SAPILLO
Open — Open year-round, first-come, first-served. No reservations or fees. 14-day stay limit applies.
Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions
To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting devic
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits:
Cannabis Possession Prohibited
Order 03-00-00-21-002 prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting a cannabis plant, any part of a cannabis plant, or any substance derived from a cannabis plant within the Southwestern Region National Forests in the State of New Mexico and the National Grasslands in the s
Small Business Timber Sale 5-year Recomputation
Under provisions of the Small Business Timber Sale Program, Forest Service and Small Business Administration (SBA) policies provide for recomputation of the small business share of National Forest timber sale offerings every five years.
Quemado Lake Closure
Quemado Lake and nearby recreation areas are closed due to harmful algal blooms. See full alert for more information.
Harmful algae detected in Quemado and Snow lakes
The New Mexico Environment Department is warning visitors to use caution at Quemado Lake, Snow Lake, and Hopewell Lake due to the formation of harmful algae blooms.
Gila National Forest to begin prescribed fires
Gila National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations this fall, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through the spring as weather conditions allow.
About
Sapillo Group Campground is a free, undeveloped camping area nestled under tall ponderosa pines in the heart of Gila National Forest's Wilderness Ranger District. At 6,242 feet elevation, this shaded campground is a favorite among group campers, though despite its "group" designation, there is no minimum group size requirement. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations or fees. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (Trail #74) passes directly through the campground, making it an excellent base for hikers and thru-hikers. OHV enthusiasts will appreciate access to motorized trails #960, #961, #962, #963, #964, and #964A, which provide extensive riding opportunities throughout the valley. E-bikes are also permitted on these trails. Facilities are minimal: pit toilets are available, and most campsites include fire rings and tables. Campers must bring their own water, as none is available on-site. Firewood is not provided. The campground operates under pack-in, pack-out rules, and campers are prohibited from depositing trash in fire rings. Lake Roberts, located 2 miles north, offers fishing opportunities, and general stores can be found in nearby Mimbres (15 miles south) and at Lake Roberts (5 miles north). A 14-day stay limit applies, and pets must be leashed.
Directions
From Mimbres, follow New Mexico Highway 35 north for about 15 miles to the signed Sapillo Campground on the south (left) side of Highway 35, near milepost 20.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 536-2250 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Sapillo Trailhead/CDNST |
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