Upper End Campground

Beautiful campground nestled in the Ponderosa pines within walking distance to the lake. Most sites are for smaller rigs, but there are a couple that will fit longer RVs. We camped in a 35' fifth wheel without issues. Pit toilets and potable water available. We couldn't get cell service here even with a our booster. Had to drive to the ranger station. There was a forest road near by (can't remember the number) with a ridge where service was available. Boondocking there for smaller rigs. We couldn't get in. Great hiking trails and natural beauty abound in this whole area. Drive up to the Gila Cliff Dwellings. It's worth it.

This is a relatively small campsite. Only three of the ten apots were filled including us. It was very quiet with only the sounds of the ponderosa trees and birds to fill the air.

There's a clearly marked trail leading to the lake. its about a 4-5 minute walk before you see the water. the trail goes most of the way around the lake and has smaller trails leading off into the sorrounding woods. it was well kept and very clean. Even though it was 50 degrees there was a couple of people fishing accross the lake.

As for amenities there was two vault toilets, trash, and a water pump. The spots themselves were clean and well-kept. There was plenty of fallen wood to burn a fire.

I would for sure reccomend this camp site to anyone looking for a relaxing stay.

IMPORTANT: Do not tow ANYTHING up the 15 out of Silver City! At times there is no center line and it is windy and steep (per a white-knuckled gal we met in Gila Hot Springs). All larger vehicles should take the 35 out of Mimbres. There is really good Verizon cell service in town that fades out about eight miles north of town. The 152 from Mimbres to the 25 is hairy and dotted with white crosses. It is a well-made road, but dangerous nonetheless and can overheat your transmission. An alternative route is to go through Deming, then go north. Seemingly, everything up here is part of the Geronimo Scenic Trail.

I enjoy a campground where the developers made an effort to create campsites that are good for tents and RVs.

Each campsite has a long pad; some are pretty level, a few are not. Each campsite has spaces for tent(s).

Some campsites have more than one table/fire pit/grill.

Only one campsite is a pull-through, which is just parking alongside the campground road in a turn-out of sorts.

The end of the campground has a space to turn around an RV; size dependent on if anyone is parked down there.

Fish cleaning station by the bathrooms.

We loved this campsite. We were headed to Mesa (as most others were, it seems), but it is closed until April, 2019. Sites were very well spaced and large. We had no trouble finding one to fit and the campground was not busy this time of year. Our site was not too shady, so we were able to use our solar. Each site as a fire pit and picnic table. Paved roads and gravel sites. Pit toilets were clean. We would have hiked near the lake but the trail was too muddy this time of year. No cell service at all.

Our original plan was to stay at Mesa due to the reviews and hook ups. We were a little concerned with day temps as this was mid June. The plan didnt work as Mesa is first come first serve. We even arrived early on a Wednesday but everything was already taken and honestly, I didnt really like the look and feel of the sites. Well, we passed Upper End campgrounds on the way to Mesa, so we turned around and went back. There are no hook ups but lots of trees for shade and the spaces were far apart. Best thing that could have happened. It has a limited number of spots but all are large and well maintained. The trees kept the heat down so no AC needed. The spaces were large and apart so you were not sharing any with your neighbor. The bathrooms were very clean, the host extremely nice and spaces just what we wanted. You will get zero wi-fi here but isnt that the point. Silver City was the best town to go to for connection and supplies. It will take you about 45 minutes as the drive has a lot of switch backs but it was a beautiful drive. There is also a way to get to the town through a longer distance but straighter roads. Takes about the same time either way. Javalina was the coffee shop in town we used to connected and we absolutely loved it. Also, perfect location to head up and see the Cliff Dwellings. Dont be in a hurry and stock up before you get there as the local shops are way over priced. If you dont stop before, make the drive to Silver City as it is worth it. There is a nice laundry facility next to the visitor center and across from the post office in town.

We intended to stay at Mesa Campground with hookups but they were full so we opted for Upper End and it was delightful. The crisp mountain air was a nice break from the warmer valley temps and who can resist the smell of pines wafting in the breeze? Upper End is small but walking access to Lake Roberts which is pretty good fishing from what I gather. There are some nice hiking trails in the area as well as day trips such as Gila Cliff Dwellings. The only downside is the commute. Don't be tempted to take Hwy 15 north from Silver City if you are in a large rig or towing. Hairpin turns are tight and the road is two lane with little or no shoulder past Pinos Altos. Instead take 152 to 35 and follow it up. The campground has a nice host, centralized water, two pit toilets, no showers or electric. Quiet hours for generator are 10pm to 6am. Dump is at Mesa or at any of the RV parks dotting the drive up the mountain. Buy groceries before you leave Silver City. It's a long drive up and the only store is Lake Roberts General Store which is limited provisions.
No WiFi. If you want to unplug in a pristine mountain environment, Upper End is perfect. Half price with senior pass.