Joe Skeen Campground offers free dispersed camping about 10 miles south of Cubero. Located at 6,500 feet elevation, the area features volcanic terrain with lava flows and sandstone mesas. Daytime temperatures range from 70-90°F in summer, while nights can drop below 40°F even in July. Most pet friendly campgrounds near Cubero provide access to hiking trails through El Malpais National Conservation Area.
What to do
Lava flow exploration: Visit Joe Skeen Campground where you can hike through ancient lava fields. "Gorgeous drive in from 40 to the campsite. We saw chipmunks scurrying about in the morning. We were hoping to see more wildlife but can't complain for pulling in around 3:30," notes one camper who appreciated the geological surroundings.
Stargazing sessions: The clear desert skies offer exceptional night viewing with minimal light pollution. "Amazing dark sky view of the stars. Mostly empty," reports a visitor who stayed at Joe Skeen Campground. The area is known for its dark sky preservation, making it ideal for constellation viewing or astrophotography.
Mountain hiking: Trek through Cibola National Forest's Lobo Canyon for high elevation pine forest trails. "The surrounding area is gorgeous! The camp spot is nestled in the trees and has plenty of shade for the summer months," notes a visitor to Lobo Canyon Campground. These trails are less trafficked than those in the national monument.
What campers like
Covered picnic areas: Many sites include sheltered eating spaces. "Each site has a covered patio with picnic table and a fire pit. We stopped through here for one night on our way to AZ and it worked out really well," reports a Joe Skeen Campground visitor. These shelters provide valuable shade during hot summer days.
Desert wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse desert animals. "Wild horses roaming around the lake were also pretty cool," notes a camper at Bluewater Lake State Park Campground. Morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife spotting opportunities when animals are most active.
Budget-friendly options: Several affordable camping options exist throughout the area. "Great price for a full hookup with clean bathrooms and showers," mentions a visitor at Lavaland RV Campgrounds. Casino RV parks frequently offer discount rates when mentioned on billboards.
What you should know
Limited water availability: Most dispersed camping areas lack potable water sources. "No water or any kind of hook ups," notes a camper at Joe Skeen Campground. Fill containers before arriving, as the nearest water sources may be 10-15 miles away at visitor centers or gas stations.
Challenging road access: Some campground roads have rough entrances. "The wash to get into the campground is steep on both sides. We drug a bit on the way in and a lot on the way out," warns a visitor about Joe Skeen Campground. Low-clearance vehicles may struggle during wet conditions.
Seasonal temperature extremes: Temperature swings of 40°F between day and night are common in this high desert region. "Even as it got hot during the day, it cooled nicely at dusk and in the evenings," explains a visitor at Grants KOA Journey. Pack layers regardless of season.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly amenities: Select campgrounds with appropriate facilities. "There is a nice beach as well as boating and fishing. The campground is broken up into a couple areas," explains a Bluewater Lake visitor, noting the lake provides swimming opportunities during summer months.
Desert safety awareness: Teach children about desert hazards. "Watch your dogs stepping in cactus. Dogs need to be on leash, but not enforced," warns a camper about Joe Skeen, highlighting the prevalence of cactus that can injure both pets and children.
Educational opportunities: Visit ranger stations for junior ranger programs. "Car camping newbie...it was beautiful. It was very clean. The compost commode was very clean, a campfire ring was available, and there was a covered picnic table area," notes a first-time family camper at Joe Skeen Campground. Rangers often provide educational materials about local geology.
Tips from RVers
Arrival timing strategy: Secure spots early at popular free campgrounds. "We were pleasantly surprised by how nice this free campground was. These fill up fast, so come early. Most people leave early in the morning, so if you can get here before noon, you may get lucky," advises a Joe Skeen Campground visitor.
Hookup limitations: Many sites offer partial connections only. "We have a pull thru site that has all hookups. Make sure you mention the $18 billboard to get that rate," suggests a visitor at Sky City RV Casino & RV Park, highlighting the importance of asking about discounts.
Water pressure considerations: RV parks may have high water pressure that requires regulators. "We were told that the water pressure was about 90 psi and it was, so use a reducer," warns an RVer. Most campgrounds don't provide pressure regulators, so bring your own to prevent damage to your RV plumbing system.
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