Head Of The Ditch Campground

4.45

41 reviews

#3 Lyle Loop, P.O. Box 159 Quemado, NM 87829

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds New Mexico

Quick Facts

7,187 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Quemado Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,187 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Quemado Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Head Of The Ditch Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

There is no fee for use of the campground.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

575-773-4678

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What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 41 reviews

32 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulsites

"User reviews of Head of the Ditch Campground highlight its rustic charm, beautiful nature, and quiet surroundings. However, some users expressed concerns about cleanliness, long-term campsite occupation, and trash issues."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

#3 Lyle Loop, P.O. Box 159 Quemado, NM 87829

Head Of The Ditch Campground

#3 Lyle Loop, P.O. Box 159 Quemado, NM 87829

Driving directionsFrom Luna, NM go west on US Hwy 180 approximately 1.5 miles. The campground is marked with a blue campground sign and is on the left side of the road.

The campground is located directly off US Highway 180, approximately 1.5 miles west of Luna, NM. It is marked with a blue campground sign and is easily accessible year-round. Roads leading to the site are paved and suitable for passenger vehicles.

Nearby places

Luna (1.5 miles, approximately 5 minutes), Alpine, AZ (distance unspecified, amenities include stores and restaurants)

Nearby supplies

The nearest supplies are available in Luna, NM, which has a small store and restaurant (closed from November to spring). Additional amenities are available in Alpine, AZ.

Best Time to Camp at Head Of The Ditch Campground

Experience four distinct seasons at Head of the Ditch, where each brings its own magic to the valley. Summer transforms the campground into a cool mountain retreat, perfect for escaping desert heat. As autumn arrives, the cottonwoods and oaks burst into golden flames against crisp blue skies. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for the hardy souls who venture here. Spring awakens the valley with wildflowers and rushing snowmelt. The campground remains accessible year-round, though winter visitors should come prepared for snow and freezing temperatures.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Cool mountain retreat in summer but frequent rain and July crowding noted.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Distinct seasons and quieter off-peak visits suggest very pleasant fall conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring implied as pleasant with distinct seasons; limited specific spring info.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round and very quiet in winter, but no winter-activity infrastructure noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Usually busy during the Luna Pioneer Days and Rodeo weekend (third weekend of July).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Year-round operation.

About Head Of The Ditch Campground

Tucked away in the enchanting Luna Valley, Head of the Ditch Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature escape where towering pines whisper overhead and the gentle murmur of water provides a natural soundtrack. This hidden gem welcomes adventurers seeking solitude without the price tag – it's completely free to use. While amenities are refreshingly simple with pit toilets and sturdy picnic tables, the real luxury here is the untouched wilderness. Massive cottonwoods and graceful willows create natural cathedral ceilings, while ancient oaks stand sentinel over peaceful campsites.

Head of the Ditch Campground caters to primitive camping, tent camping, and RV camping. Group camping and cabin lodging are not explicitly mentioned.

Historical SignificanceStep into a piece of New Mexico's countercultural history at this storied campground, once the beating heart of the legendary Luna New Mexico Barter Faire. Here, generations of free spirits gathered to trade goods, share stories, and celebrate community under the stars. Beyond its bohemian past, the site holds deeper roots as a vital irrigation hub, where pioneers first channeled the life-giving waters of the San Francisco River to nourish the valley below. Today's campers rest where history and water rights shaped the American West.

Weather and SeasonsExperience four distinct seasons at Head of the Ditch, where each brings its own magic to the valley. Summer transforms the campground into a cool mountain retreat, perfect for escaping desert heat. As autumn arrives, the cottonwoods and oaks burst into golden flames against crisp blue skies. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for the hardy souls who venture here. Spring awakens the valley with wildflowers and rushing snowmelt. The campground remains accessible year-round, though winter visitors should come prepared for snow and freezing temperatures.

ElevationPerched at 7,187 feet in New Mexico's high country, Head of the Ditch offers that perfect mountain elevation where the air feels crisp and clean, yet breathing comes easy. This sweet spot above 7,000 feet means cooler temperatures year-round, spectacular star-gazing through thinner atmosphere, and that distinctive pine-scented mountain air that makes every breath feel like meditation.

Natural Features and SceneryThe San Francisco River winds through this natural amphitheater, its crystal-clear waters still feeding the historic irrigation ditch that gives the campground its name. Campers can choose between intimate sites nestled under protective pine boughs or stake their claim in the expansive meadow where the sky opens wide. The diverse forest creates a living tapestry – stately ponderosa pines reach skyward while cottonwoods cluster near the water, their leaves dancing in the mountain breeze. Willows drape gracefully along the riverbank, and gnarled oaks provide perfect shade for afternoon siestas.

Geological RegionHead of the Ditch sits at a remarkable confluence where water, rock, and time have sculpted Luna Valley into a high-altitude oasis. The campground marks the precise point where early settlers first diverted the San Francisco River's flow, recognizing this natural geography as ideal for irrigation. The surrounding landscape tells a story millions of years in the making – volcanic origins meet sedimentary layers, creating the fertile soils that support the remarkable diversity of trees. From your campsite, you're witnessing the intersection of geological forces and human ingenuity that defines the American Southwest.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 days

Guests Allowed Per Site

Limit of two vehicles per campsite.

Groups

No group camping features or details are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground features a large open area and shaded campsites, with basic facilities such as 5 picnic tables and pit toilets.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are required or available.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Campground fills up quickly during Luna Pioneer Days and Rodeo weekend.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservation system in place; therefore no cancellation policy applies.

AccessibilityNo information is provided regarding accessibility features.

Site SizeCampsites are described as small and rustic.

PrivacyCampsites are mostly open; however, creek-side sites offer slightly more seclusion.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesReviews recommend creek-side campsites for their privacy and scenic beauty. Avoid areas affected by construction.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Head of the Ditch Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. Users have noted the beautiful nature and trails surrounding the campground, with frequent mentions of clear night skies for stargazing.

HikingDay hiking opportunities are available, with trails offering scenic views of the area. Specific trail details are not provided in user reviews or authoritative content.

BikingMountain biking is listed as one of the recreational activities available at the campground. No details about specific trails or terrain are provided.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is highlighted as an activity. "Beautiful nature" was noted in user reviews, though specific animal species or viewing locations are not detailed.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsConstruction work at the creek has been noted in reviews, which may limit access to certain areas. Wildlife activity may require precautions.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyFire policies are not specifically mentioned.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are provided through the Quemado Ranger District. Address: #3 Lyle Loop, P.O. Box 159 Quemado, NM 87829. Contact phone: (575) 773-4678.

Trash & RecyclingTrash service is not provided at this campground. Users must pack in/pack out their waste.

Water FeaturesThe San Francisco River runs through the campground, providing a rustic streamside ambiance.

Camp HostNo host availability is mentioned.

Weather at Head Of The Ditch Campground

Reviews

4.5

41 reviews

Recommended

Head Of The Ditch Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Head of the Ditch Campground highlight its rustic charm, beautiful nature, and quiet surroundings. However, some users expressed concerns about cleanliness, long-term campsite occupation, and trash issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 41 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews emphasize the campground's scenic beauty, peaceful environment, clear night skies, and creek-side campsites. "Just a beautiful campground!" - User review by D Lummus.

Based on 41 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes reports of dirty restrooms, lack of lighting in facilities, trash accumulation, and concerns about sites being occupied longer than the permitted 14-day limit. "Pretty...

Based on 41 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing all necessary supplies, as there is no potable water or trash service. Creek-side sites offer more privacy. Visitors should be aware of construction work in the area and...

Based on 41 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews highlight that the campground can be very quiet during off-peak periods, such as winter. Summer visits are marked by frequent rain, as noted by user reviews, and July can be crowded due to...

Based on 41 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Campground is extremely clean... We usually fill bags of garbage, only filled one, and it took an hour." - User review by Bill Bailey. "It was very quiet last night as there were no other people...

Based on 41 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Creek-side campsites are particularly praised for their beauty and privacy by user reviews. Construction near the creek may limit accessibility, as noted in Leigh Evans' review.

Based on 41 reviews