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Map showing campground location near Gila National Forest, New Mexico
Camper submitted image from Dipping Vat CampgroundView 7 Photos
RoadsMap showing campground location near Gila National Forest, New Mexico

Dipping Vat Campground

3 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Reaching Dipping Vat requires roughly two hours of rough dirt road driving, so high-clearance vehicles are strongly advised and RVs longer than 19 feet won't fit the sites. The campground splits into two loops: a shaded side with tall pine cover and an open side that faces Snow Lake, a 90-acre reservoir with a boat ramp and fishing access. Sites on the open loop lack tree cover, so a canopy is worth packing. Drinking water spigots are distributed throughout, and bathrooms have consistently drawn positive remarks from reviewers. The fee is $5 per night. Campers wanting a less remote base can find campgrounds just outside Glenwood or check nearby Snow Lake, just 0.3 miles southeast.

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Map & DirectionsDipping Vat Campground is located in New Mexico near Gila National Forest

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

In Reserve, NM, take State Rt. 435 south 5.3 miles to where it becomes Forest Rt. 141. Continue straight on Rt. 141 and go 34.9 miles to Forest Rt. 28 (Snow Lake sign). Turn right onto Rt. 28 and go 9.6 miles to "Y" intersection and Forest Rt. 142 (Snow Lake sign). Bear left at intersection onto Rt. 142 and go 8.8 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign and go 0.3 miles to campground.

Coordinates

33.42318332 N
108.50067075 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
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    Verizon
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    AT&T
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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

Drive Time

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Dipping Vat Campground

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1 Star

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4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the clean facilities and drinking water access throughout the grounds. Some visitors expressed concerns about unlevel, overgrown sites, though the remote wilderness location offers spectacular scenery and wildlife viewing.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jul. 5, 2025

After a torturous drive in, the campground was... meh.

We were warned.  The trip to the campground was 50ish miles of very rough dirt roads.  Took over two hours to make the drive.  We arrived at the campground mid-day and were pretty surprised.  As mentioned in another review, there are two loops.  There is a sunny loop and a shady loop.  We opted for the sunny loop for the view of Snow Lake.  We tow a 19' travel trailer and there were very few sites that would accommodate it.  I have to say that the sites were very overgrown and far from level. In the sunny loop, you can see every other camper there.

The shady loop seemed pretty nice although again, the sites were smallish and not at all level.

The bathrooms were clean and well cared for and there were well maintained water spigots for drinking water.

Dripping Vat is on the Continental Divide Trail (hiking) and we had a steady stream of through hikers.

Snow Lake is a small 90-acre lake with a nice boat ramp.  The scenery was spectacular and overall, we enjoyed our stay.  Its Just not a place we will return to.

Site12
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Dipping Vat Campground by John H., July 5, 2025
  • Review photo of Dipping Vat Campground by John H., July 5, 2025
Reviewed Sep. 7, 2020

Very isolated campsite

I needed to find a spot for the Labor day weekend that wasn't over crowded. This campground is very isolated infact it's about an hour to an hour and a half of off road driving to get to. I was very impressed with the drinking water faucets located throughout the campsite, and the clean bathrooms. There are two sides of the campsite, on on side your in the woods with tall pine trees to shade your tent and campsite. The other side is open no trees, but it does overlook the lake so be sure to bring your canopy. It's a paid national forest campsite of $5/night. The forest trucks/rangers do stop in several times during the day to make sure everything is ok. Heard Elk in the morning, wolves and bats at night. This is a great location to get away from the busy hustle of city life

  • Review photo of Dipping Vat Campground by Brandon H., September 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Dipping Vat Campground by Brandon H., September 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Dipping Vat Campground by Brandon H., September 7, 2020
  • (5) View All
Reviewed May. 28, 2019

Loved It!

I took my dad there for Labor Day weekend last year and was totally pleased with the campground. Extremely well kept and clean. Didn’t use the RV restroom at all. The restrooms at the grounds were very clean and only a short walk from every campsite. Drinking water to fill your camper was available in several locations. No hookups but that was ok. The country surrounding the grounds was absolutely beautiful! Snow Lake provides great fishing opportunities and the views from all over the surrounding Gila Wilderness were simply amazing.

We met some folks from Silver City during our stay and became lifelong friends with them. We spent most of the weekend with them sharing meals and stories around the campfire! I will definitely be heading there again at least once a year!

Showing results 1-3 of 3 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities and amenities are available at Dipping Vat Campground?

Dipping Vat Campground offers clean restrooms that are conveniently located within a short walking distance from all campsites. Drinking water is readily available throughout the campground with multiple water faucets for filling campers or personal containers. The campground features two distinct loops - one sunny and one shady - allowing visitors to choose their preferred camping environment. The grounds are extremely well-maintained and clean, making for a comfortable outdoor experience despite the remote location.

Are reservations required for camping at Dipping Vat Campground?

Reservations are not required at Dipping Vat Campground as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground's remote location - about 50 miles down rough dirt roads - helps limit crowds, making it possible to find available sites even during holiday weekends like Labor Day. However, arriving early is still recommended during peak seasons to secure your preferred spot. The campground has two distinct loops (sunny and shady) to choose from, giving campers options based on their arrival time and preferences.

How can I access Dipping Vat Lake from the campground?

Dipping Vat Campground is situated in a remote location, with relatively easy access to Dipping Vat Lake from the camping area. The campground features two distinct loops, and the lake is accessible via short walking paths from the campsites. The isolated nature of the campground means you'll have a peaceful lake experience without crowds, even during holiday weekends. Be prepared for the journey to the campground itself, which involves approximately 50 miles of rough dirt roads that can take over two hours to navigate.

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