Open Year-round
Yes
Reservations possible?
No
RV Hookups
No
Potable water
Yes
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Dipping Vat Campground is located near Snow Lake in the Gila National Forest. It’s called Dipping Vat because ranchers used to run cattle through a nearby cement trough. The campground is just a stone’s throw away from the Gila Wilderness, where you can find an abundance of additional recreational opportunities including the Middle Fork Trail #157 that leads through the stunning canyons of the Middle Fork Gila River.

There are 40 campsites at Dipping Vat. They are ideal for tent campers, vans or small trailers/RVs under 20ft. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring.

Vault toilets are located within the campground. There is also drinking water and trash, but only during the spring/summer/fall.

The water in nearby Snow Lake is a bit murky and not ideal for swimming. Fishing however is a popular activity here. Snow Lake is stocked with trout three times a year: early spring, early summer, and late fall. There is also a small boat launch at Snow Lake for non-motorized boats and boats with electric motors.

Camping is $5 per night. Sites are first come, first served with no reservations possible.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Fall

Congestion

Rarely full

Parking Pass

None

Price per night (basic site)

5.00 $ (4.20 €)

Pros

Close to Snow Lake and nearby hiking. Fishing.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Managed by

USFS

Features

Vault toilet
Boat ramp(s)
Big vistas
Wildlife
Fishing
Family friendly
Picnic tables
Near lake or river
Potable water

Access

Vehicle

Total number of sites

40

Lodging type

Rustic cabin

Maximum trailer length

19.00 ft (5.79 m)

Location

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