Dipping Vat

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis at $10 per night. Water is typically turned off November 1 for winter; the campground remains open with no fee charged when water is unavailable. Road and weather conditions may limit access during winter and spring. Trash service available April through November only.

About

Dipping Vat Campground is one of the most remote developed campgrounds in Gila National Forest, located adjacent to the west side of Snow Lake at an elevation of 7,451 feet. The campground is composed of two loops, upper and lower, situated along a mountainside among ponderosa pine and aspen trees, with the lower loop offering views of Snow Lake. The campground's remote location makes it exceptional for night sky viewing and getting away from crowds. Snow Lake is stocked with trout three times a year in early spring, early summer, and late fall, offering excellent fishing opportunities. A small boat launch accommodates non-motorized boats and boats with electric motors. The campground provides access to Snow Lake Trail #142, which skirts the southwest side of the lake, enters Snow Canyon, and leads into the Gila Wilderness to connect with Middle Fork Trail #157 along the Middle Fork Gila River. The campground is accessed via a combination of New Mexico Highway 435 and forest roads, with FR 141 being paved but with potholes. Reserve is the closest town with amenities, located approximately 52 miles away. The campground is named after a nearby cement trough where ranchers historically ran cattle for dipping.

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, following signs for Snow Lake and Dipping Vat Campground.

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