Sapillo Campground, Mimbres, NM

Wilderness Ranger District

Gila National Forest

Free Camping Near Mimbres, NM

This is mostly a designated dispersed camping area, though it does have a vault toilet, and there are a few fire rings. Otherwise, there are no designated campsites, it's all dispersed camping. The area is large enough for several full-sized RVs, all on mostly hard-packed ground, and slightly sloped.

Authority

Wilderness Ranger District logo

Wilderness Ranger District

Gila National Forest

District Office

Tel: (575) 536-2250

Official campground webpage

Particulars

GPS: 33.0081, -108.1146

Elevation: 6,319 feet

Reservations: First come, first served

Camping Fee: None

Permit: None

Max stay: 14 days in a 45-day period

Amenities: Vault toilet, fire rings

Submitted by

Admin Staff

Admin Staff

Boondocker's Bible

Camping at Sapillo Campground

Despite this campground being labeled a group campground, there is no group requirement here. It was labeled that way because the area is large enough to support larger groups.

The access road into Sapillo Campground is hard-packed dirt suitable for any vehicle, but as you get deeper into the dispersed camping area, you may find yourself wanting 4WD. The campground is huge, with some roads venturing about 3/4 of mile a deep into tree cover. The deeper you go, the smaller the vehicle you will need to get through.

There are perhaps enough camping spaces to support a few dozen vehicles here. Yet, Sapillo Campground remains largely quiet due to being off the beaten path. There’s plenty of shade here from tall Ponderosa Pine.

The campground lies on the west side of Skates Canyon. During heavy rains, there is a creek that washes through here, but the campground largely remains safe from flooding.

The convenience store in Mimbres is approximately 15 miles south. Lake Roberts fishing store is about 5 miles to the north.

Other Campsites Within 20 Miles Radius

Associated Documents

Gila National Forest Order 03-06-00-23-004, Occupancy rules, maximum camping limits, (eff: May 19, 2023, term: May 18, 2025)
Motor Vehicle Use Map, Black Range, Wilderness, & Silver City Ranger Districts, Page 2, Illustrates dispersed camping restrictions & OHV restrictions, (eff: January 1, 2023)
Motor Vehicle Use Map, Black Range, Wilderness, & Silver City Ranger Districts, Page 1, Illustrates dispersed camping restrictions & OHV restrictions, (eff: January 1, 2023)

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