Head Of The Ditch Campground
4.4511 reviews#3 Lyle Loop, P.O. Box 159 Quemado, NM 87829
Head Of The Ditch Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
There is no fee for use of the campground.
About this 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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information is provided regarding accessibility features.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as small and rustic.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are mostly open; however, creek-side sites offer slightly more seclusion.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesReviews recommend creek-side campsites for their privacy and scenic beauty. Avoid areas affected by construction.
Best CampsitesA few creek-side campsites are highlighted in user reviews as particularly desirable.
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 are 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.
Open and Closed SeasonYear-round operation.
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.
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.
Hiking
Day hiking opportunities are available, with trails offering scenic views of the area. Specific trail details are not provided in user reviews or authoritative content.Biking
Mountain biking is listed as one of the recreational activities available at the campground. No details about specific trails or terrain are provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife 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
No winter-specific activities are mentioned.Water Sports
No information on non-motorized water sports is provided.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire policies are not specifically mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsConstruction work at the creek has been noted in reviews, which may limit access to certain areas. Wildlife activity may require precautions.
Weather forecast
81
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 20%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest 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.
Good to know
Peak season datesUsually busy during the Luna Pioneer Days and Rodeo weekend (third weekend of July).
Trash and recyclingTrash service is not provided at this campground. Users must pack in/pack out their waste.
Proximity to water featuresThe San Francisco River runs through the campground, providing a rustic streamside ambiance.
Common complaintsComplaints include trash and debris at certain campsites, dirty bathrooms without lighting, and long-term occupancy exceeding stay limits.
HostNo host availability is mentioned.
Campground Map
#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.
Camper Reviews
4.5
11 reviews
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 11 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 11 reviewsCommon 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 11 reviewsShow more
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 11 reviewsShow more
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 11 reviewsShow more
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 11 reviewsShow more
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 11 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 11 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed; no specific reviews focused on pet-related experiences are available.
Based on 11 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025