Apache National Forest maintains Head of the Ditch Campground along the San Francisco River corridor near Luna, New Mexico, where the Forest Service has been actively clearing beetle-killed pines and underbrush. The work has left visible piles of cut timber throughout the area, but it also means abundant firewood for campfires. Sites are spread across forested and open terrain, with most receiving partial shade through the day. A concrete ford crosses the San Francisco River to reach the majority of sites, and access can be rough depending on conditions, so rigs over 35 feet will have difficulty navigating the crossing.
The campground is free and open year-round, with a pit toilet that multiple reviewers describe as well maintained. Most sites include a fire ring, and several have picnic tables. One large site with two extra-long picnic tables appears set up for group use. Sites are spaced well apart. As mark F. put it, the campground is "cool and in the trees," and a 25-foot RV parked without issue. Cell coverage is limited, with Verizon typically showing one to two bars and Starlink likely performing better than standard hotspot devices.
The campground sits just off the highway, which makes arrival straightforward but means road noise is possible at night. Reviewers note it stays relatively quiet after dark despite the proximity. No trash service is available, so pack out everything you bring in. Nearby, Luna Rodeo Grounds Dispersed Camping provides another free option a couple of miles northeast, and Apache National Forest Luna Lake Campground sits a few miles further west for those wanting a developed lakeside alternative. Head of the Ditch works well as a no-cost base for exploring this stretch of the San Francisco River corridor.
Description
This campground offers an easily accessible rustic streamside camping experience amongst tall pines Head of the Ditch Campground is located in a scenic valley approximately 1.5 miles west of historic Luna, New Mexico on US Highway 180. The campground is marked with a blue campground sign, not with a Forest Service campground sign. Water from the San Francisco River which runs through the campground is used for irrigation in Luna Valley. The campground is located at the head of the irrigation ditch which gives Head of the Ditch Campground its name. The campground has a large open area and shady campsites with pine, oak, cottonwood, and willow trees.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsHead Of The Ditch Campground is located in New Mexico near Alpine
Directions
From Luna, NM go west on US 180 approximately 1.5 miles. The campgound is marked with a blue campground sign and is on the left side of the road.
Coordinates
33.81879347 N
108.99092455 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/26/26- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/26/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 27 min from Las Cruces, NM
- 3 hrs 28 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 3 hrs 59 min from Sierra Vista, AZ
- 4 hrs from Tucson, AZ
