Datil Well Recreation Area Campground

Datil Well Recreation Area Campground includes one of 15 water wells along the old Magdalena Livestock Driveway. The old cattle trail was established in the 1800s and stretched 120 miles from Springerville, AZ, to Magdalena, NM. The area includes 3 miles of hiking trails in pinyon-juniper and ponderosa pine woodlands, with scenic views of the San Augustin Plains. The trail and vistas also offer an occasional glimpse of wildlife in a setting of quiet and solitude. If you close your eyes, you can almost hear the cattle lowing as they settle in for the night. Please leave a clean camp and respect the facilities and natural surroundings.

Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)

  • Datil Well Campground has one paved, accessible campground that you can call and ask to reserve in advance.

    • Most of the campground can be accessed via a vehicle, and restrooms have accessible parking.  

  • Datil Well Campground has several miles of interloping trails that are 2-3 feet wide and travel up and downhill through open areas, forests, and to several rocky overlooks. There is a gazebo at the beginning of the trail, trail markers, maps, and interpretive signage to help one navigate.  

    • To safely hike this area, one needs to be able to hike for several miles over uneven trails in limited shade, navigate through rocks and in various weather conditions, and exist with limited cell service.  

Adventure is at Your Fingertips

Know Before You Go

Fees

  • Day Use: Free
  • Camping
    • $5/night for tent or car camping.
    • $15/night for RV camping with power hook-ups.
    • $30/night for the Group shelter camping.

Facilities

  • Visitor Center
    • Open from 10:00 a.m.AM. - 2:00 p.m. Thursday – Monday.
    • The Visitor Center acts as a mini museum with artifacts, documents, and pictures of Datil’s past importance as a major watering hole for ranchers.
  • Camping
    • There are 21 camping sites available: #21 is an accessible site, blocked off and reserved for those who need it.
      • Several spots have power hook-ups, and most spots can comfortably fit a small RV (under 25 ft) or a camper van.
    • There are three restrooms and two potable water stations within the campground.
    • There is one group shelter with six tables under two separate shade shelters, grills plus a fire pit, a vault toilet, and plenty of parking is available by reservation only.  
  • Trails
    • The trails have one gazebo near the trailhead, interpretive signage along several sections, and trail markers/maps to help one navigate.
    • There are three trail loops at Datil Well Campground, 5 miles in total.
      • The two main loops are three miles if you complete both.
      • The third loop is two miles round-trip and leads to a Backcountry Campsite that you are only allowed to use by applying for a permit, call 575-835-0412 for permit requirements. 

Nearby Amenities

  • The closest location to acquire food, gas, and water is in Magdalena, ~37 miles away via Datil WI Loop and Hwy US-60 E.

Seasons/Hours

  • Open year-round.

Special Rules

  • Camping fees must be paid at the fee station. Failure to pay will result in a $25 fine.
  • Please make sure to carry out any litter or put it in the trashcans.
  • No fireworks, discharge or use of firearms, or any other weapons.
  • Firewood collection is prohibited. Please do not leave fires unattended. Ensure they are put out fully after each use.
  • Pets must be on a 6 ft. leash.
  • Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Brochures, Maps, and Publications

Wildlife in Area

  • Bats
  • Blue jays
  • Lizards
  • Red-tailed hawks
  • Rock squirrels

Phone

575-835-0412

Email

blm_nm_comments@blm.gov

Activities

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HISTORIC & CULTURAL SITE
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CAMPING
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HIKING
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PICNICKING
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VISITOR CENTER
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WILDLIFE VIEWING
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STARGAZING
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PHOTOGRAPHY

Addresses

Socorro Field Office
901 Old US Hwy 85
Socorro
New Mexico
87801

Geographic Coordinates

34.154286, -107.858093

Directions

The Datil Well Recreation Area Campground is off of US 60. Go 1 mile west of Datil on US 60 or south on NM 12, then turn onto Datil WelI Loop and travel for a quarter mile to get to Datil Well Campground.

Fees

Yes

Stay Limit

14 Days