Top Tent Camping near Datil, NM
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Best Tent Sites Near Datil, NM (10)
2. Cibola National Forest Bear Trap Campground
1 Review•3 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
3. El Caso I-IV Campground
1 Review•5 Photos•7 SavesThis are partially developed, shady campgrounds within hiking distance of the lake.The El Caso Campgounds are partially developed campgrounds located at the east end of Quemado Lake, approximately .25 miles east of the Pi__on CG. They are nestled in a valley stretching alongside an intermittent stream and are surrounded by ponderosa pine and cottonwood trees. The El Caso Campgrounds are popular with hunters, groups, and campers desiring a more primitive camping experience.
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Toilets
4. Mujeres Valley Campground
3 Reviews•15 Photos•28 SavesThis property was obtained around 60+ years ago via the Homestead Act by a family who we have become very close friends with. Over the last 60 years it's only been used sparingly as grazing land for cattle. Since we've obtained the land we've been focused on learning it's history from those who have been here the longest while also being proud BIPOC owners of land in this area. We've also connected with the original people's of this land who were here during the time the land was colonized. We've found ceremonial and everyday pottery, crystals, and underground caves throughout the surrounding properties which we own.
Over the last 2 years we've learned about the Redwoods that have been wiped out of the area and that the mountain is eroding quickly. It has become our mission to plant indigenous plants and trees that are extinct from the area, reviving the plant like, reviving the mountain and doing what we can to encourage the water table to rise! Our plans for the 12 acres the campground occupies is to add an outdoor shower that can be used all year, installing solar powered water heaters & bathrooms as well as establishing a community meeting space and a greenhouse where we can host gardening classes and provide fresh fruits and veggies in this food desert! This land is sacred and we intend to continue treating it as such!
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
$15 - $25 / night
5. Piñon Campground
1 Review•3 Photos•9 SavesThis is a nice, quiet and clean campground nestled among pi__on and juniper trees.The camp sites are nestled among mature pi__on and juniper trees. It is tranquil and undiscovered with a few sites having a view of Quemado Lake. The campground is comprised of a family camping loop (east side)__and a group camping loop (west side).__The dump station is open and the fee is $5.
- Tents
- Toilets
6. Hughes Mill Campground
Be the first to review!•2 SavesPopular campground at 8100' has 2 sites and dispersed camping with trailhead for hiking seven tough miles to Mt. Withington Lookout
- Tents
7. Springtime Campground
1 Review•4 Saves6 campsites with Adirondack shelters provide access to Apache Kid Wilderness and San Mateo Peak Lookout by hiking or horseback.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
- Glamping
8. Valle Tio Vinces Camp
Be the first to review!•3 SavesValle Tio Vinces Campground is a partially developed campground on the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Although there is no water available it is still a nice resting spot for hikers and bike riders. There are also horse corrals for equestrians looking for a place to camp.
- Tents
9. El Caso Throwdown Campground
Be the first to review!This is an equestrian camping area adjacent to Quemado Lake Recreation Area. El Caso Throwdown is a partially developed campground located just outside of Quemado Lake Recreation Area. It is primarily for equestrian use since horses may not be taken into the recreation area. Corrals and water are not provided. Cottonwoods and ponderosa pines provide shade throughout the campsite.
- Tents
10. Cove Day Use Area
Be the first to review!This Day Use area provides visitors with a nice easy lake access. This is no longer a camping area. It is primarily a lake access area with a large parking area suitable for Day Use Only. Boat parking is available.
- Tents
Recent Tent Reviews In Datil
51 Reviews of 10 Datil Campgrounds
- U
UT801
Ranger
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… :(
- CChristopher C.
Scout
Mujeres Valley Campground
Amazing Campground
in Campground I love to play cricket with family its really fun. and much other games like lows adventures 3
- JJohn B.
Traveler
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.
- AAmina B.
Guide
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.
- AAgustinTraveler
San Lorenzo Canyon
San Lorenzo Canyon quiet
I enjoy camping here very quiet and peaceful. No bathroom and water
Jorge G.GuideDatil 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.
- DDaniel C.Guide
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.ScoutMujeres 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.Scout
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.TravelerDatil 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!
- AAstro G.Scout
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.Traveler
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.
- AAniko S.Guide
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.
Patrick B.Guide
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.GuideDatil 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.
Alan W.ScoutArmijo 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.
- IIkela M.Traveler
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.
- SScherry D.Traveler
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.TravelerSan 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.GuideWater 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.
Eric G.GuideSan Lorenzo Canyon
Beautiful New Mexico Canyon
Although had a bit of trouble finding it (don’t trust google maps) Once finally arrived it is a widely spaced canyon that has you surrounded by rocks in a desert setting. Although a bit windy on first night because all canyon (wall protected) areas were taken. Simply gorgeous area.
- DDaniel D.Traveler
Water Canyon Campground
Amazing
Beautiful views, established campsite, bathrooms, amazing stars at night. Highly recommend!
- SSantinoTraveler
El Caso
El Caso 2…Don’t mind if I do!
Love this site. We end up here a few times a year. This was a special occasion to celebrate life and enjoy family. It was spring break and we drove through a blizzard to find ourselves under clear skies at Quemado Lake. El Caso camp ground is a few miles into the canyon. The camp sites are spread out well, and the roads and trails are solid. The weather caught up to us and we had about four to five inches of snow fall on us overnight. It was beautiful. The slash-pit had plenty of wood to burn, and we were the only fools in the snow and on the lake. It was perfect.
- Iz G.Guide
Juniper Campground (Quemado Lake) — Gila National Forest
Cramped spots and weird picnic layouts
The lake is beautiful and we had great neighbors, but I would not come here again. Whoever designed the campground had no business doing so. The sites are three RVs crammed into a spot made for two with everyone on top of each other. You also have to walk through each other's picnic spots to get to your picnic table (this could easily be solved if they get someone who knows what they are doing like a designer/planner to rearrange the tables logically). Only a few end spots were decent. If the person on the end spot took up more than their fair share of the spot, you had no outdoor seating in front of your rig. You also have no view in the middle. Although a nice family was next to us, they were a large family of 9 so it was always loud and busy. I also could not get a fishing license since there was no cell or internet service so I could not fish the lake which was my goal. I loved the lake but will find another due to the cramped inefficient layout of the campground.
Mujeres V.ScoutMujeres Valley Campground
Clean, Quiet, Friendly
The campground owners greeted us on arrivals and guided us to a couple different campsite options. The campground are clean, open, easy to access. The trail is lined with logs so you can find your way to the fire rings and group camping spaces. Gorgeous scenery! Spots close to the road and a way from the road and 420 friendly!!
Jacob S.TravelerWater Canyon Campground
Nice & Scenic
Campsites are well-developed and maintained. The facilities were clean and stocked with tp. Was only half-full on weekend. Many beautiful trails and forest roads nearby.
Jeanie P.Guide
Narrows Camp Site
Fine for just one night
We tried to stay at the Joe Skeen CG and it was full on a Wednesday. Searching further we found this spot. There are "no camping" signs once in the picnic area but nothing indicating no overnight parking or camping on the 3 spots near the TH for the Narrows Rim Trail. It was 7pm when we rolled in so we felt comfortable just staying the night in our van. In the morning we moved into the day use area and took turns doing the rim trail while our kids enjoyed playing in the picnic area. 2 pit toilets and garbage are available at this location.
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
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Datil, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Datil, NM is Bear Trap Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Datil, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Datil, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.