Free Ben Lilly Glenwood NM Boondocking Location
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Snow Lake, New Mexico GPS: 33.397289, -108.592842 Elevation: 8017′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| National Forest Service (Official)
This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
Ben Lilly Glenwood NM boondocking location, named after the great hunter, may be found on FR 159. The campground is a great place to escape the summer heat. This region provides excellent chances for bird watching and wildlife viewing. We were camped at Bighorn CG at the time and drove past this area. For us, the ideal CG.
Gila National Forest provides a small, free constructed campground. There are only five boondocking spots here, with a handful of them accommodating modest to medium-sized trailers. However, once you leave Mogollon, the route along State Route 159 (Bursum route) becomes rough gravel, and 4WD is essential, especially in wet weather.
Ben Lilly Campground, nestled on the banks of Willow Creek, provides tree shade and a decent degree of peace and quiet due to its remote location along a bumpy, narrow dirt road.
The road begins in Glenwood, New Mexico, at the intersection of US-180 and State road 159 (Bursum Road). The road is paved until you reach the other end of Mogollon, after which it turns firm-packed dirt and gravel. The road becomes uneven and rocky as you drive up and over the mountain range’s highest points.
About This Location
If you’re looking for a quiet, free place to camp near Glenwood, New Mexico, Ben Lilly Campground is a solid choice. Ben Lilly offers a no-cost boondocking spot surrounded by forests and mountains, giving you a peaceful setting away from town noise.
The campground sits along Willow Creek. You’ll get some shade from the trees, which makes it a nice spot to relax outdoors.
Expect rugged terrain and cool temperatures, especially since you’re up over 8,000 feet. It’s a simple location with few amenities, so it’s best for folks who want to enjoy nature in a more primitive style.
Directions are straightforward—just take NM-159 from Glenwood and you’ll find the site.
Location And Access
Ben Lilly Campground is tucked near Glenwood, New Mexico, inside the Gila National Forest. You’ll find forests and mountain terrain all around, making it a quiet spot for camping and boondocking.
The area is rugged, so expect uneven ground and wild surroundings. To get there, travel on forest roads branching off the main highways near Catron County.
Weather and road conditions can change access, so it’s smart to check local updates before you go. The roads are rough—high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles make the trip easier.
You won’t find potable water at the campground. The closest place to refill is Snow Lake, just a short drive away.
Bring enough water for your stay if you don’t want to make repeat trips. Trash service isn’t offered, so you’ll need to pack out all your garbage.
Be ready to carry out everything you bring in. That’s just part of the deal here.
Quick access tips:
- Use a high-clearance vehicle for easier travel.
- Watch the weather, especially in colder months—temps can dip into the 20s.
- Plan your water supply since there’s no drinking water onsite.
Directions
Start from Glenwood, New Mexico. Drive north on Highway 180 for about 3 miles.
Turn right onto State Road 159, heading toward Mogollon. Follow this until you reach Forest Road 507.
Take a right onto Forest Road 507 and keep going for roughly 3.1 miles. That’ll bring you right to the campground.
If you’re coming from Reserve, use Forest Roads 119 and 153 to reach Willow Creek. These routes work better due to past road damage from the Bear Fire and flooding.
The roads are mostly dirt and may need a high-clearance vehicle. Go slow, especially after rain.
Once you arrive, you’ll see six small campsites with picnic tables. It’s quiet and works well for small to medium camping setups.
There are no hookups or developed facilities. Bring what you need for boondocking.
Cell service is spotty, so use a GPS or offline map to help you navigate.
Amenities And Activities
At Ben Lilly Campground in Glenwood, NM, you’ll find basic but handy amenities. There are five picnic tables where you can eat and hang out outside.
The campground offers five tent camping sites, so you can sleep under the stars in peace. Toilets on site are vault toilets, simple and close to the camping areas.
Accessibility is limited if you need special facilities. There’s a 14-day stay limit following Gila National Forest rules.
Ben Lilly sits close to the Gila Wilderness, so you’ve got plenty of hiking options. Trails range from easy walks to tougher routes, and you’ll probably spot some wildlife if you keep your eyes open.
Hunting’s allowed if you have the right permits, making this a solid base if you want to mix camping with outdoor sports.
Here’s a quick overview:
| Amenity | Details |
|---|---|
| Picnic Tables | 5 |
| Tent Sites | 5 |
| Toilets | Vault toilets |
| Stay Limit | 14 days |
| Nearby Activities | Hiking, Hunting |
The campground is simple and ideal if you want a natural, no-frills camping experience close to the forest.
Camping Regulations And Restrictions
You’ll find only five campsites at Ben Lilly Campground near Glenwood, NM. These spots work for tents and small to medium trailers.
Make sure your rig fits before you show up. The campground is free and developed, so you might get a few basic amenities, but don’t expect water or electricity.
Bring your own supplies. You need to follow all local rules, including packing out what you bring in.
Leave no trace so the place stays clean for everyone. Camping time limits usually run about 14 days, but it’s worth checking with local ranger offices before your trip.
Open fires can be restricted if fire danger’s high. Always check current fire regulations, especially during dry spells.
Use State Route 159 (Bursum Road) for access. Road conditions change, so your vehicle should handle rough terrain.
Pets are allowed, but keep them on a leash. Respect wildlife—don’t feed the animals.
No large groups or commercial camping here. The site’s best for solo campers or small groups.
You might need to register your stay, depending on local rules. It helps the forest service keep things safe and organized.
Stick to the rules and Leave No Trace and you’ll have a safe, legal camping experience at Ben Lilly Campground.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Fire Ring Near Water Picnic Tables Restrooms |
OHV Fishing Hiking Hunting Wildlife Viewing |
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