings.  The campsites are mainly flat.

No. of Sites 40
Status: Open
Open Season: April-November

RV Camping

There are no hookups and this campground cannot accomodate RVs over 19 feet in length.

Status: Open
Open Season: April-November

Lake and Pond Fishing

Trout stocked in the lake early spring, early summer, and late fall. Contact the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish for more information on stocking.

Status: Open
Open Season: April-November
Permit: Please check with New Mexico Department of Game & Fish for open dates and licensing information.
Usage:  Fishing license is required.

Viewing Wildlife

The drive to Dipping Vat provides an excellent opportunity to view elk, deer, bear, and turkey.

Status: Open
Open Season: April-November
Reservation info: First come, first serve. All Gila NF campgrounds have a 14 day stay limit.

Boating - Non-Motorized

Electric motors and non-motorized boats only.  Motorized boats are prohibited.

Status: Open
Open Season: April-November

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
33.42319

  Longitude : 
-108.50130

  Elevation : 
7,451 Feet