Upper End Campground
4.5126 reviews3697 Hwy 35 N., HC 68 Box 50 Mimbres, NM 88049
Upper End Campground
$10.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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
Standard fee is $15 per night per campsite. Fee payment is via self-service fee envelope system. User reviews mention $10 per night in some cases but authoritative sources confirm $15.
About this campground
Nestled alongside the shimmering waters of Lake Roberts, Upper End Campground offers an intimate escape into the heart of Gila National Forest. This peaceful retreat features 12 thoughtfully designed campsites, each graced with stone-terraced picnic tables and fire grills that blend seamlessly into the natural landscape. Here, mornings might begin with the bugle of elk echoing through the pines, while wild turkeys strut past your campsite and black bears occasionally lumber through the distant forest shadows, reminding visitors they've entered a world where wildlife still reigns supreme.
Upper End Campground caters to dry camping enthusiasts, with options for tent camping and no RV hookups. It is also first-come, first-served.
Historical SignificanceStep back through millennia along the legendary Trail of the Mountain Spirits National Scenic Byway, where ancient stories are etched in stone. The mysterious Spirit Canyon pictographs stand as silent testimony to the indigenous peoples who first called these mountains home, while the remarkable Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument preserves 700-year-old homes carved into canyon walls. These sacred sites weave a tapestry of human history that stretches back countless generations, inviting modern visitors to connect with the timeless spirit of the Southwest.
Weather and SeasonsThe campground transforms with each passing season, offering year-round adventures for those who seek them. Spring arrives with gentle warmth and wildflower blooms, while autumn paints the forest in brilliant golds and crimsons against crisp, cool air. Summer days can climb to a toasty 90°F, perfect for lakeside activities and seeking shade beneath towering pines. Winter brings a crystalline beauty to the landscape, though temperatures plunge well below freezing—January visitors should prepare for true mountain cold that can freeze water pipes and dust campsites with frost.
ElevationPerched at 6,100 feet above sea level, Upper End Campground offers a refreshing mountain retreat where the air is crisp and clear. This elevation gifts visitors with naturally cooler temperatures that provide sweet relief from desert heat below, while panoramic mountain vistas stretch across the horizon. The thin mountain air carries the scent of pine and the promise of adventure, creating an invigorating atmosphere that awakens the senses.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering Ponderosa pines stand like ancient sentinels around each campsite, their vanilla-scented bark and whispering needles creating a natural cathedral. The 72-acre Lake Roberts sparkles just steps away, its calm waters reflecting sky and forest in perfect mirror image. This pristine wilderness serves as a living gallery where deer browse in meadows at dawn, elk move like shadows through the trees, and wild turkeys parade with prehistoric dignity. The nearby Spirit Canyon pictographs add an element of mystery to the landscape, reminding visitors that this beautiful wilderness has captivated humans for thousands of years.
Geological RegionUpper End Campground sits within the remarkable Lake Roberts Recreation Area, a jewel of the Gila National Forest where ancient volcanic activity and eons of erosion have sculpted a landscape of stunning beauty. At 6,100 feet elevation, mature Ponderosa pine forests dominate the terrain, their roots anchored in soil that tells the story of geological ages. The centerpiece 72-acre Lake Roberts, formed by damming Sapillo Creek, creates a mountain oasis that draws both wildlife and wonder-seekers to its shores, while the surrounding peaks and valleys showcase the raw power of the forces that shaped this corner of New Mexico.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible vault toilets are available. The terraced stone campsites may provide additional accessibility challenges.
Sites SizeParking aprons vary in width from 15' to 38', with gravel aprons.
Sites PrivacySites are nicely terraced with stone but may lack privacy, as one reviewer noted, 'My only complaint is the proximity of one campsite to the other.'
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesDisconnect dinghy at fee board before entering due to limited turn-around space in spurs.
Best Campsites/
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
/
Check-out
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Stay Limit
14 consecutive days per campsite.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Maximum of two vehicles per site
- guest count specifics not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampsites are structured into two spurs, terraced with stone. Parking aprons vary between 15' to 38' wide. Gravel aprons.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round (not seasonally closed). Drinking water may not be available during freezing conditions (e.g., January).
Reservation PlatformsReservations unavailable; sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-served. Fill rates are not specified but busy weekends noted in user reviews.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy is provided; reservations are not available.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Upper End Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, highly praised by users. These include fishing, hiking, and boating opportunities. Wildlife viewing is another highlight, with users frequently mentioning sightings of deer, elk, and turkeys.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include day hikes and access to nearby Spirit Canyon, which features pictographs. A short trail also leads directly to Lake Roberts.Fishing
Fishing is available at Lake Roberts, which is home to rainbow and brown trout, as well as catfish. A fishing dock is accessible via a short trail from the campground.Boating
Boating is permitted on Lake Roberts, including both motorized and non-motorized options. Power boats are limited to electric motors.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings are common and include deer, elk, wild turkeys, and even bobcats. One user stated, 'Deer, elk, and javelina, along with many types of beautiful birds, immerse one in the splendor of nature.'Winter Activities
The campground is open year-round, but reviews indicate fewer visitors in winter. No specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Water sports like kayaking, canoeing, and power boating are allowed on Lake Roberts, with power boats restricted to electric motors.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are permitted in designated grills during non-restricted periods. Collecting dead wood is allowed; cutting trees is prohibited.
- Quiet hours are /
Hazards
General hazardsPotential wildlife encounters (bears, javelinas). Cold weather in winter may freeze water pipes.
Active alertsSite closure due to Trout Fire Closure Order Number: 03-06-07-25-002.
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 23%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 11.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
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
Nearest emergency services are Wilderness Ranger District (3697 Hwy 35 N., HC 68 Box 50 Mimbres, NM 88049) for ranger assistance and Silver City (~25 miles) for hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season dates/
Trash and recyclingGarbage facilities are available on-site for waste disposal; recycling options are not specified.
Proximity to water featuresLocated adjacent to Lake Roberts, a 72-acre lake with electric motor boating and fishing dock. Trails lead directly to the water.
Common complaintsNoise complaints from party groups, proximity issues between campsites noted in user reviews.
HostUser reviews mention non-intrusive hosts but no detailed information available.
Campground Map
3697 Hwy 35 N., HC 68 Box 50 Mimbres, NM 88049
Driving directionsFrom Mimbres, NM, travel 21 miles north on New Mexico Highway 35. Look for the campground sign on the south side of the road between mileposts 22 and 23. Alternatively, "In Mimbres, NM, at the intersection of State Rts. 152 and 35, take State Rt. 35 north 22.5 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground." Due to tight curves and steep grades, the alternative route via Silver City (US Rt. 180 and State Rt. 15) is not recommended for RVs.
Accessibility is fair but challenging for large recreational vehicles on alternative routes due to tight curves, switchbacks, and steep grades. Roads are paved with clear signage for standard vehicles.Nearby places
Silver City (~25 miles, 45-minute drive), Mimbres (~21 miles, 30-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
Lake Roberts General Store is nearby, offering limited groceries, phone access, and lodging. Mimbres (~21 miles) has gas and cafes. Silver City (~25 miles) provides Walmart for fishing licenses and RV waste stations.
Camper Reviews
4.5
26 reviews
Upper End Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally describe Upper End Campground as peaceful, clean, and well-maintained. Frequent highlights include excellent fishing, scenic views, and abundant wildlife. Some complaints were about noise from other campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 26 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive comments include 'The camp sites are great,' 'very clean restrooms,' and 'well-behaved dogs are welcome.' Another camper noted the 'dark skies great for star gazing.'
Based on 26 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include noise from other campers and the lack of full hookups, with one user mentioning, 'It seems that every time we go, there is at least one group of people partying.'
Based on 26 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Tips include visiting the Gila Cliff Dwellings and hot springs. Another camper suggested disconnecting RVs at the fee board due to limited turnaround space.
Based on 26 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter months seem less crowded, with one review noting no other campers in January. However, summer weekends can get busy.
Based on 26 reviewsCamper Quotes
'Lake Roberts is one of my favorite places to visit!' 'At sunset, about six deer came 100 meters from my campsite.' 'The Milky Way is visible to the naked eye here.'
Based on 26 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Some reviewers preferred this campground over nearby Mesa Campground due to its secluded feel. However, others noted noise issues at specific sites.
Based on 26 reviewsAccessibility Features
Wheelchair-accessible vault toilets are available, but the terraced terrain may present challenges.
Based on 26 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome but must be leashed, as stated by the park rules. One user noted the campground being suitable for well-behaved dogs.
Based on 26 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025