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Since its opening in 1963, Lake Roberts has been a popular destination for campers, picnickers, hikers and fishermen. About a one-hour drive from Silver City, the lake lies nestled among the high pines in the Upper Mimbres Valley, within the boundaries of the Gila National Forest. All Images are Copyrighted by Mary Saxton Although the lake itself is on national forest land, the dam site is on property owned by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Fed by cold-water springs forming Sapillo Creek, which flows into the canyon from the east, the lake at capacity covers about 69 surface acres, and drains a watershed of about 87 square miles of mostly steep, mountainous country. Wildlife, including deer, elk and other mammals, come to the lake to water. As well, amphibians, reptiles, and birds — including large numbers of migratory waterfowl — are drawn to the lake and its surrounding wetlands. Among the fish in the lake are trout, bass and catfish. All Images are Copyrighted by Mary Saxton Visitors will find three campgrounds located at or near the lake. The Upper End Campground on the southeast side of the lake has 11 campsites. The Mesa Campground, which also borders the lake, has 24 sites. Both charge overnight user fees of $7. Sapillo Group, an undeveloped campground with fire pits, tables, and pit toilets, but no water, offers 10 undeveloped sites. The campground is about two miles southeast of the lake on New Mexico 35. No fees are charged. Lake Roberts is named for Department of Game and Fish pilot Austin A. Roberts, who was killed in an airplane crash in 1960 while dropping bales of hay to an antelope herd stranded in deep snow.