Datil Well NM Boondocking Location

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Datil Well NM Boondocking Location

Previous Reviews:

Datil Well NM boondocking location: The road in is paved. It is open year-round. There are 16-29 campsites at this location. You may stay 7 days. 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.

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, Arizona, to Magdalena, New Mexico. The area includes 3 miles of hiking trails in piñon-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. You can close your eyes and almost hear the sounds of the trailing longhorns.

The Very Large Array(VLA), located 15 miles east of Datil, comprises 27 radio telescopes in a “Y” pattern spread across the plains of San Agustin 50 miles west of Socorro. The VLA has been used by more astronomers and has been mentioned in more scientific papers than any other radio telescope in the world.

About This Location

If you’re tired of packed campgrounds and just want some peace, Datil Well NM boondocking location at GPS: 34.154999, -107.857498 might be your spot. This place is remote, easy to find, and lets you camp for free—no fees, no campground rules breathing down your neck.

You won’t find much in the way of facilities, so bring everything you need. The sky out here is huge, and the quiet is pretty hard to beat.

Plugging in those GPS coordinates takes the guesswork out of getting here. If you’re after a boondocking experience that’s all about nature and simplicity, this might be worth a try for your next trip.

Location And Access

You’ll find the Datil Well NM boondocking location in New Mexico at 34.154999, -107.857498. It’s out near the Gila National Forest, so expect things to be pretty basic.

To get here, you’ll want a high-clearance vehicle or a 4×4. The roads are mostly dirt and can get rough, especially if it’s rained recently.

Skip the narrow or steep paths if you’re hauling a trailer. The main route comes off Highway 12.

Once you turn off the highway, follow any signs and keep an eye on your GPS. Don’t count on your cell phone—service is spotty at best, so download your maps before you lose signal.

Heads up:

• No water or toilets out here.
• Drive slow and watch for wildlife darting across the road.
• Arriving before dark just makes everything easier.

You’ll get privacy, but you need to plan ahead. Make sure your vehicle can handle a bit of off-roading, and bring all your own supplies.

Directions

Start in Datil, New Mexico. Head south on NM-12 for about 6 miles.

At 34.154999, -107.857498, look for Forest Road 807. It’s unpaved and a little rough, so high-clearance vehicles do best.

Take Forest Road 807 for about 3 miles. The Datil Well NM boondocking location sits near the well.

There aren’t really marked parking spots, so pick a spot that feels right. Keep an eye out for any landmarks or faded signs.

Cell service? Don’t count on it. Bring offline maps or a GPS device to keep you pointed in the right direction.

Quick recap if you’re coming from Datil:

• Take NM-12 south
• Turn onto Forest Road 807
• Continue for 3 miles
• Look for the well and set up camp

Bring enough fuel and supplies, since there’s nothing nearby if you run out.

Amenities And Activities

At Datil Well NM Boondocking Location, you’re getting the basics—no restrooms, no running water, no electricity. If you want quiet camping, this is it.

There’s plenty to do if you like being outdoors. You’ll find hiking trails winding through the area, and the wildlife is surprisingly active if you’re into bird watching or just spotting critters.

If you pack in water and food, you can stay pretty comfortably for a few days. They’ve got some picnic tables and fire rings, so you can cook outside and hang out by a fire under the stars.

Please, pack out your trash and leave the place better than you found it. That way, it stays nice for everyone who stumbles across it next.

Camping Regulations And Restrictions

You can camp at Datil Well NM boondocking location without any fees. There are, however, some important rules you need to keep in mind.

The area managers want to protect natural resources and keep things safe for everyone. Camping is allowed for up to 14 days within any 28-day period.

After that, you’ll need to move at least 25 miles away before you can return. This rule helps avoid overcrowding and keeps the land from getting worn out.

There are no hookups or amenities at this spot. Bring your own water, food, and a way to pack out all your trash. Follow the Leave No Trace principles.

You won’t find waste disposal here, so plan ahead. Fires might be restricted during dry seasons—it’s best to check local fire rules before you light a campfire or even use a stove.

Don’t feed the animals or mess with their habitat. Give wildlife some space, and keep your food locked up tight.

Pay attention to posted signs and listen to local rangers if they offer advice or warnings. If you break the rules, you could get fined or even be asked to leave.