Valley of Fires Recreation Area
BLM
Write a Review US-380 Carrizozo, NM 88301 575-627-0272 575-648-2241 Reservations: 877-444-6777 Official WebsiteGPS: 33.6847, -105.9202
Overview of Valley of Fires Recreation Area
Last Price Paid: $12
Reported by Tin Tumbleweed on 4/7/2024
Longest RV Reported: 37 feet (Fifth Wheel)
Reported by Paul on 11/21/2021
Number of Sites 25
Pad Type asphalt
Elevation 5,216 ft / 1,589 m
Tent Camping Yes
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Q&A - Ask the Community about Valley of Fires Recreation Area
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 575-627-0272
camper-797612 asked on 6/5/2023
What are the odds of getting a first come-first served electric site here? Planning on April 2024.
Really hate giv...
BGM asked on 5/22/2021
Can you reserve an RV camping spot at Valley of Fires Recreation Area?
Reviews of Valley of Fires Recreation Area 58 people have reviewed this location.
“Interesting lava fields, nice site”
Reviewed 3/19/2017
Nightly rate: | $18 |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
Site Number: | 2 |
Spent one night here in site number 2, I believe, which is located near the entrance. Liked how each site was appointed with a covered picnic table that overlooked the lava fields. We spent some time here enjoying the sunsets and our dinner. So lovely! One thing to note - on our site, the instructions for how to connect your hose to... more
Spent one night here in site number 2, I believe, which is located near the entrance. Liked how each site was appointed with a covered picnic table that overlooked the lava fields. We spent some time here enjoying the sunsets and our dinner. So lovely!
One thing to note - on our site, the instructions for how to connect your hose to the metal water connection was rubbed off, or non existent. I got a little wet trying to figure it out, but basically, you first connect your hose to the metal water connection, then, pull down on the other water connection/diverter valve with one hand while simultaneously lifting up on the handle. Good luck! :)
The nearby Malpais trail is great. Took the dogs for an evening walk to gaze at the various lava formations. Made me feel like I was in Hawaii. :)
traveling_flipflops would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“nice tent sites”
Reviewed 12/28/2016
Days stayed: | 1 |
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At the south end of the park road are several nicely spaced out private tent sites. They are far enough away from the RV sites to minimize the typical RV generator noises, and the diesel noise/fumes as an RV spends a couple hours driving around checking out all options after 11 pm. (No, not many RVers do this, but every RV campground... more
At the south end of the park road are several nicely spaced out private tent sites. They are far enough away from the RV sites to minimize the typical RV generator noises, and the diesel noise/fumes as an RV spends a couple hours driving around checking out all options after 11 pm. (No, not many RVers do this, but every RV campground seems to get one or two of these clowns.) Great overnighter on the way to Bosque del Apache. Short but worthwhile nature loop over the lava field.
Chas would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“A real gem!”
Reviewed 5/16/2016
Nightly rate: | $18 |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
Site Number: | 9 |
RV Length: | 24' (Class C) |
I've been here before, and I can only echo the remark of a previous reviewer: "This is BLM?" It's a small-ish area, with campsites running along a ridge overlooking the lava flow which gives the area its name. The sites are mostly level, with asphalt parking pads, a sheltered picnic table, fire rings, barbecue grills, and individual... more
I've been here before, and I can only echo the remark of a previous reviewer: "This is BLM?" It's a small-ish area, with campsites running along a ridge overlooking the lava flow which gives the area its name. The sites are mostly level, with asphalt parking pads, a sheltered picnic table, fire rings, barbecue grills, and individual trash cans. Many of the sites have both electricity and water. There are tent sites in their own area, with water and toilet facilities nearby.
The rest room/shower facilities are wonderfully clean; there are individual shower stalls separated by tiled walls, with wooden changing benches. The (unnecessary, given that each stall has a door) shower curtains are rumpled, but clean. As is usual in this kind of facility, you push a button and water comes out of a nozzle above you. The water stays on for something like 30-45 seconds and turns off automatically; it takes a few cycles of this to get warm/hot water.
There's a path with interpretive signage and some rest benches which wanders down into the lava flow. Well worth the time, and with smooth secure footing all along.
Good ATT and Verizon signals.
The $18 rate includes electric and water; 50% off with various Federal Passes.
Great sunsets.
Easy to find from the highway heading east out of Carrizozo.
What's not to like?
Rich would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Loved this place!”
Reviewed 4/14/2016
Days stayed: | 2 |
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Site Number: | 19 |
RV Length: | 35' (Fifth Wheel) |
We loved this place, although the days we were there it was very windy. Campsite #19 was on the other side of the hill and required dry camping, which was fine with us. It was a large, asphalt campsite overlooking the lava flow and had its own very nice covered picnic table and garbage can. Really nice, friendly, helpful folks runn... more
We loved this place, although the days we were there it was very windy. Campsite #19 was on the other side of the hill and required dry camping, which was fine with us. It was a large, asphalt campsite overlooking the lava flow and had its own very nice covered picnic table and garbage can. Really nice, friendly, helpful folks running and maintaining the park. I would have liked to stay a bit longer, but we had other places to go (City of Rocks, then Carlsbad Caverns. This park is very well maintained and was very clean and neat. We did not personally use the restrooms, but my wife did go in and check the Ladies area out and said it was clean. We used Valley of Fires as a base camp, then drove south to experience the Three Rivers Petroglyphs (neat!). We had dinner one evening in Corrizozo at the place at the main junction in town--I don't remember the name of the place (sorry)--and the Mexican food was pretty good.
Bill & Jeri RV Travels would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Camp in a lava field!”
Reviewed 4/5/2016
Nightly rate: | $18 |
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Days stayed: | 7 |
Site Number: | 10 |
We went here to join the New Mexico unit of the Airstream Club (WBCCI) for their annual "Glow in the Dark" rally where they visit the site of the first test of the atomic bomb in 1945 (the Trinity Site) which the US Army opens up two times per year. Otherwise we would never have found this delightful off-the-beaten-path campground. ... more
We went here to join the New Mexico unit of the Airstream Club (WBCCI) for their annual "Glow in the Dark" rally where they visit the site of the first test of the atomic bomb in 1945 (the Trinity Site) which the US Army opens up two times per year. Otherwise we would never have found this delightful off-the-beaten-path campground.
The campground has about 15 sites with water & electric hookups and another four dry RV sites and another half dozen or so tent sites several of which could accommodate a Class B camper. There are plenty of water spigots around the campground for folks in the dry sites. There is a dump station on site.
We had very good TV reception and excellent Verizon data coverage (we were able to stream HI Def video.)
This is a first come first serve campground but there is a lot of daily turnover (many people appear to use this as an overnight stopping point on their way to someplace else) so except for busy holiday weekends you should be able to get a spot immediately or certainly the morning following your arrival. At the time we were here, the campground hosts were very helpful in finding "unofficial" overnight spots for late arrivals.
The restroom and shower facilities are among the best and cleanest we've ever seen in a public campground.
All the sites are paved and level. Each site offers a ramada for shade, grill and picnic table. All sites offer great views of the surrounding lava fields and mountains in the distance.
When we first arrived we thought that this campground was "in the middle of nowhere" and that if it weren't for the Airstream rally we would never come here. Were we wrong! There is the wonderful ski/hike/fish resort town of Ruidoso about 30 miles away up in the mountains, the three Salinas Pueblo Missions, Smokey Bear Historic Park, Three Rivers PEtroglyph Site, Fort Stanton itself and the Forst Stanton Recreation Area, Lincoln State Monument, Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, and on and on all within an easy hour or so drive from the campground. We even went so far as to drive to the Very Large Array (VLA made famous in many films including "Contact" starring Jody Foster) which was about 100 miles away (in New Mexico, a 100 miles drive is not considered "long distance!")
We will definitely put this campground in our "regular rotation!"
Bob Martel would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Can't think of anything we'd change!”
Reviewed 3/2/2016
Nightly rate: | $18 |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
Site Number: | 9 |
RV Length: | 23' (Travel Trailer) |
We've had such great luck with New Mexico campgrounds that I feel a little bit like a broken record. We pulled in at noon on this beautiful March 2, 2016 day and half the sites were available. There are great views to be had from each site. Impeccably clean bathroom and huge too. I read reviews from a year earlier complaining abo... more
We've had such great luck with New Mexico campgrounds that I feel a little bit like a broken record.
We pulled in at noon on this beautiful March 2, 2016 day and half the sites were available. There are great views to be had from each site.
Impeccably clean bathroom and huge too. I read reviews from a year earlier complaining about the showers. Maybe they read the reviews too! A year later, and they're hot, but not dangerously so they way they are at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park. The shower head was one of the best I've experienced at a park. Good flow, but I don't mind the push button. Makes you more aware of how much you're using which is fine with me. Three shower stalls on the women's side, one handicapped and very roomy. Curtains looked clean to me.
Level, paved sites. Spaced out generously. Lots of wind here on the precipice between desert and lava, so a non-gravel/dirt campground is much appreciated. The tent camping area at the end of the park is in a depression, which is smart. Elsewise they'd just blow away!
We had four bars of Verizon LTE. Pretty great place, super quiet. May stay a few nights!
Chris&David would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“While I did see a valley, it wasn't on fire...”
Reviewed 10/25/2015
Nightly rate: | $18 |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
Site Number: | 13 |
Great cell reception though. Too short of a stay to give the park it's due justice. Snuck right in with no reservations in late October. The town was interesting. Feel free to explore for yourself but Allsups is the only place with beer. Some craft brews. Oh and we pulled in at sunset and dang, good job God and/or science. Nice l... more
Great cell reception though. Too short of a stay to give the park it's due justice. Snuck right in with no reservations in late October.
The town was interesting. Feel free to explore for yourself but Allsups is the only place with beer. Some craft brews.
Oh and we pulled in at sunset and dang, good job God and/or science. Nice looking sun.
Nathan @ Wand'rly would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Five Stars if You Don't Use the Showers”
Reviewed 4/5/2015
Nightly rate: | $18 |
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Days stayed: | 7 |
Site Number: | 9 |
Wow - this is BLM?! We didn't know what to expect when we pulled into Valley of Fires Recreation Area. We chose a partial hookup spot because it had a view of the ancient lava fields. The campground is well kept, except for the showers. Push button, no temperature control, moldy shower curtains and cobwebs in the shower stall. ... more
Wow - this is BLM?!
We didn't know what to expect when we pulled into Valley of Fires Recreation Area. We chose a partial hookup spot because it had a view of the ancient lava fields.
The campground is well kept, except for the showers. Push button, no temperature control, moldy shower curtains and cobwebs in the shower stall.
Other than that, this place is fantastic. We walked the nature trail every morning and the view from our picnic table was pretty glorious.
There is a small market in town, if you're looking for some real supplies, we liked Wild Herb Market in Ruidoso.
A note about cell service. AT&T showed 5 bars, but was only good for calls, not for data. Verizon was fine.
Aluminarium would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
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Amenities
Hookups
- 50 Amp
- 30 Amp
- 20 Amp
- water
- dry camping
- Partial Hookups
Recreation
- picnic area
- recreation trail
Site Amenities
- big rig
- fire ring
- picnic table
Facilities
- dump station
- ADA Accessible
- restrooms: flush
- showers
- trash
- water available
Pets
- pets
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