Join the fun near Reserve. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Reserve, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
Cosmic Campground is one of many sites on the Gila NF where night sky photography is at it's best. Late May - late October are the best times to see the Milky Way and get some premium photos.
Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary (CCIDSS) is the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary located on National Forest System lands and also in North America. It is also one of only 10 certified IDA Sanctuaries in the world. International Dark Sky Sanctuaries are lands possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights. For more information on dark skies or the International Dark Sky Association -http://www.darksky.org/. The CCIDSS offers a 360-degree, unobstructed view of the night sky, and often hosts “star parties” in cooperation with the partner group “Friends of the Cosmic Campground.” This site is situated where there nearest significant source of artificial light is more than 40 miles away, and across the state line in Arizona. . Night vision is necessary to enjoy the night sky. If you look at white light from either your flashlight or your cell phone you will not be able to enjoy the wonders of the natural night sky for 20-30 minutes. In order to respect your fellow star gazers the Forest Service recommends: No parking on the observation/telescope pads No camp fires on observation pads Use a red filter over your flashlight lens Try to arrive before dark so that your headlights won’t distort your night vision Quiet times (no generator use) between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. CCIDSS is a primitive campground with minimal site amenities including an information kiosk, a pit toilet, and four concrete telescope/observation pads. Currently, there is very minimal shade available however, future planning developments intend to erect a shade pavilion as well as improve individual campsite amenities as funding comes available.
This campground offers an easily accessible rustic streamside camping experience amongst tall pines Head of the Ditch Campground is located in a scenic valley approximately 1.5 miles west of historic Luna, New Mexico on US Highway 180. The campground is marked with a blue campground sign, not with a Forest Service campground sign. Water from the San Francisco River which runs through the campground is used for irrigation in Luna Valley. The campground is located at the head of the irrigation ditch which gives Head of the Ditch Campground its name. The campground has a large open area and shady campsites with pine, oak, cottonwood, and willow trees.
A small campground designed primarily for tent camping located on the west side of US Highway 180, between mileposts 23 and 24, north of Glenwood and Alma, New Mexico
If getting completely away from it all and experiencing the outdoors for all it has to offer is your camping ideal then plan your camping vacation in the Big Lake Recreation Area. Big Lake itself is 575 acres, and makes a convenient base for other local lakes like Crescent Lake, Lee Valley Lake and the East and West Forks of the Black River. Choose your site from one of nine campgrounds and experience exceptional hiking and mountain biking trails, wildlife viewing, and trout fishing. Campers have the convenience of paved roads, a dump station and showers, but no electric hookups. Apache Trout, the largest campground can accomodate RVs (max 45 feet) as well as in sections of Grayling Campground. Two campgrounds give tent campers the entire campground all to themselves. A visitor center and naturalist programs offer plenty of knowledge about the area.
Luna Lake Campground is a pleasant vacation site with open forest, lush meadows, a lake with great fishing, first rate mountain scenery and additional recreation facilities located within easy travel distance. This friendly campground is located in an open stand of ponderosa pines within walking distance of Luna Lake and 5 miles east of the town of Alpine, Arizona, close to the New Mexico border.
Fishing, horseback riding, boating, mountain biking and hiking are some of the activities enjoyed by campers. A non-motorized trail system is open to horse, bicycle and pedestrian travel. Visitors should be aware that although horses are allowed on some of the trails, livestock is not permitted in the campground. Fishing is available in the lake, and a boat ramp provides easy access to the water. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout. The lake is used for irrigation during the summer; fishing is best in spring and early summer. A marina, fishing pier, bait shop, boat rentals and picnic area are located in the day use area. Families can also learn about the many cultural and natural features of the forest by attending educational programs in July and August.
The rustic campground is located a short distance from Luna Lake. Three group campsites are available for reservation, including two double sites and one large group site that can accommodate up to 120. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided.
The area sits at an elevation of 8,000 feet in the scenic Apache National Forest in eastern Arizona. The campground is near 75-acre Luna Lake, surrounded by a ponderosa pine forest. A large wetland for nesting waterfowl lines the lakeshore, providing good wildlife viewing opportunities.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 537-8888.
The town of Alpine is convenient for shopping and services. The area is also rich with cultural history, outdoor recreation and sightseeing opportunities, including the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway and Escudilla Wilderness. Visitors can explore endless vistas and take part in many outdoor activities in the surrounding Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, which encompasses 2 million acres of magnificent mountain country in east-central Arizona and New Mexico.
$125 / night
Located near the riverside at 6200' elevation within the beautiful Blue River Valley, Blue Crossing Campground is a perfect choice for a peaceful, rustic camping experience in a beautiful setting well off the beaten path. It also provides a convenient base camp for anyone seeking to explore the Blue Range Primitive Area via the Tutt Creek Trailhead. 4 total campsites, 2 with Adirondack-style shelters. Trailer 16" max Access to Blue Range Primitive Area. 14 day stay limit.
This is a fantastic place to get away from it all! Dipping Vat Campground is located adjacent to the west side of Snow Lake. Snow Lake is approximately 52 miles southeast of Reserve, New Mexico. The campground offers a variety of activities to the visitor, including fishing, overnight camping, and hiking. Dipping Vat Campground has a potable water system including a well with a pump. Snow Lake is stocked with trout three times a year, early spring, early summer, and late fall. If you wish to fish at Snow Lake you must have a New Mexico fishing license and more information is available at NM Department of Game and Fish
$5 / night
This campground is an ideal area to escape the summer heat.
Cosmic Campground is one of many sites on the Gila NF where night sky photography is at it's best. Late May - late October are the best times to see the Milky Way and get some premium photos.
Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary (CCIDSS) is the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary located on National Forest System lands and also in North America. It is also one of only 10 certified IDA Sanctuaries in the world. International Dark Sky Sanctuaries are lands possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights. For more information on dark skies or the International Dark Sky Association -http://www.darksky.org/. The CCIDSS offers a 360-degree, unobstructed view of the night sky, and often hosts “star parties” in cooperation with the partner group “Friends of the Cosmic Campground.” This site is situated where there nearest significant source of artificial light is more than 40 miles away, and across the state line in Arizona. . Night vision is necessary to enjoy the night sky. If you look at white light from either your flashlight or your cell phone you will not be able to enjoy the wonders of the natural night sky for 20-30 minutes. In order to respect your fellow star gazers the Forest Service recommends: No parking on the observation/telescope pads No camp fires on observation pads Use a red filter over your flashlight lens Try to arrive before dark so that your headlights won’t distort your night vision Quiet times (no generator use) between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. CCIDSS is a primitive campground with minimal site amenities including an information kiosk, a pit toilet, and four concrete telescope/observation pads. Currently, there is very minimal shade available however, future planning developments intend to erect a shade pavilion as well as improve individual campsite amenities as funding comes available.
This campground offers an easily accessible rustic streamside camping experience amongst tall pines Head of the Ditch Campground is located in a scenic valley approximately 1.5 miles west of historic Luna, New Mexico on US Highway 180. The campground is marked with a blue campground sign, not with a Forest Service campground sign. Water from the San Francisco River which runs through the campground is used for irrigation in Luna Valley. The campground is located at the head of the irrigation ditch which gives Head of the Ditch Campground its name. The campground has a large open area and shady campsites with pine, oak, cottonwood, and willow trees.
A small campground designed primarily for tent camping located on the west side of US Highway 180, between mileposts 23 and 24, north of Glenwood and Alma, New Mexico
If getting completely away from it all and experiencing the outdoors for all it has to offer is your camping ideal then plan your camping vacation in the Big Lake Recreation Area. Big Lake itself is 575 acres, and makes a convenient base for other local lakes like Crescent Lake, Lee Valley Lake and the East and West Forks of the Black River. Choose your site from one of nine campgrounds and experience exceptional hiking and mountain biking trails, wildlife viewing, and trout fishing. Campers have the convenience of paved roads, a dump station and showers, but no electric hookups. Apache Trout, the largest campground can accomodate RVs (max 45 feet) as well as in sections of Grayling Campground. Two campgrounds give tent campers the entire campground all to themselves. A visitor center and naturalist programs offer plenty of knowledge about the area.
