Ben Lilly Campground

4.27

14 reviews

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

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

8,012 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Gila National Forest Supervisors Office site

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

Opens Gila National Forest Supervisors Office site

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.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

575-388-8201

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 14 reviews

11 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewshikingwater

"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."

Read all reviews

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

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.

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.

Best Time to Camp at Ben Lilly Campground

Each season paints Ben Lilly with its own dramatic brushstrokes. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-laden wonderland, though accessing this alpine paradise requires careful planning and proper equipment. As spring awakens the forest, melting snow creates muddy passages that test your vehicle's mettle. Summer arrives as the campground's golden season, delivering sun-warmed days perfect for creek exploration and refreshingly cool nights that demand a cozy sleeping bag. Autumn's arrival brings crisp air and a painter's palette of colors, punctuated by early snowflakes that dust the surrounding peaks.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer praised for cooler temperatures and as a retreat from heat.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Scenic views remain strong; trails can be rough but fall is appealing.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.5 / 5

Spring thaw and mud can make road access impassable according to reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Winter can be scenic with snow but access is often difficult or impossible.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Generally open year-round, although road access may become difficult or impossible during periods of heavy snow or spring thaw.
Current Alerts: Federal Highway Administration projects and ongoing road alerts for NM 159 may affect access.

About Ben Lilly Campground

Tucked away along the gentle waters of Willow Creek, Ben Lilly Campground beckons travelers seeking authentic wilderness solitude. This hidden gem in the Gila National Forest welcomes visitors without fees or fanfare, offering instead the simple luxury of creekside camping beneath towering pines. Here, where the mountain air whispers through the forest canopy, you'll discover the perfect basecamp for summer adventures or a tranquil retreat from the desert heat below.

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 SeasonsEach season paints Ben Lilly with its own dramatic brushstrokes. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-laden wonderland, though accessing this alpine paradise requires careful planning and proper equipment. As spring awakens the forest, melting snow creates muddy passages that test your vehicle's mettle. Summer arrives as the campground's golden season, delivering sun-warmed days perfect for creek exploration and refreshingly cool nights that demand a cozy sleeping bag. Autumn's arrival brings crisp air and a painter's palette of colors, punctuated by early snowflakes that dust the surrounding peaks.

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 SceneryNature's artistry surrounds every campsite at Ben Lilly, where ancient ponderosa pines and Douglas firs create a living cathedral overhead. Willow Creek serves as the campground's liquid heartbeat, its crystalline waters dancing over smooth stones while providing a soothing soundtrack for your stay. The encompassing mountain landscape reveals itself in layers - from intimate forest glades to distant peaks that pierce the sky, creating a backdrop that transforms with each passing hour of light.

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.

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 layoutThe campground consists of five campsites located along Willow Creek with no specific loops or sections.

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.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

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.

HikingDay hikes are available, though some trails may be rough due to obstacles such as downed trees or fire damage.

FishingFishing is supported in the nearby river or stream. No detailed descriptions of fish types or quality are provided.

Wildlife viewingDescribed under 'Outdoor Science and Learning,' wildlife viewing is a key opportunity. No specific wildlife species are mentioned.

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.

Active AlertsFederal Highway Administration projects and ongoing road alerts for NM 159 may affect access.

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

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.

Weather at Ben Lilly Campground

Reviews

4.3

14 reviews

Satisfactory

Ben Lilly Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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

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

Site-Specific Reviews

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

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

0 review

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Ben Lilly Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.

Last updated January 5, 2026

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in New Mexico

Campgrounds

Gila National Forest

Ben Lilly Campground