Datil Well Recreation Area Campground ~ New Mexico

The Datil Well Recreation Area Campground is located just north of the Gila National Forest next to the San Augutin Plains, which is where the Very Large Array and the Roswell UFO crash site are located. This region is where the forested mountains meet the mesas and grassy plains, so the scenery is as picturesque as can be. A lot of old wild west history took place in this region, which used to be a famous cattle drive pathway back in the 1800s. Datil Well is one of several fresh water wells that are located on this long cattle drive route that runs from eastern Arizona into central New Mexico. For those who wish to relive to old wild west cowboy experience, Datil Well is definitely the place to go!

The BLM manages the Datil Well Recreation Area Campground and this is a fully developed site that is complete with a camp host. Checking in with the host is necessary upon arrival and a quick signing of a permit is all it takes to start settling in. "Pack it in-Pack it out" rules apply and there are some perks for staying in this campground. Water, facilities and free seasonal firewood are available. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire pit and a chargrill, so when compared to primitive camping in the neighboring National Forest, Datil Well is like a luxury palace.

At Datil Well, there are a few miles of hiking trails and plenty of places to trace the steps of cattle drive cowboys from the old wild west. The scenery is as peaceful as can be and the winds whispering through the piñon trees is nothing less than inspirational. The Datil Well Recreation Area Campground certainly is worth keeping in mind if some rest and relaxation is a high priority!
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