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Datil Well Recreation Area Campground

Datil, New Mexico · Catron County · 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, …

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About 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.

How to Get There

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 WI Loop and travel for a quarter mile to get to Datil Well Campground.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Moisture-wicking T-shirt
    Light color, breathable.
  • 🩳
    Lightweight shorts or pants
    Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
  • 🧢
    Brimmed sun hat
    Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners
    Breathable mesh uppers.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Plan Your Visit to Datil Well Recreation Area Campground

Heading to Datil Well Recreation Area Campground? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Datil Well Recreation Area Campground?

No central reservation system listed for Datil Well Recreation Area Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/1838) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Datil Well Recreation Area Campground?

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 WI Loop and travel for a quarter mile to get to Datil Well Campground.

How do I contact Datil Well Recreation Area Campground?

You can reach the park at phone: 575-835-0412 or email: blm_nm_comments@blm.gov.