Hike-in access and a $15 nightly fee put Chain of Craters Hiker Hideout within reach of budget-minded backpackers exploring El Morro National Monument in New Mexico. The site sits surrounded by El Malpais National Monument, where all park rules apply. No bathroom is available on-site due to wildfire damage, so campers must bring a portable toilet. Cat-holes are not permitted. Reservations are available, which makes sense for anyone planning around this single-site setup. Nearby, El Malpais NM Dispersed off County Road 42 provides an alternative if the site is booked. This spot works best for self-sufficient hikers comfortable carrying all their own sanitation gear.
Description
The Hiker Hideout is primitive, hike-in, wilderness campsites. There is no water or showers. There is an outdoor-composting toilet. The property once had a historic cabin, unfortunately the cabin and outhouse were destroyed by wildfire in 2022. The Hiker Hideout is an inholding surrounded by El Malpais National Monument, all park rules apply.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsChain of Craters Hiker Hideout is located in New Mexico near El Morro National Monument
Directions
Follow New Mexico highway 53 towards the continental divide. Go south on County Road 42 (Chain of Craters Scenic Byway) 2.44 miles. Look for the Dead End road sign, this is the parking area. Follow the signs and rock cairns to the campsite. It is only a short .16 mile hike from the parking area.
Coordinates
34.9884106137515 N
108.11324510002616 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome Coverage- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/26/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/26/26
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Toilets
Drive Time
- 1 hr 28 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 2 hrs 17 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 2 hrs 32 min from Farmington, NM
- 4 hrs 17 min from Las Cruces, NM
