Dipping Vat Campground
4.818 reviews5 Smokey Bear Circle, P.O. Box 170 Reserve, NM 87830
Dipping Vat Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The camping fee is $10 per night per site per vehicle. Fee payment is via self-service fee envelope. Seasonal trash service is available from April to November. From December to March, visitors must pack out their trash.
About this campground
Escape to Dipping Vat Campground, where the pristine waters of Snow Lake mirror the sky and ancient pines whisper stories of the wilderness. Tucked into the western shores of this mountain gem in the Gila National Forest, this secluded retreat offers adventurers the perfect basecamp for fishing expeditions, lakeside hiking, and peaceful paddling. The thoughtfully designed upper and lower loops provide generous spacing between sites, ensuring each camping party enjoys their own private slice of mountain paradise.
Dipping Vat Campground provides 40 combined tent and RV sites, with options for secluded forested camping or lakeside views.
Historical SignificanceYou're camping in the backyard of American conservation history. Just beyond these pine-scented sites lies the legendary Gila Wilderness, where in 1924, visionaries created our nation's very first designated wilderness area. Adventure seekers will find themselves perfectly positioned to explore the famous Catwalk National Recreation Trail, where miners once traversed narrow canyon walkways that now thrill modern-day explorers.
Weather and SeasonsMountain weather here can be delightfully unpredictable, with warm afternoons giving way to crisp, star-filled nights that remind you why you brought that extra layer. While the campground welcomes visitors year-round, full services flow from May 1 through November 14, after which water systems hibernate for the winter season. Winter adventurers can still claim their spot, though Mother Nature may have her say about road accessibility when snow blankets the high country.
ElevationPerched at 7,300 feet above sea level, Dipping Vat offers a refreshing mountain escape where summer temperatures stay comfortably cool and the air carries that distinctive high-altitude clarity. From this lofty vantage point, sweeping views unfold across the surrounding peaks, while the thin mountain air adds an extra sparkle to the countless stars that emerge each night.
Natural Features and SceneryAt 7,300 feet, you'll wake to the gentle rustling of Ponderosa pines and the shimmer of aspen leaves dancing in the mountain breeze. The landscape here paints itself in layers: towering pines create a protective canopy, while soft grass carpets the forest floor below. From the lower loop, Snow Lake spreads before you like nature's own reflecting pool, framed by wildflower-dotted meadows that roll toward distant mountain ridges.
Geological RegionNestled against Snow Lake's western shore within the majestic Gila National Forest, Dipping Vat Campground occupies a special pocket where mountain ecosystems converge. Here, weathered mountainsides clothed in Ponderosa pine and quaking aspen give way to serene mountain meadows, creating a diverse tapestry of habitats that showcase the geological diversity of this remarkable corner of New Mexico.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible vault toilets are available in the lower loop.
Sites SizeSites accommodate tents and RVs, with dirt and grass parking aprons.
Sites PrivacySites are well-separated, providing good privacy, according to user reviews.
Total Campsites40 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites in the lower loop for lake views and flatter terrain. Sites in the upper loop offer more privacy.
Best CampsitesThe lower loop is highly recommended for its proximity to Snow Lake and views. Reviews mention some sites are flatter and more desirable than others.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
14-day stay limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Limit of two vehicles per campsite.
Groups
Group sites are not available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is composed of two loops: upper (more privacy) and lower (overlooks Snow Lake).
Open and Closed SeasonYear-round. Services provided May 1 through November 14. Lower loop remains open after November 14 without water; toilets remain operational.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not accepted. Sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. Limited availability during peak times.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors to Dipping Vat Campground can enjoy fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and non-motorized boating. The location near Snow Lake provides opportunities for water-based activities as well.
Hiking
Hiking trails include Snow Canyon Trail #142, which skirts the southwest side of Snow Lake and enters the Gila Wilderness via Middle Fork Trail #157.Fishing
Fishing is available at Snow Lake, which is stocked with rainbow trout three times a year (early spring, summer, and fall). A New Mexico fishing license is required.Boating
Non-motorized boating and boats with electric motors are permitted on Snow Lake. A small boat launch is available.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities include listening to wolves and observing local fauna in the Gila Wilderness.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities such as snowshoeing or skiing are mentioned.Water Sports
Limited to non-motorized boating activities such as kayaking and canoeing on Snow Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed; practice safe food storage techniques to deter wildlife.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsThis is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques. It is also cougar country—stay alert.
Active alertsForest Road 141 resurfacing project planned for 2026. Access may be affected during winter and spring due to road and weather conditions.
Weather forecast
80
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 22%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 11.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Reserve Ranger District, 5 Smokey Bear Circle, Reserve, NM 87830. Phone number: (575) 533-6232. Closest hospital and police stations located in Reserve.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 - November 14
Trash and recyclingTrash service is seasonal, available from April through November. Visitors are required to pack out trash during the winter months (December-March).
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Snow Lake, which spans 100 acres. Fishing is available for rainbow trout, stocked three times a year.
Common complaintsRoads to and from the campground are rough, requiring 4x4 vehicles due to potholes and gravel. Limited trash service during winter.
HostThe ranger maintaining the grounds is friendly and helpful, often available for assistance.
Campground Map
5 Smokey Bear Circle, P.O. Box 170 Reserve, NM 87830
Driving directionsIn Reserve, NM, at the intersection of State Rts. 12 and 435, take Rt. 435 south 5.3 miles to where it becomes Forest Rt. 141. Continue straight on Rt. 141 and go 24.1 miles to Forest Rt. 28 (Snow Lake sign). Turn right onto Rt. 28 and go 9.6 miles to a 'Y' intersection and Forest Rt. 142 (Snow Lake sign). Bear left at intersection onto Rt. 142 and go 6.6 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign and go 0.2 miles to campground.
Forest Rt. 141 becomes gravel after 19 miles and continues that way to the campground. The access route is steep, narrow in sections and rough with potholes and washboarding.Nearby places
Reserve, NM (52 miles southeast, approximately 1 hour by car)
Nearby supplies
Reserve, NM, offers several gas stations, convenience stores, motels, and restaurants.
Camper Reviews
4.8
8 reviews
Dipping Vat Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's beautiful scenery, spacious and private sites, and clean facilities. Common themes include praise for the lake's natural beauty and good fishing opportunities.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently mention the clean vault toilets, potable water availability, and well-maintained campsites. The remote location is noted as excellent for night-sky viewing.
Based on 8 reviewsCommon Concerns
Access roads are described as rough and challenging, requiring high-clearance vehicles. Winter access may be limited due to weather conditions.
Based on 8 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring a high-clearance vehicle for navigating rough roads. Plan for sudden changes in weather and pack accordingly. Choose campsites based on desired privacy or proximity to Snow Lake.
Based on 8 reviewsSeasonal Insights
During summer and fall, users praise the stocked trout fishing and pleasant weather. Winter usage is limited due to lack of water and potentially difficult road access.
Based on 8 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Plenty of pad sites. Some are A LOT better than others. Some are also A LOT flatter than others so choose wisely.'
2. 'Great campground! Google took us a weird way to get to there, a back road...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Lower loop is noted for proximity to Snow Lake and wheelchair-accessible facilities. Upper loop offers more forested and secluded sites. Users recommend choosing flat sites for easier setup.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
Wheelchair-friendly toilets are available in the lower loop, providing accessibility options for visitors.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are permitted but must be leashed in the campground.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025