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Best Campgrounds near Datil, NM

76 Reviews

Dispersed camping sites and established campgrounds surround the high-elevation area of Datil, New Mexico, providing options for various camping styles at elevations exceeding 7,700 feet. The Datil Well Recreation Area Campground offers maintained sites with picnic tables, toilets, and water access for both tent and RV camping. Several miles west, Jackson Park Campground in Pie Town provides free boondocking opportunities with basic amenities. Swingle Canyon offers dispersed camping options on public lands with drive-in access suitable for self-contained camping. The region sits along US Highway 60, creating a convenient stopover point between Magdalena and Springerville.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with some sites requiring high-clearance or 4WD vehicles, particularly after rain. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though winter conditions can make access challenging. "Very quiet Wednesday night here—didn't hear a single vehicle go by. There are about 3 spots near the road entrance. We had gone a mile up the mountain (which gets quite rough) before turning around," noted one camper at Swingle Canyon. Cell service ranges from adequate near highway corridors to non-existent in more remote camping areas. The region experiences typical high desert climate patterns with significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, particularly at higher elevations. Summer brings occasional thunderstorms while winter can deliver snow and freezing temperatures.

Campers report exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution and clear high-altitude air. The Datil Well Recreation Area features a 3.25-mile loop trail connecting to scenic vistas, making it popular for hikers. A recent visitor described it as a "well maintained little BLM campsite right on US-60" with "remarkable night skies when clear." Nearby attractions include the Very Large Array radio astronomy observatory and Pie Town's famous pie shops. For those seeking more amenities, Pie Town RV Park offers full hookups including water, electric, sewer, and shower facilities. Bear Trap Campground provides a more secluded forest camping experience at higher elevations, with primitive sites nestled among ponderosa pines. Most dispersed sites require pack-in, pack-out practices as trash services are limited or non-existent at many locations.

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Detours Nearby

Mujeres Valley Campground

Mujeres Valley Campground

1 hr 8 min away

San Lorenzo Canyon Dispersed

San Lorenzo Canyon Dispersed

1 hr 26 min away

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Best Camping Sites Near Datil, New Mexico (26)

    1. Datil Well Recreation Area Campground

    12 Reviews
    Datil, NM
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (575) 835-0412

    "Datil, Mew Mexico is a few minutes away and has a combined gas station, restaurant, and grocery store for your needs."

    "Good proximity to VLA (Very Large Array).

    One very good ADA accessible site with concrete walk straight to bathroom from ADA site."

    2. Swingle Canyon

    4 Reviews
    Datil, NM
    4 miles

    "There are about 3 spots near the road entrance."

    "Spent a very quiet night nestled back off the highway under the stars."

    3. Jackson Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Datil, NM
    20 miles
    Website

    "Drive past the campground sign and you can find many places to camp. It's dusty and a little noise from the highway, other than that is private and quiet."

    "It’s close to the not-very-busy highway. Easily accessible when dry, almost certainly would require AWD/4WD if muddy."

    4. Pie Town RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Datil, NM
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 772-2727

    5. Bear Trap Campground

    3 Reviews
    Magdalena, NM
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 854-3381

    "The drive up to the camp ground is rough and narrow with some hair-pin turns (and spectacular views!)"

    6. Morine Canyon Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Datil, NM
    18 miles

    7. Water Canyon Campground

    13 Reviews
    Magdalena, TX
    41 miles
    Website

    "You don't often find free developed camping at the end of a paved road in New Mexico, but Water Canyon is one of those exceptions. "

    "Decided to drive into the mountains more instead of turning right into the campground, and didn’t regret it. Took us out to copper trail 10 and there were 4-5 sites with fire rings already there."

    8. El Caso

    4 Reviews
    Quemado, NM
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 773-4678

    "I'm not sure if it's the lack of picnic tables or the distance from the lake but there were very few people here on a beautiful weekend in mid May."

    "El Casi CG in Rec Area: Past the lake with large campsites. This is the only campground open in the rec area during our April visit.
    (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)"

    9. Cibola National Forest Bear Trap Campground

    1 Review
    Winston, NM
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 854-2381

    "Birding is good as there is a stream nearby. Good place for summer camping to escape the heat, but watch for precipitation that may make the road impassable for some time. It's a long way up there."

    10. Monica Spring Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Magdalena, NM
    23 miles
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Showing results 1-10 of 26 campgrounds

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Recent Camping Photos near Datil, NM

11 Photos of 26 Datil Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Datil, NM

76 Reviews of 26 Datil Campgrounds

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Datil Well Recreation Area Campground

    So peaceful

    This was the second time we have stayed here. It’s about a quarter of a mile off the main road so it’s very quiet and peaceful. There are 22 sites and three of them do have electric. The rest are all dry camping, but they do have nice picnic tables and fire rings attached. Some pull through sites. Vault toilets are available throughout the park and there is water available. There is also a little lending library that is open from 10 to 2 that has Wi-Fi available . Great hiking trails in the area. Half price with your make America beautiful pass.

  • John H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Datil Well Recreation Area Campground

    A great stopover location while traveling Hwy 60

    We have been camping here for 8 years including a Thanksgiving celebration with neighbors.  Over that period of time, many very nice improvements have been made to the infrastructure. Every site has been renewed, the toilets have been completely upgraded to solar lighting and to overnight fee is still $5.00.  If it works with your travel schedule, don't miss this one.

  • J W.
    Jun. 15, 2025

    Datil Well Recreation Area Campground

    Quiet, beautiful Camp Ground!

    Quiet restful afternoon and night. Just $5.00 and 50% off with Parks pass! Can't beat that deal. Camp host directed us to an electric site. This is a dream campground. Made me nervous it was so cheap.

  • Emily S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2025

    San Lorenzo Canyon Dispersed

    The canyons are calling

    Truly, a special place. The canyons were amazing to hike in and bike among. I saw very few people it will feel like you are not driving on the right place as the ‘road’ is eventually just a dry river bed, but keep going the course and you will find gorgeous sites to camp at.

  • Julie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2025

    The Box Recreation Area

    Not many sites, lots of trash

    Very few sites: just after the entrance and by the vault toilet in the parking lot. We also drove down the Box Canyon rd for a while past the farm and only saw 1 spot. Went back to the parking lot but there was so much trash around and « donut » tire tracks that we decided not to stay there. Also, despite what it says, I had very little cell signal.

  • Christopher P.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2025

    Datil Well Recreation Area Campground

    Very nice BLM campground

    Quiet campground. Well designed and maintained. Pit toilet, access to water. Next to nice trail system hiking only.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    Swingle Canyon

    Swingle Canyon Road dispersed

    Very quiet Wednesday night here--didn't hear a single vehicle go by. There are about 3 spots near the road entrance. We had gone a mile up the mountain (which gets quite rough) before turning around because there didn't seem to be any sites... and we're only driving through the area, so finding somewhere a bit more private wasn't the biggest deal. Cell service is spotty, but there. No amenities, so pack out what you bring in.

  • Melinda J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 4, 2025

    Water Canyon Campground

    Water canyon

    There are campsites available but not for big rigs. We have a 40 foot toy hauler and the dirt roads and narrowness would not allow for us. If you have something maybe 18’ or less and 4wd you could probably make it fine. We stayed right at the entrance near the picnic area. Spoke with fire inspector from the forest service and he said it was fine. The location was decent. Pretty quiet except for early morning vehicles driving up the road to the observatory and lab? We didn’t make the drive up as we have a dually and the road is pretty narrow.

  • Linda C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 18, 2025

    Water Canyon Campground

    In transition

    Piles of sand around picnic tables. All sites listed on reservation.gov as FF for $10 night but no means by which to pay there or at campground.

Guide to Datil

Camping near Datil, New Mexico, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and peaceful retreats. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or an adventurous getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the Datil Well Recreation Area Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The campground is attached to a fantastic 3.25 mile loop trail that takes you to three fantastic vistas and isn't hard at all." This makes it a great spot for both casual walkers and serious hikers.
  • Star Gazing: The clear night skies are a highlight. A camper noted, "Remarkable night skies when clear," at the same campground, making it perfect for those who love to gaze at the stars.
  • Visiting Local Attractions: Check out the nearby Eagle Guest Ranch for gas and diner fare. One visitor shared, "Beautifully polite people staffing the place," which adds to the charm of the area.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained sites at the El Caso. A review stated, "The sites were very nice and clean with some sites in the woods and others in the clearing." Clean restrooms and solar lighting are also big pluses.
  • Spacious Campsites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at the Jackson Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Great free camping. No problems getting our 31-foot trailer in there," highlighting the accessibility for larger rigs.
  • Peaceful Atmosphere: Campers often rave about the tranquility. A review for San Lorenzo Canyon said, "I enjoy camping here very quiet and peaceful," making it a great escape from the hustle and bustle.

What you should know

  • No Reservations: Most campgrounds, like Datil Well Recreation Area Campground, operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A visitor noted, "Reservation is not available, first come first serve," so plan to arrive early to snag a good spot.
  • Limited Amenities: Facilities can be basic. For instance, at El Caso, one camper pointed out, "Toilets are only moderately clean," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Wildlife: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A reviewer at The Box Recreation Area mentioned, "Lots of wild life! A great place to star gaze!" This adds to the natural charm of the area.

Tips for camping with families

  • Bring Your Own Supplies: At El Caso, a camper advised, "Make sure to bring toilet paper," as facilities may not always be stocked.
  • Choose the Right Spot: Look for sites that offer privacy. One family at San Lorenzo Canyon noted, "Camping pull off spots are numerous but beware the sand is even more treacherous," suggesting that some areas may be better suited for families than others.
  • Plan for Activities: The Jackson Park Campground is close to Pie Town, where you can grab some famous pie. A camper said, "Less than 5 minutes walking distance to eat pie," making it a fun treat for the kids.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Road Conditions: RVers should be cautious about road access. One reviewer at Water Canyon Campground mentioned, "Road access is pretty rough and it is easy to miss the campground turnoff!"
  • Look for Spacious Sites: Many RVers appreciate the roomy sites at Datil Well Recreation Area Campground. A visitor noted, "Very spacious sites, lots of pull throughs with Ramadas," which is ideal for larger vehicles.
  • Prepare for Limited Services: At Jackson Park Campground, a camper pointed out, "No water, garbage or dumpsite available," so make sure to come prepared with everything you need.

Camping near Datil, New Mexico, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great choice for your next outdoor getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Datil Well Campground?

Datil Well Recreation Area Campground offers clean pit toilets with solar lighting, access to water, and concrete telescope pads at sites in the clearing. The campground features both wooded and open sites with good spacing between them. There's a nice hiking trail system adjacent to the campground. Some sites have electric hookups, though these are limited and fill quickly. The campground is well-designed and maintained, but big rigs may have difficulty fitting into most sites.

How much does it cost to stay at Datil Well Campground?

Camping at Datil Well Recreation Area Campground costs $5 per night, with a reduced rate of $2.50 for those with a Senior National Park Service Pass. For budget-conscious campers looking for alternatives in the region, Jackson Park Campground in nearby Pie Town offers free camping with basic amenities like vault toilets, though water and garbage service may be limited or unavailable.

What is the best time of year to visit Datil Well Campground?

The best time to visit Datil Well Recreation Area Campground is during spring and fall when temperatures are moderate and comfortable for outdoor activities. Summer can be quite warm with temperatures reaching 80°F even at the area's higher elevation. For seasonal alternatives, Juniper Campground at Quemado Lake offers a beautiful lakeside setting during summer months, while Water Canyon Campground provides free developed camping with good availability even during peak summer season when other sites might be crowded.

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