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 device in effective working order.
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits: Using any type of vehicle that does not comply with an applicable state law.Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.Operating a vehicle in violation of speed, load,…
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…
Hiring for seasonal positions: Feb. 20 - Mar. 3
We are encouraging anyone interested to apply to seasonal positions on the Gila National Forest. These positions will be recreation and visitor services support positions on all districts of the forest. Applicants can view open job announcements and submit applications through USAJOBS.gov.Forestry…
Vandalism on forest defers maintenance, decreases public safety
Resources diverted from recreation improvements and law enforcement to address damage from vandalismRepairing, restoring, and investigating vandalized sites takes Forest Service time and U.S. taxpayer money away from making other improvements on the 3.3 million acres of the Gila National Forest.…
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. Harmful algae blooms, or HABs, occur when certain types of algae grow excessively in water, posing potential health risks to people…
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. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and…
Gila National Forest Occupancy and Use Prohibitions
PROHIBITIONSPursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) the following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Gila National Forest (including those lands identified on the Gila National Forest Map as Apache National Forest, within the State of New Mexico)…
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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