Andy M.
Guide
GuideBonito Hollow RV Park & Campground
Nice New Mexico
Stopped in on the fly, was a great spot.
Camping near Carrizozo, NM
92 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Carrizozo, New Mexico provides access to diverse camping experiences across BLM land, national forest areas, and privately managed campgrounds. The Valley of Fires Recreation Area, situated just west of town on Highway 380, serves as a primary camping destination with both RV and tent sites overlooking dramatic lava fields. Additional options include Three Rivers Campground with tent and RV sites, Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area for primitive camping, and several RV parks with full hookups. The region also features Casa Mistica, offering cabin accommodations, and Bonito Hollow RV Park & Campground with glamping options approximately 20 miles south.
Camping conditions vary significantly with elevation and season in this high desert region. Valley of Fires maintains paved sites suitable for larger vehicles, while dispersed areas like Guebara Tank Camp require higher clearance. Summer temperatures can be intense, especially at Valley of Fires where the black volcanic rock absorbs considerable heat. Many campgrounds remain open year-round, though services may be limited in winter months. Water availability is concentrated at developed sites, with dispersed areas requiring campers to bring their own supply. A visitor noted, "Valley of Fires wouldn't be the best place to spend a full day as the black, volcanic rock holds a lot of heat. However at sunrise and sunset, the views are not to be missed."
Several campgrounds in the Carrizozo area receive positive reviews for their scenic value and infrastructure. Valley of Fires Recreation Area earns particular praise for its unique landscape, clean facilities, and well-maintained trails through the lava fields. The campground features both reservable and first-come, first-served sites, with electric hookups available at most RV spots. Sites typically include covered picnic tables, fire rings, and access to water—amenities particularly valuable in this exposed high desert setting. Campers frequently mention the extraordinary sunset views and stargazing opportunities. One reviewer described the experience: "Scenic in every direction, facilities were well maintained and spacious. Sites are separated and large." Wind can be challenging, particularly for RV awnings and tent camping, but the unique volcanic landscape makes this area a distinctive destination.
Best Campgrounds near Carrizozo (92)
1. Valley Of Fires Recreation Area
"The lava tubes, the town of Carrizozo White Oak and Capitan."
"Due to New Mexico Governor’s decision to close state owned campgrounds, we scrambled to find a place to stay prior to visiting White Sands...thank you BLM!!"
from $15 - $35 / night
Check Availability2. Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area
"We had a great night drove through the entire area and off roads to find a nice quiet area we had our son and two big doggos and had plenty of space for them to roam."
"Good base camp for some of the best hiking around Ruidoso (Big Bonito Trail, Argentina Trail, etc.) Be prepared for lots of dust with the dirt road uphill from sites."
3. Bonito Hollow RV Park & Campground
"I was looking to get away from the heat in Albuquerque and maybe even do a little fishing. I picked a site next to the upper river (Rio Bonito)."
"Has been our number 1 go to location for almost 10 years now. Started in tents...then pop up...now a travel trailer. The park hosts are always extremely friendly and helpful."
from $40 - $54 / night
Check Availability4. Sands Motel & RV Park
5. Four winds motel & RV Park
"The sites are spacious with beautiful open New Mexico views, and check-in was simple and stress-free."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability6. Three Rivers Petroglyph Site
"Must see recreational site with 2 trails, 11 picnic areas with shelters and grills, and really clean restrooms located south of Carrizozo, NM, and north of Tularosa, NM."
"Has one handicap accessible & next to bathroom)."
from $18 / night
Check Availability7. Three Rivers Campground
"It was also super quiet since it was so far away from the road. The actual camp was in the trees and great views of the surrounding mountains. Each spot has a table, fire pit, and gazebo."
"Good little camp ground..stow your food away from tent had a bear visit while there..also the road getting there is prone to flash floods"
8. Midtown Mountain Campground & RV Park
"I think the ease of picking a spot that worked for our situation, the clean park and bathrooms and friendly staff and neighbors made it surprisingly one of the best RV experiences we’ve had."
"So close to everything, super clean PRIVATE bathrooms and the management is amazing and super attentive!"
from $45 - $70 / night
Check Availability9. Skyline Campground
"Me and two of my buddy's went there and had a great time hiking and just hanging around camp and chilling."
"Lots of camping spots and great hiking trails to go on! Gets a little windy since you’re at the top, but totally worth it!"
10. Monjeau Campground
"The drive up is full of narrow switchbacks that you just hope and pray nobody else happens to be coming around at the same time as you are. There are some quite steep grades as well."
"There were also some horses roaming around. Oh and it’s free! Can’t beat it."
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 1 min from Las Cruces, NM
- 2 hrs 7 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 2 hrs 8 min from El Paso, TX
- 2 hrs 29 min from Santa Fe, NM
Recent Camping Photos near Carrizozo, NM
112 Photos of 92 Carrizozo Campgrounds
Junilee C.
Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area
Noah K.
Monjeau Campground
The Dyrt
Bonito Hollow RV Park & Campground
Angela C.
Three Rivers Campground
Rachel H.
Oak Grove Campground
Jacob W.
Eagle Creek Mescalero Cabins
Terry P.
Eagle Creek RV Resort
Quinn Z.
Fort Stanton Cave Campground
Richard T.
Midtown Mountain Campground & RV Park
Nick H.
Pine Ridge RV Campground
Mark D.
Red Cloud Campground
Rock E.
Mountain Meadows RV Park
Recent Reviews near Carrizozo, NM
330 Reviews of 92 Carrizozo Campgrounds
Branden
TravelerSkyline Campground
April 2026 skyline Trip
The weather was chilly, and there was still some snow on the ground. The campsite is on a mountain. The dirt road up to the mountain is very well kept. Overall very nice campsite I would go again.
- MMichael J.
ScoutEdgington RV Park
Clean and simple
Good place, bathrooms and showers, has a touchscreen at the office for checkin and a dry erase board for showing where we park at, very clean and quiet
- Nicole W.Scout
fort stanton dispersed campsite
Beautiful site
So pretty and very easy to drive up to. Bring a jacket though. The wind was pretty chilly.
Leila S.TravelerForest Road 568 - Dispersed Camping
Beautiful and quiet
We saw a few folks and some hunters but it was very quest! Best part was the hike included some 4 legged friends!
Christopher P.GuideValley Of Fires Recreation Area
Busy park nice short trail
It was a bit complicated getting a spot. Mix of reserved and first come sites. They no longer allow two vans to share an RV site. They did last year. We were looking for a first come site. Thank goodness the host was there to help out and explain everything. It can get very busy and fill up. Push button shower hot but weak pressure.
bailey D.ScoutBailey Canyon Campground
Decent
Nice spot in small meadow. Some logging and road is rough for any larger vehicles (suv made it fine)
Lawrence M.GuideMountain Meadows RV Park
Mountain Meadows
Clean, well looked after, out of the way rv park. Gravel sites, level spots. Combination of back in and pull through sites.
Rob S.GuideValley Of Fires Recreation Area
Muy Bueno
I like a good federal site. I’m a disabled Veteran and get 1/2 price…throw in a place with a shower. 16 bucks isn’t bad for those paying full price.
Guide to Carrizozo
Camping in the Carrizozo region of New Mexico spans from established campgrounds to dispersed options on public lands. Valley of Fires Recreation Area, managed by the BLM, serves as a central camping destination featuring both tent and RV sites with amenities including electric hookups, water access, and covered picnic tables. Nearby options include Sands Motel & RV Park in town, while dispersed camping can be found at Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area. The Three Rivers area offers both a petroglyph site campground and a separate established campground with more primitive facilities.
Access to campgrounds varies seasonally, with most sites available year-round, though summer temperatures can be extreme due to the volcanic landscape. The Valley of Fires area features a unique camping environment on ancient lava flows, with minimal shade making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons. Road conditions are generally good with paved access to established sites, though dispersed areas may require high-clearance vehicles. Elevation differences between campgrounds can mean significant temperature variations. A visitor noted, "Valley of Fires wouldn't be the best place to spend a full day as the black, volcanic rock holds a lot of heat. However at sunrise and sunset, the views are not to be missed."
Campers consistently rate the Valley of Fires Recreation Area highly for its unique landscape, clean facilities, and panoramic views. The campground features a paved interpretive trail through the lava field that receives positive mentions in reviews. The proximity to other attractions serves as a draw for many visitors. "This is a great campground for a quick overnight trip or a longer stay as homebase while exploring the area. Nice easy access pull thru sites with amazing views of the sunrise and sunset," reported one camper. Wind can be challenging in the exposed landscape, with several reviews mentioning strong gusts. Wildlife sightings, including bighorn sheep, add to the camping experience. Most established campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities like toilets, with some offering showers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Carrizozo, NM?
What camping is available near Carrizozo, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, Carrizozo, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 92 campgrounds and RV parks near Carrizozo, NM and 11 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Carrizozo, NM?
Which is the most popular campground near Carrizozo, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Carrizozo, NM is Valley Of Fires Recreation Area with a 4.6-star rating from 40 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Carrizozo, NM?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Carrizozo, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Carrizozo, NM.
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