Dipping Vat Campground

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.