SAPILLO
Open year-round, free, first-come first-served. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect through September 30, 2026; campfires are permitted only in Forest Service-provided fire rings. No potable water on site. Pack out all trash.
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 states of Texas and…
Ben Lilly and Willow Creek Campground Closure
The Gila National Forest is issuing a temporary closure order for the Ben Lilly Campground and the Willow Creek Campground, in effect from 6 a.m. on July 21, 2026 through October 16, 2026 (or until rescinded). This order serves to protect public health and safety as monsoonal flood events have…
Sacaton Fire Closure Amended
The closure order associated with the Sacaton Fire has been lifted. Areas previous closed under the order (see map below) are now open to the public as of July 17, 2026.The evacuation status for the Willow Creek subdivision has changed to "READY" as of July 13, 2026. For more information on…
About
Sapillo Group Campground is a free, primitive camping area located beneath ponderosa pines in the Wilderness Ranger District of Gila National Forest. At 6,242 feet elevation, the site offers a rustic base for exploring the surrounding high-country terrain. The campground doubles as a trailhead for the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (Trail #74), making it popular with through-hikers and day hikers alike. The campground welcomes equestrian campers, though no hitching posts, corrals, or other horse facilities are provided. All stock feed brought onto the forest must be certified weed-free. Amenities are basic: a vault toilet is available, but there is no potable water, and campers must pack out all trash. Fire rings and tables are present at sites. The nearest services are Lake Roberts General Store, about 5 miles north on Highway 35, and a convenience store in Mimbres approximately 15 miles south. Target shooting and hunting are prohibited within the campground. A 14-day stay limit applies.
Directions
From Mimbres, travel north on New Mexico Highway 35 for approximately 15 miles. The campground is on the left (south) side of Highway 35 near milepost 20.
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 | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 536-2250 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
Community Posts
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