Ben Lilly Campground

This campground is an ideal area to escape the summer heat.

Current Conditions

Though generally open year-round, road access may become difficult or impossible during periods of heavy snow or spring thaw.

Reservations

All sites first come, first served.

General Information

Closest Stores:
Reserve is the closest town with all amenities. The campground at Snow Lake is the closest place to get potable water. There is no trash service, so you must pack out your garbage. Night temperatures may drop suddenly. Please be properly equipped.

Though generally open year-round, road access may become difficult or impossible during periods of heavy snow or spring thaw.

Availbable for overnight use

No pass required

Permits are required for commercial or organized uses.

There is a 14 day stay limit.
OHV/ATV use is prohibited.
Hunting is prohibited in the campground.

No fees are required for this site

Pets must be leashed in the campground

Please contact the Gila National Forest Supervisors Office at 575-388-8201 for information about outfitters and guides who are authorized to operate on the forest.

Address: 5 Smokey Bear Circle, P.O. Box 170 Reserve, NM 87830
Phone: (575) 533-6232
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 33.39731216

Longitude: -108.59326172

Elevation

8,012 Feet

Directions

From Reserve, follow New Mexico Highway 435 south to Forest Road 141 for about 34 miles. Turn south onto Forest Road 28 and follow it to its end at Willow Creek. Follow Forest Road 507 past Willow Creek Campground approximately 2 miles upstream along Willow Creek to Ben Lilly Campground.

Travel Considerations

Forest Road 141 was paved at one time. Now it is paved, with many potholes. Slow down before entering corners, especially where there is gravel on the paved road surface. A resurfacing project is expected in 2026.

Federal Highway Administration is planning to replace the South Fork Negrito Creek Bridge, adjacent to South Fork Campground in summer 2025. This project is likely to affect traffic en route to Ben Lilly Campground.

Alert, NM 159 eastbound and westbound from mile marker 4, 4 miles east of US 180 to mile marker 25, Willow Creek Campground.

NM 159 between milepost 3 to milepost 9.5 has STEEP GRADES AND NUMEROUS TIGHT TURNS. Trucks without a retarder break and/or longer that 45 feet in length are PROHIBITED on this section on NM 159, also required is to utilize a pilot vehicle for lengths exceeding 30 feet. Consider using an alternate route. THIS IS A PERMANENT ALERT.