Valley of Fires Recreation Area

We camped at the Valley of Fires campground in late-April with amazing views of the lava flow area and beautiful sunsets. The rate of $9.00 per night reflects our discount using the Lifetime Pass, otherwise the rate is $18.00. Our campsite was a pull-thru with 30 amp hookup, water hookup, picnic shelter, fire ring, trash container, and the paved pad was level. Our campsite was a mere 20 feet from the lava flow area, the trail through the lava flow area was located a short distance away. The visitors center has brochures available with great information about the lava flow area, I highly recommend using this for your hike. The trail is paved and approximately 1 1/4 miles in length. Vault toilets are located throughout the campground, the restrooms and shower facility was spacious, clean, and free hot showers. We had 3-bars with Verizon.

We loved going from White Sands to Valley of Fires – what a contrast! The campground at Valley of Fires is lovely, with very spacious sites spread out so you have lots of space and stunning views of the mountains and lava fields. Each site has a covered picnic area, grill and trash can. Roads are paved, sites are gravel and some can take a little work to get level.

Although we had a reservation, I appreciate that there is a mix of first come/first served and reservable sites. The boardwalk/trail through the lava field with interpretive signs is a must-do and dog-friendly too. Very nice staff at the tiny visitor center/office.

We had 3 bars of Verizon 4G.

Just as heads up, there is an $8 fee to make a reservation which might be worth it as it can be busy. There are some first come first served sites as well. Our site did not have electricity. Easy dump station on the way in. Water access all over the campground. Huge bathrooms with 3 showers. Pit toilets in several other locations. Tenting at the further end. Our site was at a higher spot next to a view point. A bit of wind while we were there. The nature trail was great. Took our time to enjoy all the wildflowers blooming. Never heard a generator. Super quiet except for the wind.

This is a very unique place to visit. We are thoroughly enjoying it. Been here since December 30. Very peaceful place. Great sunsets. The nearby town of Carrizozo has a Family Dollar. 20 miles away is Capital which has Smokey’s Country Market, a very organized, reasonably priced store with a good amount of selections to restock your pantry.

would be 5 stars, was last year BUT they switched from ALL first come first serve to at least 1/2 reservation sites...with most of the good sites by reservation only...
otherwise it is a great spot...mile long interpretive trail is great...beautiful night skies...decent room between the sites...small guest center/bookshop...not as many tent sites as rv...a couple reviews mentioned bugs...2 visits and no bug problems..nice camp host...didnt use showers or toilets...

This was our first use of Campendium and we were pleased with the accuracy of the reviews and the site itself. We stayed five nights. The first night the wind was so strong that I had difficulty getting to sleep. The wind is typical though the first night was the worst. We really enjoyed the covered picnic table and the views. We did not use the shower but agree that the bathrooms are large and clean. We had some difficulty with the Recreation.gov site not initially allowing us to book more than one night but the very helpful Summer Host, Daniel, got it straightened out for us. We got no OTA channels, but the Verizon signal was strong enough to stream. Also had good bars on ATT. We stayed in site 10 and two leveling bricks did not quite make us level but three would have worked fine. Our site had some ants but otherwise we loved this place.

We got lucky and scored a great level site for our 34' 5th wheel on a Monday about 1:30 pm in early March that backed up to the lava field with amazing views. About 50% of the sites up top (tent sites are below amongst the lava rocks) are level, rest are challenging but workable depending on your rig size and leveling skills. Biggest issue we saw during our stay was many rigs arrive and have to leave because of no availability so have a plan B as this is first come, first serve campground and obviously very popular, even in early March when it can be chilly (5,300' elevation). Beware of the winds too as park is on a bluff overlooking a lava flow. Discount off site rate for various national park holders (hubby has the senior pass).

Bath house is huge and very clean, warm, and showers hot. Lovely 1 mile nature trail through the lava field, and another 1 mile walk around the entire campground. Lots of historical sites and the town of Ruidoso within an hours drive. Very peaceful (provided wind isn't howling) and dark skies at night.