How much does camping cost at Ben Lilly Campground?

Camping fees at Ben Lilly Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Ben Lilly Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Ben Lilly Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

What is the best time to visit Ben Lilly Campground?

Ben Lilly Campground is open Generally open year-round, although road access may become difficult or impossible during periods of heavy snow or spring thaw.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Ben Lilly Campground?

Ben Lilly Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Ben Lilly Campground?

Fire policies at Ben Lilly Campground: No specific fire policies mentioned; standard fire safety procedures likely apply.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Ben Lilly Campground have?

Ben Lilly Campground has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Ben Lilly Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Ben Lilly Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Ben Lilly Campground?

Ben Lilly Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Ben Lilly Campground?

Popular activities at Ben Lilly Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Ben Lilly Campground

3.57

14 reviews

5 Smokey Bear Circle, P.O. Box 170 Reserve, NM 87830

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Hiking Camping New Mexico

Quick Facts

8,012 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,012 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Ben Lilly Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The campground is a fee-free site, meaning there is no charge for overnight use.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

575-388-8201

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

5 Smokey Bear Circle, P.O. Box 170 Reserve, NM 87830

Ben Lilly Campground

5 Smokey Bear Circle, P.O. Box 170 Reserve, NM 87830

Nearby places

Reserve (approximately 34 miles)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies, including potable water, are available at Snow Lake Campground. Reserve offers gas, groceries, and other amenities, but it is a long drive away.

Driving directionsFrom 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. Note that Forest Road 141 has many potholes and gravel patches. A resurfacing project is expected in 2026, and NM 159 has steep grades and numerous tight turns.

The road access to the campground is challenging due to rough dirt roads past the town of Mogollon and tight turns along NM 159. High-clearance or 4x4 vehicles are highly recommended. Seasonal conditions like heavy snow or spring thaw can make access difficult or impossible.

Weather at Ben Lilly Campground

Current alerts(2)

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.
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.

Best Time to Camp at Ben Lilly Campground

Summer brings daytime temperatures between 60 and 75°F with cool nights dropping into the mid-30s to mid-40s. Trails are snow-free, the creek flows well for trout fishing, and the forest is at its greenest. Afternoon monsoon showers are common from July through early September. Be prepared for sudden weather changes and cold snaps even in summer. Winter snow closes or severely limits access. Spring means mud that tests even capable vehicles.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Cool summer days (60–75°F), snow-free trails and good creek flow for trout make summer a top season.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Generally open year-round, although road access may become difficult or impossible during periods of heavy snow or spring thaw.

About Ben Lilly Campground

Ben Lilly Campground sits along Willow Creek at 8,012 feet in the Gila National Forest, offering five primitive campsites without fees or reservations. The remote location demands a high-clearance vehicle or 4x4, but rewards visitors with genuine solitude and the constant sound of running water. Very few people make it here.

Ben Lilly Campground provides basic camping facilities. There are no RV hookups, no group sites, and no cabins or glamping accommodations. The campground is noted for its remoteness and suitability for escaping summer heat.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings daytime temperatures between 60 and 75°F with cool nights dropping into the mid-30s to mid-40s. Trails are snow-free, the creek flows well for trout fishing, and the forest is at its greenest. Afternoon monsoon showers are common from July through early September. Be prepared for sudden weather changes and cold snaps even in summer. Winter snow closes or severely limits access. Spring means mud that tests even capable vehicles.

ElevationPerched at 8,012 feet above sea level, Ben Lilly Campground offers a natural air conditioning system that provides welcome relief from summer's intensity. This lofty elevation creates a unique microclimate where afternoon thunderstorms can roll in without warning, and temperatures can plummet once the sun dips below the ridgeline. The thin mountain air reminds visitors they've entered a different world, one where proper hydration and sun protection become essential companions.

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa pines and Douglas firs tower above the campsites, while Willow Creek flows over smooth stones through the narrow canyon. The surrounding Gila Wilderness stretches in all directions with volcanic ridges and forested slopes. Sites sit close enough to the creek that you'll fall asleep to the sound of moving water. The terrain is rugged, carved by erosion into steep drainages and rocky benches.

Geological RegionDeep within the legendary Gila National Forest, Ben Lilly Campground occupies a special corner of one of America's most rugged and pristine wilderness areas. This vast expanse of mountains and canyons represents millions of years of geological storytelling, where volcanic forces and patient erosion have sculpted a landscape of extraordinary diversity. The surrounding terrain challenges and rewards in equal measure, offering everything from gentle streamside strolls to demanding backcountry expeditions into the heart of the Southwest's last great wilderness.

Scenic ViewsCampers have views of scenic creekside areas, mountainous terrain, and dense forest.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 days

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of two vehicles per campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutFive sites scattered along Willow Creek with space for up to two vehicles per site. No designated loops or sections, just natural clearings in the forest.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservation required; walk-in sites available.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable for a fee-free site.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specified. However, the terrain and road difficulty suggest limited accessibility for individuals requiring assistive devices or vehicles without high clearance.

Site SizeSite sizes are not detailed; descriptions focus on natural surroundings and an ability to accommodate a maximum of two vehicles.

PrivacyNo direct mention of site privacy, though the remote location and reviews such as 'very few people' suggest some seclusion.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy and proximity to the creek, choose campsites closest to Willow Creek.

Best CampsitesSites near the creek offer the best ambiance, with direct views of the water and the most pronounced sound of running water at night.

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site. The campground at Snow Lake is the closest place to get potable water.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Ben Lilly Campground offers activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Some trails are difficult due to downed trees or fire damage. Specific seasonal considerations, such as early snow, are mentioned in user reviews.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsChallenges include rough dirt roads that may become muddy during rain, steep grades, loose gravel on paved sections, and sudden drops in night temperatures.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not mentioned; restrooms are described generically by official sources as 'available at this site.' No user reviews provide additional detail.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyNo specific fire policies mentioned; standard fire safety procedures likely apply.

Emergency ServicesReserve Ranger District at 5 Smokey Bear Circle, Reserve, NM provides ranger services. Additional emergency services are located in Reserve, which is approximately 34 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash services are not available, and users must pack out all trash, as emphasized in the authoritative source materials.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located along Willow Creek, providing access to a scenic water feature.

Cell CoverageNo information provided directly about cell reception. However, reviews suggest the remote nature of the campground may limit connectivity.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.6

14 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Ben Lilly Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the rough and remote terrain, recommending high-clearance vehicles for access. The campground is praised for its natural beauty, seclusion, and tranquil setting, though the lack of amenities like potable water is a common concern.

Review Summaries

Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the remote and tranquil environment, the running creek providing natural ambiance ('the running water is amazing to fall asleep to'), and the scenic views. Campers appreciate its...

Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints focus on the difficult access roads, especially during wet weather ('the road turns to rough dirt...if it happens to rain...nothing but a 4x4 will get you out'). The lack of potable water,...

Based on 14 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers are mentioned, but users highlight the general well-placed sites near the creek.

Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a high-clearance vehicle or 4x4. Pack out all trash and carry sufficient water. Stock up on supplies before arrival due to limited nearby resources. Be prepared for sudden weather changes,...

Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Early snow and heavy rain can make access challenging during some seasons. Summer is praised for its cooler temperatures, making it a retreat from heat.

Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This is a beautiful campground tucked up in the mountains.' 2. 'So I followed a path that Google Maps recommended and I was literally in fear of my life.' 3. 'Great place to camp and relax. The...

Based on 14 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews mention accessibility features, and the rough terrain suggests the campground may not be easily accessible for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 14 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. No specific reviews address experiences with pets.

Based on 14 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Primitive campers with a 4x4 or high-clearance rig who want solitude at no cost. Summer is the sweet spot: trails are open, the creek runs well for trout fishing, and daytime temps stay in the 60s and 70s. Bring all your water since there's none on-site.

Skip if

No high-clearance vehicle? A rainy stretch turns the access road into a trap reviewers describe as 4x4-only to get out. Add a bridge replacement project near South Fork in summer 2025 that will likely complicate the drive in further.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.3

(8)

Willow Creek Campground

5 Smokey Bear Circle, P.O. Box 170 Reserve, NM 87830

Willow Creek Campground sits in a pine-covered canyon in the Gila National Forest at 7,920 feet elevation. The campground has just four small tent sites along both sides of Willow Creek. Access requires navigating rough roads, and the turnaround has washed out, making the campground unsuitable for RVs.