Best Camping near Datil, NM

Datil is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Datil is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your New Mexico camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near Datil, NM (27)

Showing results 1-10 of 27 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Datil

Recent Reviews in Datil

67 Reviews of 27 Datil Campgrounds


  • UThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Datil Well Recreation Area Campground
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Datil Well Recreation Area Campground

    Good trails straight outta campground

    Stayed 2 nights. No reservations, so had to take chances. Several spots open on a Friday. Most spots roomy and decent spacing. Clean toilets and water and only $5 per night; $2.50 with a Senior NPS Pass. 3 spots have electric hookups but all taken. Very nice nice trail in campground. Quiet. PieTown down the road with excellent pies--If you go, eat at Pie-O-Neer (best option---great reviews and did not disappoint). Does have host. Supposedly open year round. Good proximity to VLA (Very Large Array).

    One very good ADA accessible site.

    Trailhead at one end of campground, with some good routes/options, Easy to moderate. We did pick ripe pinyon pine nuts that had fallen on ground (Oct. is pickin' season). They were very good eatin'.

    One camper started generator up well before sunrise…  :(

  • Bradley K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from The Box Recreation Area
    Jul. 14, 2024

    The Box Recreation Area

    Great spot to overnight off I-25

    This was a lovely spot to overnight just about 20 minutes off I-25 near Socorro NM. Great views and incredible star gazing. This is an important rock climbing destination and there are several hiking trails if have more time than we did.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson Park Campground
    Jun. 17, 2024

    Jackson Park Campground

    Quiet-ish and convenient

    Stayed here one night. Only saw one other person out here. It’s the middle of June, so I think all of the NOBO CDT hikers have come and gone. It’s close to the not-very-busy highway. Easily accessible when dry, almost certainly would require AWD/4WD if muddy.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from El Caso
    May. 4, 2024

    El Caso

    Only CG at Rec Area Open in April

    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.)

    Overall Rating: 4 for large sites. However, our site was trashy . Toilets are only moderately clean. Warnings are posted that no OHV allowed . A large group has camped at one end of the campground using Senegal sites. . Looks like it works out well. Price 2023: Free Security: None Usage during visit: 1/4 full Site Privacy: No Site Spacing: Large sites, well spaced. Pad surface: dirt SITE CLEANLINESS: most sites I noticed were trashy. We needed to pick up trash at our site upon arrival. Reservations: First come first serve Campground Noise: Quiet Outside Road Noise: Gravel access road along side of the campground. Some sites near this access road may get a little dusty, I suppose, during dryer times of the year Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: no Sewer Hookup: no Dump Station: At Pynon campground, which is not open until May. Charge for dog thing is going up for five dollars to $15 in. Potable Water Available: not at the campground. Generators: yes Bathroom: pit toilets. Not as clean as they should be. Supplied. Showers: no Pull Throughs: yes Cell Service (AT&T): no Setting: under scattered trees. Recent Weather: very cool nights Solar: yes Insects: no Host: no Rig Size: any size Sites: sites are not numbered

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Swingle Canyon
    Apr. 28, 2024

    Swingle Canyon

    A perfect and quiet stay

    Very close to the main road, few spots and some with firepits, we were only 3 cars staying for the night. Perfect for an immersive night in a beautiful forest, we saw a group of deers in the late afternoon. No toilet no water. Def recommend.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from The Box Recreation Area
    Dec. 17, 2023

    The Box Recreation Area

    Beautiful

    Very easy to get to, went up the hill past the cattle guard. Didn’t see anyone else in my 4 night camp. The sunsets and sunrises are amazing. Will def come back

  • Jorge G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Datil Well Recreation Area Campground
    Nov. 27, 2023

    Datil Well Recreation Area Campground

    Well kept gem in the Western New Mexico highlands

    Well maintained little BLM campsite right on US-60. Remarkable night skies when clear. $5 a night gets you access to brand new, clean solar toilets, (they light up at night even with no power!) water during the warmer seasons (already off as of 11/25) and mostly decent phone signal if you care about that. 

    The Eagle Guest Ranch nearby has a gas sation, basic necessities, alcohol, and a cafe that serves all your standard diner fare. Beautifully polite people staffing the place. A highlight in the mostly barren stretch between Magdalena and Springerville. 

    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. 

    Worth as a stop for a day, or a destination for a weekend trip. The Very Large Array is a stone's toss away; as well as further hiking opportunities in the Gila National Forest by way of NM-12, and the Cibola National Forest by way of the aforementioned US-60.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Datil Well Recreation Area Campground
    Sep. 28, 2023

    Datil Well Recreation Area Campground

    Very Nice and Newly Renovated

    The sites were very nice and clean with some sites in the woods and others in the clearing. The sites in the clearing have concrete telescope pads. The pit toilets were like brand new with solar lighting. Big rigs would have trouble fitting into this campground.

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

    And, a few miles west on US 60 is Pie Town, New Mexico with two bakery's that sale fresh baked pies. But they sale out quickly.

  • Fuller C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mujeres Valley Campground
    Aug. 3, 2023

    Mujeres Valley Campground

    Wonderful camping site

    At first, I was quite hesitant to choose this place because I felt it was quite deserted and I was alone, but everything was fine and even wonderful, I will definitely come back here. I also camped here overnight and I had a great time here playing kick the buddy, you should come here too.

  • Dennis P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Trap Campground
    Jul. 27, 2023

    Bear Trap Campground

    Burned!

    Th e area has been burned in the 2022 fires. The road was closed for a long time, and if it is open now, there will be floods in the burn scar. Check with the Forest Service for more info before you go. Mimbres Ranger District of the Gila National Forest.

  • Ann Marie A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Datil Well Recreation Area Campground
    Jun. 3, 2023

    Datil Well Recreation Area Campground

    The best!

    This is an awesome campground. Very spacious sites, lots of pull throughs with Ramadas, clean, yes, clean fire pits, scenery is beautiful, lots of trees for privacy but those that need solar can find sites as well, great trails with a gazebo, clean grounds (no glass), pristine bathrooms and trash facilities. The only down for me in a Class C is no dump site and as far as I can find, nothing within an hour';s drive at best. I guess I'll use the bathrooms in the park! 😏 I'll be here again for sure!

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Armijo Springs Campground
    May. 28, 2023

    Armijo Springs Campground

    Quiet secluded and low use in Spring

    Armijo Springs is a quiet secluded free campground with a vault toilet (low maintenance due to its isolated location), picnic tables (5) and fire rings. No trash service so take it with you. We were here Memorial Day weekend 2023 and there was only one other quest that arrived on Saturday. There is a $5 dump and water station at Pinion campground near Quemado Lake about 15 miles (?) away. We stayed with a 17' trailer and Class B van. There is NO cell service and we had to move down the dead end road 100 yards to get a clear enough area for Starlink to partially work. Probably why few people stay here. Elk walk through camp occasionally and there is an actual spring w/ tank nearby. I don't think it runs in the drier months but it is flowing now. May/June 2023. The water could easily be filtered for personal use I think.

  • Brad P.
    Camper-submitted photo from El Caso
    May. 23, 2023

    El Caso

    Great spring time camping.

    There are 5 camping areas within this campground. We stayed in the 4th area and were the only campers. This area had two sites that could accommodate a travel trailer or motorhome. There are also two tent camping sites within this area. There is a toilet which was clean but not well stocked. Make sure to bring toilet paper. There is a dump and water station a mile away. 5.00 charge to dump. Quemado Lake is a short drive down the mountain. Several hiking trails in the area.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Datil Well Recreation Area Campground
    May. 13, 2023

    Datil Well Recreation Area Campground

    Quiet and spacious campground

    Very well maintained, nice campground. The sites are pretty far from each other, and almost all have a ramada. A few sites have electricity, but by the time we arrived these sites were already taken. There are water spigots all around the campground, but not at the sites. The restroom (chemical toilet) is clean and during the night is well lit. Reservation is not available, first come first serve, but approx. half of the sites were still available when we arrived, around 7 pm. The fee is $5/night, but if you have Golden Age passport, America The Beautiful Senior pass or similar, it's only $2.50/night.

  • Jim S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson Park Campground
    May. 4, 2023

    Jackson Park Campground

    Pit Town Jackson park

    Great free camping. No problems getting our 31 foot trailer in there. We took the road going in on the right. Plenty of places to set up. It was dry with soft sand. I used 4wheel drive just as a precaution.

  • April N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from The Box Recreation Area
    Apr. 25, 2023

    The Box Recreation Area

    Just fine

    Stopped at the first parking area and it was flat, empty and quiet. We didn’t travel up the road to the spot the other reviewers stayed but we enjoyed the easy drive in.

  • Patrick B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Water Canyon Campground
    Oct. 16, 2022

    Water Canyon Campground

    Can't beat the price (for now)

    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.  It seems to be one of those spots that people don't take the time to get off the highway to explore -- on a weekday in July there was only one other campsite occupied.

    There are about a dozen campsites, vault toilets, trash cans, a group campsite at the bottom of the hill and easy access to some great hiking trails, all about ten minutes outside of Socorro and an hour from Albuquerque.

    While the campground is free for now, I did see some notices posted about the Forest Service taking public comment on levying a $10 per night fee per site.

  • David R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Datil Well Recreation Area Campground
    Sep. 3, 2022

    Datil Well Recreation Area Campground

    Very well maintained and friendly hosts

    This is one of the best maintained campgrounds I have stayed at in recent years. New tables and shelters. Some sites have electricity and some even have telescope pads. All have a great fire pit. The hosts were very helpful and friendly. The best part was the incredible night sky full of stars and the milky way. I had a very peaceful and restful night. I’ll be stopping here again.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pie Town RV Park
    Aug. 22, 2022

    Pie Town RV Park

    Pie town rv park

    This is a basic campground- has hookups on gravel but no trees, picnic tables near campsite tho they do have a nice bbq area available for people. Bathrooms are very basic and we’re not especially clean tho there was hot water. If you need hookups, this place is right on highway 60 so convenient.lots of stickers in the grass- beware if you have furry friends.

  • Alan W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Armijo Springs Campground
    Jul. 24, 2022

    Armijo Springs Campground

    Quiet and peaceful

    Quiet, only campers here on a Saturday. Tall trees, crisp fresh air. Would have stayed longer but needed to do research so need cell service. Got a little signal with a booster. If you need to disconnect this is the place.

  • I
    Camper-submitted photo from Water Canyon Campground
    Jun. 19, 2022

    Water Canyon Campground

    Beautiful Canyon, simple free camping

    Beautiful Canyon with a handful of free camping spots. Fire pits, picnic tables, and bathrooms (pretty clean for late June).

    There’s a group camping section with a large gazebo and a number of picnic tables, but it was closed when we were here.

    No cell reception (Verizon & TMobile). No water so bring your own.

    Please practice LNT.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson Park Campground
    May. 26, 2022

    Jackson Park Campground

    Free boondocking campsite

    Jackson Park is a free campground provided by Pie Town NM, just south of US 60. Elevation is 7,786'. I am here at the beginning of May and it's 80 degrees. No water, garbage or dumpsite available and a vault toilet has been trashed. 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. Less than 5 minutes walking distance to eat pie. Pack it in and pack it out. Let's not lose this free campsite.

    Pie Town is noted for pies. Check out the restaurants right on US 60.

  • Randy T.
    Camper-submitted photo from San Lorenzo Canyon
    May. 23, 2022

    San Lorenzo Canyon

    Camp in the red Rock canyon

    DONT FOLLOW GOOGLE MAPS! You will end up at a closed gate with instructions on where you are supposed to go, wasting 30 mins in the process. We took a 20 ft Jayco Feather Micro travel trailer. Don't attempt unless you have 4 wheel drive and/or sand mode if you plan to pull a heavy trailer. Otherwise, most other vehicles out tent camping didn't seem to have too many problems. Camping pull off spots are numerous but beware the sand is even more treacherous. Try to pick a spot that won't require backing up maneuvers if you have a trailer. There are many campers but plenty of distance between you and the next camp site. Amazing views make it worth it. If you're trying to show off on your IG... this place is for you!

  • Robin T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Water Canyon Campground
    Mar. 30, 2022

    Water Canyon Campground

    Free campground

    Nice basic campground, several vault toilets that are clean.  Road access is pretty rough and it is easy to miss the campground turnoff!  We missed it the first time.  The campground is up a hill on a side road across from the Water Canyon Campground sign.  Sites are pretty basic, not all area level but they do have tables and fire pits.  I wouldn't take a camping trailer up that road, it is very bumpy.  

    We only stayed for a day but it was quiet.  Lots of hiking trails there which is the only reason we would return.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pie Town RV Park
    Mar. 21, 2022

    Pie Town RV Park

    Interesting town

    Just one night here. Very quiet. Everything you need to camp. The town when we visited only had one coffee shop open. Wi-Fi worked well. Easy pull thru.



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 camping is available near Datil, NM?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Datil, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 27 campgrounds and RV parks near Datil, NM and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Datil, NM?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Datil, NM is Datil Well Recreation Area Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 8 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Datil, NM?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Datil, NM.

  • What parks are near Datil, NM?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Datil, NM that allow camping, notably Gila National Forest and El Morro National Monument.