Datil Well Recreation Area Campground
4.6252 reviews901 S. Highway 85, Socorro, NM, USA, 87801
Quick Facts
Price
$5 - $30/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
22 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricWiFi
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$5 - $30/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
22 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricWiFi
Get DirectionsDatil Well Recreation Area Campground
$5.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees are $5/night for tent or car camping, $15/night for RV camping with power hookups, and $30/night for group shelter camping. Fees must be...
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Standard Site Fee$5.00
Hookup Site Fee$15.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$30.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$50.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider575-835-0412blm_nm_comments@blm.gov
What Campers Say
4.62
Top-Rated
Based on 52 reviews
124 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewsprivacycleanspacious
Some mention
noise
"The campground is widely praised for its cleanliness, affordability, and serene environment. Vault toilets are consistently noted as exceptionally clean, and the camp hosts are described as friendly and accommodating. Some reviewers appreciated the nearby attractions like the Very Large Array (VLA) radio observatory."
Fees & Passes at Datil Well Recreation Area Campground
$5 - $30/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Electric/Hookup Site
With electric/water hookups
Group Site
For large groups
Stay Limit: 14 days maximum consecutive stay.
Cancellation: Camping fees are non-refundable, except under emergency closures. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Bureau of Land Management website.
Best Time to Camp at Datil Well Recreation Area Campground
The high desert climate brings dramatic seasonal changes to this mountain retreat. Spring arrives with crisp nights that may challenge tent campers—visitors in April have found the temperatures brisk enough to send them seeking warmer sleeping arrangements. Summer afternoons often build to spectacular thunderstorms that roll across the plains, filling the air with the scent of rain on pine needles and treating campers to nature's own light show.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: Not specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open year-round.
- Current Alerts: Water spigots have been reported as offline in multiple reviews for repairs. Users are recommended to bring their own water.
About Datil Well Recreation Area Campground
Step back in time at Datil Well Recreation Area Campground, where 22 peaceful campsites nestle among the pines along the historic Magdalena Livestock Driveway. This hidden gem invites you to explore winding hiking trails, wake up to breathtaking views of the San Augustin Plains, and enjoy the rare luxury of true solitude. Each site offers generous spacing and natural privacy, making it the perfect basecamp for those seeking an authentic Western adventure away from the crowds.
Datil Well Recreation Area Campground offers various camping options including tent sites, RV sites with limited electrical hookups, and a group shelter.
Historical SignificanceYour campsite sits at one of the most important stops along the legendary Magdalena Livestock Driveway, where countless hooves and wagon wheels carved deep ruts into history. Established in the 1800s, Datil Well served as a crucial watering hole on the grueling 125-mile journey from Springerville, Arizona, to the railheads of Magdalena, New Mexico. As one of only 15 precious water sources along this dusty trail, this well meant the difference between life and death for the cowboys, settlers, and thousands of cattle that passed through these lands.
Weather and SeasonsThe high desert climate brings dramatic seasonal changes to this mountain retreat. Spring arrives with crisp nights that may challenge tent campers—visitors in April have found the temperatures brisk enough to send them seeking warmer sleeping arrangements. Summer afternoons often build to spectacular thunderstorms that roll across the plains, filling the air with the scent of rain on pine needles and treating campers to nature's own light show.
ElevationPerched at a comfortable elevation in New Mexico's high country, the campground offers that perfect balance of mountain air and accessibility.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground rests in a stunning transition zone where fragrant pinyon-juniper woodlands give way to towering ponderosa pines, creating a diverse ecosystem that delights nature lovers. Early risers are rewarded with panoramic vistas of the San Augustin Plains stretching endlessly toward the horizon. The evening brings a symphony of wildlife—watch for acrobatic bats swooping through the twilight, brilliant blue jays chattering in the branches, curious lizards sunning on ancient rocks, majestic red-tailed hawks circling overhead, and playful rock squirrels scampering among the boulders.
Geological RegionSituated where the ancient volcanic landscape meets expansive grasslands, the campground showcases the dramatic geology of central New Mexico. The surrounding pinyon-juniper and ponderosa pine forests cloak rolling hills that open suddenly to reveal the vast San Augustin Plains below—a breathtaking reminder of the region's volcanic past. This unique position along the historic Magdalena Livestock Driveway places you at the crossroads of natural wonder and Western heritage, where every vista tells a story millions of years in the making.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features include vault toilets, water spigots with easy-to-use lever valves, a wheelchair-accessible visitor center, and an ADA-compliant campsite (site 18) with accessible picnic tables, fire rings, and grills.
Sites SizeStandard sites can accommodate small RVs (under 25 ft) or camper vans. Site 18 includes a concrete pad for parking.
Sites PrivacySites are well spaced with ample tree coverage for privacy. "Clean, large sites with lots of trees for some privacy," summarized one reviewer.
Total Campsites22 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampsite #18 is recommended for accessibility; sites #17, #19, and #21 feature power hookups. Pull-through options for RVs are available.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not specified.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
14 days maximum consecutive stay.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Information not explicitly detailed.
Groups
The group site includes six tables under two separate shade shelters, grills, a fire pit, and accessible parking near a vault toilet.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutPacked gravel loop road connects 22 campsites. Each site features a gravel parking spur, picnic table (some shaded), fire ring, and grill.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations for accessible campsite #18 or group shelter must be made by calling 575-835-0412. No online reservations system is provided.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-serve for all sites except accessible campsite #18 and group shelter.
Cancellation PolicyCamping fees are non-refundable, except under emergency closures. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
WiFi
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Datil Well Recreation Area Campground provides a quiet, scenic environment for recreational activities such as hiking, stargazing, and wildlife observation. The location is particularly noted for its dark skies, making it ideal for amateur astronomers. The hiking trails offer beautiful vistas and interpretive signage, while some hikers report occasional wildlife sightings.
Hiking
The campground features three trail loops totaling 5 miles, with interpretive signage and trail markers. "The trails lead to beautiful vistas," noted one reviewer. Another described them as "great for those who like a nice path with lots of beautiful scenery."Wildlife viewing
Wildlife commonly seen includes elk, blue jays, lizards, and red-tailed hawks. "Occasional glimpse of wildlife in a setting of quiet and solitude," noted the official description.Cultural and Educational Programs
The visitor center acts as a mini-museum with historical photographs and artifacts from Datil's past, offering educational insights into the old Magdalena Livestock Driveway.Winter Activities
Hiking and stargazing remain popular during winter months. Snow-covered trails have been noted as a unique experience.Water Sports
No water sports activities are available at this campground.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires permitted within designated fire rings. Firewood collection is prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife such as elk and thunderstorms may present hazards. Reviewers also mentioned barking dogs from nearby properties.
Active alertsWater spigots have been reported as offline in multiple reviews for repairs. Users are recommended to bring their own water.
Weather at Datil Well Recreation Area Campground
50
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 16%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 10.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are in Magdalena, ~37 miles away, including medical facilities.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot specified.
Trash and recyclingMultiple large dumpsters are provided near the vault toilets, although accessibility for wheelchair users might be limited due to the height of openings.
Proximity to water featuresVault toilets are near water spigots. No lakes, rivers, or streams are mentioned.
Common complaintsBarking dogs, road and airplane noise, lack of water availability, and no public showers.
HostCamp hosts receive praise for their friendliness and maintenance efforts. Hosts live on-site in the northwestern portion of the campground.
Campground Map
901 S. Highway 85, Socorro, NM, USA, 87801
Driving directionsThe 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 Well Loop and travel for a quarter mile to get to Datil Well Campground.
Access is straightforward from US 60 and NM 12. Roads are paved and accessible year-round. However, seasonal closures or weather-related challenges are not mentioned.Nearby places
Magdalena (~37 miles, approximately 47 minutes), Pietown (~20 miles, approximately 25 minutes)
Nearby supplies
The closest location to acquire food, gas, and water is in Magdalena (~37 miles away). Additionally, Pietown (~20 miles away) may offer limited supplies.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.6
52 reviews
Datil Well Recreation Area Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is widely praised for its cleanliness, affordability, and serene environment. Vault toilets are consistently noted as exceptionally clean, and the camp hosts are described as friendly and accommodating. Some reviewers appreciated the nearby attractions like the Very Large Array (VLA) radio observatory.
Review Summaries
Based on 52 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean vault toilets, well-maintained trails, dark skies for stargazing, spacious campsites with good privacy, and affordable camping fees ($5 per night). "Cleanest pit toilets I have ever seen," was...
Based on 52 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Limited water availability, inconsistent cell phone service, and barking dogs during the night were common complaints. "The barking dogs of other campers while trying to sleep," noted one reviewer....
Based on 52 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring water as spigots may occasionally be closed. Arrive early as the campground fills up by 6 PM during peak times. Sites are first-come, first-serve.
Based on 52 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter camping offers solitude and unique snow-covered trail hikes. Spring and fall are noted for pleasant weather and star-filled skies. Summer is busier, with occasional accessibility issues due to...
Based on 52 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"It's DARK. If you're a casual sky watcher or a serious amateur astronomer, this is a great place to enjoy pristine skies." "Hosts are super nice. At $5 a night it just can’t get any better." "Vault...
Based on 52 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsite 18 is ADA-compliant and highly praised for its accessibility features. "Site 21 was quite large. The picnic table was made of concrete and had a roof over it," noted one reviewer....
Based on 52 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility reviews highly praise campsite 18 for its thoughtful features like accessible picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. "Campsite 18 was designed to be accessible. It must be reserved by...
Based on 52 reviewsShow more
Pet-Friendly Features
Dogs are welcome but must remain leashed. Some campers reported disturbances from barking dogs at night. "Bring water. The spigots were not open," advised one pet owner.
Based on 52 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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