Corona is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that New Mexico camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your New Mexico camping adventure.
Small (5 sites) quiet and primitive camp in a Ponderosa forest at 7600 elevation. Located near an old mining district, the campground gets heavy use in fall hunting seasons, less at other times.
Valley of Fires recreation area is located immediately adjacent to the Malpais Lava Flow. Approximately 5,000 years ago, Little Black Peak erupted and flowed 44 miles into the Tularosa Basin, filling the basin with molten rock. The resulting lava flow is four to six miles wide, 160 feet thick and covers 125 square miles. The lava flow is considered to be one of the youngest lava flows in the continental United States. The Bureau of Land Management maintains and manages the Valley of Fires Recreation area, which is located four miles west of Carrizozo, NM, on US Highway 380. Valley of Fires offers both camping and day use. 20 of the campsites have 30 and 50 amp electrical hookups and water hookups, all sites have picnic shelters, tables, trashcans and barbeque grills. Two of the RV sites are accessible, as are the restrooms. Showers are provided in the main restroom/shower house. An RV dump station is also available. Two group shelters are accessible and available for rental. The 3/4 mile Malpais Nature Trail offers a close-up look of the lava surface.
Valley of Fires Recreation area offers opportunities for RV Camping (both full-service and primitive camp sites), tent camping and day use. The Malpais Nature trail offers a unique experience of getting trail users out into the lava. The trail is paved and accessible. Each campsite and group shelter is equipped with picnic shelter and picnic table(s) for the public's enjoyment.
From a distance, Valley of Fires appears as barren rock but when you walk through the nature trail there are many varieties of flowers, cactus, trees and bushes typical of the Chihuahuan desert. Animals include bats, roadrunners, quail, cottontails, mule deer, barbary sheep, and lizards. It's also a virtual birdwatcher's paradise with great horned owls, burrowing owls, turkey vultures, hawks, gnat catchers, cactus wrens, sparrows and golden eagles.
Carrizozo Land Partnership **The Carrizozo Land Partnership vehicle pass page is temporarily unavailable and the Roswell Field Office is currently unable to issue vehicle passes to cross private lands while collection policies for personal identifiable information are updated. All other open BLM lands remain accessible during this time. For more information please contact the Roswell Field Office at 575-627-0272.** The Carrizozo Land Partnership provides access to recreators wishing to enter public lands managed by the BLM, between the Carrizozo Lava Flow and the White Sands Missile Range which can only be reached by crossing private land. The CLP, a partnership between the BLM, private land owners and ranchers of this area, has arranged for public access to BLM lands in this area by a vehicle pass process. Once on the BLM lands in the area, the public is allowed to hunt, camp, hike, observe wildlife and other appropriate recreational activities. This partnership provides access to many miles of roads and thousands of acres of public lands for recreational enjoyment. Terrain is from flat to rolling, with some bluffy/hilly country overlooking the lava flows. High desert plant species inhabit this area, ranging from desert shrubs, multiple varieties of cactus and cedar/juniper trees. Other nearby camping/recreation opportunities: Other nearby fee areas include campgrounds in the Lincoln National Forest, and the BLM Rob Jagger's Campground. There are numerous private RV Campgrounds in the area as well. Additonal nearby attractions include Capitan, Lincoln, and Ruidoso. Capitan, located 24 miles east of the Valley of Fires on U.S. Highway 380, is known as the birthplace of Smokey Bear, and features a popular visitor center. Lincoln, located 37 miles east on U.S. Highway 380, is famous as the site of the historic Lincoln County Wars as well as the exploits of Billy the Kid and Sheriff Pat Garrett. Ruidoso is a popular resort town that features a horse racetrack, the Ski Apache skiing resort, and the Inn of the Mountain Gods casino. The BLM's Fort Stanton National Conservation Area, located approximately 27 miles east of the Valley of Fires on U.S. Highway 380, has 93 miles of sustainable horseback, mountain biking, and hiking trails that wind through open meadows and canyons. Trails are marked with flexible fiberglass markers with the trail name or an arrow attached to the marker. Cross-country horse and foot travel is allowed. Mountain bikes are strongly encouraged to stay on established trails to protect the rider as well as the landscape. The trails offer great views of the surrounding Sacramento and Capitan Mountains. The majority of the trails start at the Rob Jaggers Campground on NM 220 where you will find excellent camping opportunities, water for your animals, and vault toilets.
$25 / night
Manzano Mountains State Park is an excellent destination for hiking and camping. Nestled in the wooded foothills of the Manzanos, this park provides a quiet retreat and is a nice family get-away. Wildlife viewing, birding, and photography are great activities at this park.
$5 - $14 / night
West of the community of Manzano. __
Valley of Fires recreation area is located immediately adjacent to the Malpais Lava Flow. Approximately 5,000 years ago, Little Black Peak erupted and flowed 44 miles into the Tularosa Basin, filling the basin with molten rock. The resulting lava flow is four to six miles wide, 160 feet thick and covers 125 square miles. The lava flow is considered to be one of the youngest lava flows in the continental United States. The Bureau of Land Management maintains and manages the Valley of Fires Recreation area, which is located four miles west of Carrizozo, NM, on US Highway 380. Valley of Fires offers both camping and day use. 20 of the campsites have 30 and 50 amp electrical hookups and water hookups, all sites have picnic shelters, tables, trashcans and barbeque grills. Two of the RV sites are accessible, as are the restrooms. Showers are provided in the main restroom/shower house. An RV dump station is also available. Two group shelters are accessible and available for rental. The 3/4 mile Malpais Nature Trail offers a close-up look of the lava surface.
Valley of Fires Recreation area offers opportunities for RV Camping (both full-service and primitive camp sites), tent camping and day use. The Malpais Nature trail offers a unique experience of getting trail users out into the lava. The trail is paved and accessible. Each campsite and group shelter is equipped with picnic shelter and picnic table(s) for the public's enjoyment.
From a distance, Valley of Fires appears as barren rock but when you walk through the nature trail there are many varieties of flowers, cactus, trees and bushes typical of the Chihuahuan desert. Animals include bats, roadrunners, quail, cottontails, mule deer, barbary sheep, and lizards. It's also a virtual birdwatcher's paradise with great horned owls, burrowing owls, turkey vultures, hawks, gnat catchers, cactus wrens, sparrows and golden eagles.
Carrizozo Land Partnership **The Carrizozo Land Partnership vehicle pass page is temporarily unavailable and the Roswell Field Office is currently unable to issue vehicle passes to cross private lands while collection policies for personal identifiable information are updated. All other open BLM lands remain accessible during this time. For more information please contact the Roswell Field Office at 575-627-0272.** The Carrizozo Land Partnership provides access to recreators wishing to enter public lands managed by the BLM, between the Carrizozo Lava Flow and the White Sands Missile Range which can only be reached by crossing private land. The CLP, a partnership between the BLM, private land owners and ranchers of this area, has arranged for public access to BLM lands in this area by a vehicle pass process. Once on the BLM lands in the area, the public is allowed to hunt, camp, hike, observe wildlife and other appropriate recreational activities. This partnership provides access to many miles of roads and thousands of acres of public lands for recreational enjoyment. Terrain is from flat to rolling, with some bluffy/hilly country overlooking the lava flows. High desert plant species inhabit this area, ranging from desert shrubs, multiple varieties of cactus and cedar/juniper trees. Other nearby camping/recreation opportunities: Other nearby fee areas include campgrounds in the Lincoln National Forest, and the BLM Rob Jagger's Campground. There are numerous private RV Campgrounds in the area as well. Additonal nearby attractions include Capitan, Lincoln, and Ruidoso. Capitan, located 24 miles east of the Valley of Fires on U.S. Highway 380, is known as the birthplace of Smokey Bear, and features a popular visitor center. Lincoln, located 37 miles east on U.S. Highway 380, is famous as the site of the historic Lincoln County Wars as well as the exploits of Billy the Kid and Sheriff Pat Garrett. Ruidoso is a popular resort town that features a horse racetrack, the Ski Apache skiing resort, and the Inn of the Mountain Gods casino. The BLM's Fort Stanton National Conservation Area, located approximately 27 miles east of the Valley of Fires on U.S. Highway 380, has 93 miles of sustainable horseback, mountain biking, and hiking trails that wind through open meadows and canyons. Trails are marked with flexible fiberglass markers with the trail name or an arrow attached to the marker. Cross-country horse and foot travel is allowed. Mountain bikes are strongly encouraged to stay on established trails to protect the rider as well as the landscape. The trails offer great views of the surrounding Sacramento and Capitan Mountains. The majority of the trails start at the Rob Jaggers Campground on NM 220 where you will find excellent camping opportunities, water for your animals, and vault toilets.
$25 / night
Manzano Mountains State Park is an excellent destination for hiking and camping. Nestled in the wooded foothills of the Manzanos, this park provides a quiet retreat and is a nice family get-away. Wildlife viewing, birding, and photography are great activities at this park.
$5 - $14 / night
ScoutThis is a very run down park, do not stop here! We stopped to dump and was told by the manager to go dump anywhere and then as soon as we dumped, it started back filling out. Then a lady came up to us and told us they were having sewer problems. Crazy that the manager would tell us yes when he knew it wouldn’t work for us.
ScoutLots of dispersed camping along A027, with some being very private. The main site mentioned here also has bathroom facilities. It was a bit crowded, so I chose a private spot up the road with no issues. Beautiful area!
Guide
It was hot in the valley so we retreated to the nearest mountains. What a quiet little camp. No huge RV’s or anything. Our 6ft wide, 20ft long trailer seemed too big. Our spot accommodated us well. The trails are fabulous. There’s a Track Trail that just opened and a motorized track wheelchair making this park very accessible. Not very many electric sites but that was ok as the temps were cooler (60’s at night)
TravelerRemote, wooded, serene. Sites are gravel, but not very level. Each site has a picnic table, grill & fire pit. Some sites have power, but none have sewer or water hookups. There is a dump station & drinking water. If you want to get away from it all, this is the place.
Legend
Valley of Fire CG, NM: The RV area sits on a ridge. Great views. Tenting area sits by itself. No views there, but looks nice. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)
Overall Rating: 5 for a campground offering space and extraordinary views.
Price 2024: $ 35 w interagency pass
Security: no
Usage during visit: RV area was full every day.
Site Privacy: no
Site Spacing: nice
Pad surface: blacktop
Reservations: Some sites require reservations. Some sites are first come first serve.
Campground Noise: Nice and quiet
Outside Road Noise: light trafficed highway might create some noise for the first few sites.
Through Traffic in campground: Some day visitors.
Electric Hookup: some sites
Sewer Hookup: no
Dump Station: yes
Potable Water Available: at most sites
Bathroom: one main bathroom. Also, two smaller bathrooms towards each end of the campground.
Showers: yes. Clean. Push button timer type. Hot water
Pull Throughs: yes
Cell Service (AT&T): four bars
Setting: on a ridge overlooking the black lava flow on one side and desert on the other
Recent Weather: windy
Solar: definitely
Insects: none
Host: yes
Rig Size: large rigs, no problem
Sites: 1-14: views both ways. Extraordinary sunset views. 15- 18: the views are nice, but one direction. away from the valley of fires view. 18 & 19 are more secluded.
GuideVery nice campground, and only $18/night for water and electric. Beautiful mountain setting with lots of pine trees and cool mornings. Had hoped to do some road biking but the steep gravel proved intimidating for the less experienced in the group.
Rangerquiet. lots of trees, hard to find a spot for starlink
GuideWe were able to catch a first come first serve site. It had awesome views of the mountains and a nice shade shelter. The pit toilets were clean and showers are always a plus. The hike through the lava rocks was informative and easy. Love this place!
Traveler
when i got to the site there was only one other person. we were at opposite ends of the site and couldn’t even see each others camps. very quiet and feels very secluded, but its only about 5 min off the highway. site has trash, toilets, grills, picnic tables, and already established fire pits. i did not see any of the free range cattle at the site, but i did see a large herd of deer at the back side of the site. i did a decent amount of exploring on the land across the road from the site, once off the site you will see a lot of manure but it was cool wandering around, found a bunch of animal skeletons. if you are wanting more dispersed camping with better views, i recommend going past the site entirely and camping off the road somewhere. you should only go on the trail if you have 4x4 though. there were some primitive campsites along the ~20 mile trail that had much better views. will be back to camp further down the trail! i’ve attached a pic marked with the location of camp and highlighted the trail. the trail does circle all the way around to the camp entrance.
GuideRV area is old and not really kept up, a lot of trucks park here and stay at the motel. Close to the railroad tracks south bound train just track noise , the north bound start blowing their horn I think a mile south of town and don’t quit until they are a mile north of town. The lady that manages the park is very friendly and helpful. Can’t say enough good about her.
LegendWe spent a Saturday night here in a spot without services and I suppose because it is late in the season, only a couple of other campers. Clean, well maintained, nice trails. I have good enough service I could stay and work for the week which is awesome.
Ranger
The map icon shows this as being near the Gran Quivara unit of Salinas Pueblo missions National Monument. It is not. As at least one other review indicates it is near White sands National Monument. I used the link from the campground description to try to get to this in about 2 and 1/2 mi short of it is a locked gate. Whoever dropped the pin and gave this location data gave a bogus location.
ScoutBooking and finding the park was quite seamless. We do not need hook ups so the price was $10.00. There were no facilities, no water and ‘campsite’ was just an overgrown parking area. Great diner, (Penny’s) just down the street. So if you just need to pull in and get off the road for the night, this fits the bill
GuideCampsites are level full hook ups. Nice people they have Wi-Fi nice bathrooms there’s a really great grocery store downtown called the B St., Café. It was $36 if I paid cash and that was with a 10% discount
TravelerThis 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. Nice short paved nature trail through the lava beds. Park and bathrooms are very clean. Camp host is friendly and helpful.
ScoutNight one was decent, but the rest of the nights I had to hold the side of my tent up to keep it from collapsing despite multiple points staked to the ground. I’m happy I had strong stakes or the tent would’ve been gone. The wind comes in waves like hurricane bands. In one week we had the crazy wind every night, hail, and saw a dust twister at the base of the mountain. Lots of flies as well. At one point we had the back circle all to ourselves, but Friday large groups came out and were very loud until 1am. During the week everyone was quiet. The site layout was nice, private despite being close to the next site over. It’s pretty hot during the day and dips to the 40s at night. We liked the sound of the clicker bugs, they were pretty cool even though we never actually saw one. The trails are nice, vault toilet area is clean. The front office was closed our whole visit. I’d say it’s a cool place for a trailer or RV although the road is difficult in rain. Tents are fine, but be ready to move to the car for the wind or hail.
Traveler
Not to many trees that are tall so u get cover but not complete seclusion but enof to where it’s enjoyable and u see the sky at nights so path ways are very down sloap if ur in a car know how to drive cougars so bring either 40 cal gun or a 45 cal gun fpr power not a 9 mm i dont get why people get those its like getting a 22 but a little more powerful so please be smart get something with some kick to it i can actually see the vally of trees witch is nice if u are a photo guy or girl umm pretty simple to get to alot of open areas just keep quit respect the rules and ull be fine just enjoy
RangerLoved this campground! The drive in is beautiful and because it’s so remote, it is really quiet. The sites are pretty large and secluded. The trails around the campground are well maintained and easy enough for all levels. If we’re back in the area again, would definitely stay here.
RangerAt the entrance there is a guest sign in book. When I signed in I left this in the comment section: WOW. First morning I wake up in site 13 at 8 o'clock in the morning, sure as feces, some jerk fires up the generator. Camp host came by personally to inspect my receipt tab from the pay envelope to be sure I had paid for these two nights I have been here so far. He estimated this Easter holiday weekend would get very busy and possibly a ruckus. We will see Saturday morning: by 8 AM the kids were screaming and crying, the dogs were yapping, the Latin music was being played loud enough for all your neighbors to hear, generator was running, busiest traffic I've seen since I got here. Basically this local group of families has created chaos and noise pollution enough to ruin the whole area for everybody else. Pitiful. I had to get out of there and go for a drive to… Anywhere! The upper loop is supposed to be roomier than the lower route but cars were parked in every available parking spot that wasn't reserved with many cars partially even up to half the length of the vehicle in the roadway proper. I came across such a bottleneck and there was a very nice looking little sports car recently washed and waxed fairly new with a very young couple leaning on the side of it. I stopped expecting the young man to move his little car. He waved me on. I thought if he thinks this 3500 will fit… So I inched forward and he started motioning my front bumper should go further from his car. So I looked out my drivers window and I was right on top of the rocks on the left side of this partially blocked one lane road. I continued forward. I heard a little crunching. I thought I saw a look of horror on the young ladies face and I thought too late now. So I continued forward. I got out of the park as quickly as I could and I went to find someplace else to spend the night. I went back the next morning. Easter Sunday– and the situation had gotten worse, extremely worse. There were kids running all through the campsites. Every picnic table was heaped high with food, Every other pick up truck had a barbecue or a smoker in the back. Parking was worse. The noise from the cacophony of various flavors of Mexican music was very loud. I left with two nights left on my reservation. I might go back, but not on the weekend or. This campground has been given to the locals of Las Cruces.
GuideThis was a great place to camp, however, there were lots of people. I camped on a Sunday night and barely found a spot. Great view of the stars. Amazing sunset and sunrise. Vault toilets available. I would definitely not take a long vehicle on the road. Camp host was one of the best I've seen. Saw him three times and he was working all of those times.
ScoutThe site is secluded and remote set in a beautiful pine forest. Only 5 camp sites that are spread apart. The sites have a fire ring, grill, and picnic table. Although it is remote and I have to travel down gravel roads, I easily got our RV to the camp grounds. At night it is pitch black and the only sounds you can hear are nature. On a clear night the stars would be amazing. Unfortunately it was overcast when I went. No hookups or anything, but a restroom. Great spot to get away and soak in nature.
RangerLarge, generally private spots with FHU for RVers. Some tent spots also. Interesting area. Clean bathrooms and showers. Interesting interpretative trail.
ScoutOur beagle is a 11 in April and wife and I are seniors and we walked the nature trails walked 3.5 miles. First walk this year. The lava flows were great to see up close! Camp ground is well kept and facility’s are great. Oh by the way dog got a drink and crashed on the couch when we got back to motor home. Stayed in site 10 right next to the showers and bathrooms suppose to have high winds Sunday. Might spend a day or two omore than planned.
ScoutGreat campground with interesting features, most sites have a water spigot, tent sites toward the back were very private with lava walls between sites. Vault toilets near rear sites, flush toilets and good hot showers near entrance, nice little camp store, great camp host who kept the place nice, a steal at only $7 with water and showers!
RangerClose to White Sands. Note: winter hours gate is closed 6pm-8am. Wouldn’t want to navigate the entrance road after dark anyways. Road is paved and in good condition however. This campground is on the side of a mountain. Views of Organ Mountains driving in is breathtaking and windy - limit on vehicle length. No water except at camp host when you drive in - several miles before campground. Site was $7. Pay at self service kiosk. My parking pad was not level would definitely be more careful to choose a site that was more level bc I slept in car but many are not because of the hilly terrain. Chilly and rained hard at night while I was there. Great shelters and concrete pad at each site and fire ring. Gorgeous alligator juniper trees. Vault toilets - no other amenities. Mountain View and view of valley is amazing.
RangerThis was a great campground. Friendly host, paved roads and good accessibility. Hot free showers, water onsite. Tent camping was cheaper only $7 but felt too remote at far end of campground for me traveling solo with my dog so I stayed in a site with electric near bathrooms and camp host. Paved walking trail and informative posts through the amazing lava flow bed. Sites have shelters and fire rings but are exposed and it was VERY windy while we were there. Prickers if you venture even a few inches off paved roads - my dogs pads got cut and took a few days to heal. Hot showers were amazing and bathrooms clean. $18 for sites w water and electric. Some sites online reservation, some first come.
LegendThis is a wonderful campground with amazing views. Each campsite has a great view of the surrounding area. There is a small hiking trail that explores the lava flow.
The campground has water, electricity, and showers. There are also reservable and first come first serve sites.
Cell Coverage: Good
Camping near Corona, NM, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.
Camping near Corona, NM, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to prepare for the unique aspects of each campground to make the most of your trip!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Corona, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, Corona, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 16 campgrounds and RV parks near Corona, NM and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Corona, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Corona, NM is Red Cloud Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 8 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Corona, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Corona, NM.
What parks are near Corona, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Corona, NM that allow camping, notably Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands and Cibola National Forest and Grasslands.
