If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Datil, look no further. Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
The 640-acre Box Recreation Area is a highly scenic, rugged area which is very popular for technical rock climbing and bouldering. The five cliffs on either side of this box canyon provide popular rock climbing for even highly skilled technical climbers. Challenging climbing opportunities include the Waterfall Wall, Corner Block and the Fillet a Papillon Wall.
There is a developed parking area with a trailhead, kiosks, and restroom. Drinking water is not available.
Special Rules: Camping in designated sites only. No shooting of weapons. Remember, that climbing is a high-risk activity. For safety, climbers should not attempt climbs beyond their abilities.
Traveler
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.
Guide
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.
GuideVery 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
TravelerStopped 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.
GuideOne of my favorite places I’ve stayed. Will definitely come back!
The bottom Box Canyon parking lot is great. It is just a large gravel parking lot, but the views are amazing! There is a bathroom at the bottom parking lot (the only bathroom)! Occasionally I got 1 bar of service.
Instead of turning left into the parking lot, continue up the hill to find something more remote. If you cross over the cattle guard to the left, there is a large dirt pull off with an amazing view and private! We were there almost a week and only saw one other person park up there. There is no service, but walking back down the road just a bit a could find a few bars.
Several hiking trails with beautiful views! A lot of great climbing also! Spectacular views and lots of wild life! A great place to star gaze!
The road is used by truckers from a quarry nearby, so that can be noisy during the morning/day but is quiet at night.
GuideThere are primitive camp spots down a rough dirt road right off the highway. Otherwise you are just setting up camp in the parking lot. Pretty quiet area and a vault restroom that’s door needs some TLC is available in the main parking area. Great spot if you want to get an early start on rock climbing.
GuideJust happened upon this stop on our way home from Sedona. Nice and quiet spot with some rock climbing that we didn't have time for, unfortunately. Fire pit and vault toilets available.
TravelerJust a little gravel parking lot but just the height and the views and all the caves that is so beautiful and so peaceful
GuideDrove down the night before in order to go climbing the next day. Found a decent spot in a dry wash to put up the tent for the night. It worked and allowed quick access to the crag in the morning. Does start to get busy with climbers fairly early (8am or so). Would be perfect for somebody with a camper-van or teardrop.
TravelerCool place. The spots with fire pits have been blocked off by private property signs. Camping definitely at your own risk, perfect for just a day trip.
Guide10-15 down 60 west of Socorro you'll find "the box" climbing area. This is on BLM land, and there is no trash pick-up or other managed facilities here, so camping is at your own discretion and you MUST leave the area as you found it (or better). There is a vault toilet at the main parking lot as you drive in, and if you drive further up the road there is a small pull-off with a couple of simple fire-pits where you will likely find a couple other climbers camping. Please be responsible about your food, trash and making a fire. There is loads of good climbing in the area and it's a great place to set up camp for a few days, but don't ruin that privilege for everyone by mistreating the area. Follow pack-in, pack-out, LNT and common sense rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Datil, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Datil, NM is Swingle Canyon with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Datil, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Datil, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
