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Camping near El Morro National Monument

291 Reviews

El Morro National Monument in New Mexico combines ancient inscriptions with several nearby camping options. Bluewater Lake State Park Campground draws many campers who fish and boat on the lake throughout their stay. El Malpais NCA has more basic sites where you can camp near volcanic terrain and walk trails that cross old lava flows. You might see deer and various birds while camping in this area, so store your food properly to keep wildlife away from your site. The Rio Grande and Sangre de Cristo Mountains are within driving distance and have good hiking trails and roads with mountain views. Many campers make time to check out the rock carvings and ruins at El Morro during their trip. This part of New Mexico gets really dark at night, making it great for looking at stars after the often colorful sunsets. Summer gets hot here, so bring extra water and something to block the sun. The mix of history and natural landscapes in this area works well for most types of campers.

Map showing campgrounds near El Morro National Monument, New MexicoExplore the Map

Detours Nearby

4 R's Primitive camping

4 R's Primitive camping

30 min away

Mujeres Valley Campground

Mujeres Valley Campground

1 hr 19 min away

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Best Camping Sites Near El Morro National Monument (32)

    1. El Morro National Monument

    21 Reviews
    Pinehill, NM
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 783-4226

    "El Morro National Monument features some amazing petroglyphs and the remains of a pueblo, offering fun hikes. Nearby is a free campground, first-come, first-served."

    "An extremely well maintained campsite situated on a bluff with distant views over the desert and only a short hike to the visitor center."

    2. Bluewater Lake State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Prewitt, NM
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 876-2391

    $15 - $90 / night

    "This was the only lake we saw on our trip to the cattle ranch in New Mexico ;) The park is lovely and we truly enjoyed our time here. There is a nice beach as well as boating and fishing."

    "Beautiful New Mexico sunset."

    3. El Morro RV Park and Cabins

    2 Reviews
    El Morro National Monument, NM
    1 mile
    Website

    $30 - $94 / night

    "It is just minutes from El Morro Nat’l Monument and close to Mal Pais Volcano flows. I recommend the place."

    "Morro National monument nearby is spectacular. We’d love to return and stay for a few weeks. Special spot."

    4. Ice Cave & Bandera Volcano

    5 Reviews
    San Rafael, NM
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 783-4303

    $15 - $40 / night

    "There are no hookups but you’re in a remote part of New Mexico under pines with a Giant night sky above."

    "Site Quality: The tent section is behind the cabins, but RVs park in the gravel parking lot with no clearly defined spaces."

    5. 4 R's Primitive camping

    2 Reviews
    Pinehill, NM
    12 miles
    +1 (505) 519-0504

    $10 / night

    "With gorgeous views and close access to the Wolf Sanctuary near by, this is a fun stay! Come and check them out and leave them a review here!"

    6. Chain of Craters Hiker Hideout

    1 Review
    El Morro National Monument, NM
    13 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "Surrounded by El Malpais National Monument, all park rules apply at this location. If you're up for an adventure, book this site and leave your experience here!"

    7. Grants KOA Journey

    20 Reviews
    Grants, NM
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 287-4376

    $45 / night

    "General: Conveniently located close to I40, there are 20 pull-through 50-amp sites, 16 pull-through 30-amp sites, five back-in water/electric sites (ok for tents), five tent-only sites (no hookups)"

    "Close to Hwy 40. There is a walking path next to the campground that is in a lava field and there are signs along the path with fun facts of the history of the lava field."

    8. Joe Skeen Campground - El Malpais NCA

    25 Reviews
    San Rafael, NM
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 280-2918

    "We walked to the top of the adjacent hill for sunset which was very nice."

    "BLM dirt road near the entrance you can walk / hike down. Brochures of El Malpais at the entrance to the campground. Got there at 4 pm and only half the sites taken."

    9. Ojo Redondo

    2 Reviews
    Bluewater Village, NM
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 287-8833

    "For those of us who were not in the mood for miles and miles of rugged hiking there is a road to drive along with incredible views. Dog friendly!"

    10. Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping

    30 Reviews
    Jamestown, NM
    31 miles
    Website

    "Some highway noise if you stay near the entrance but once you head back, it gets quiet. No services or amenities so pack in and pack out. There’s a gas station about 7 minutes away."

    "Quick drive to this surprisingly secluded place to spend the night on our way through."

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Recent Camping Photos near El Morro National Monument

36 Photos of 32 El Morro National Monument Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near El Morro National Monument

291 Reviews of 32 El Morro National Monument Campgrounds

  • Robert N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Bluewater Lake State Park Campground

    Calm and quiet

    It is after Labor Day, the Canyonside Campground is deserted except for myself. I can hear the breeze moving through the pinions. Beautiful New Mexico sunset.

  • Kenny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Turkey Springs

    Don’t recommend if it’s muddy!

    Great spot! Lots of options and tons of open space. Beautiful area. I decided to stay at the nearby Quaking Aspen Campground (0.5 mile away) due to this dispersed camping area kinda being a mudpit after the rain 😂

    Would be awesome during a dry time!

  • Zoey T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Quaking Aspen Campground

    Wonderful primitive campsite

    Campsites well maintained with a grill and firepit on each one. All seem pretty level. We were here in August and it was pleasantly cool. Also plenty of firewood. No running water but there’s an outhouse toilet that’s clean enough and a dumpster for waste. Currently their payment system is broken so it’s free! I only took one star off because the sites are all pretty exposed to each other. About 20ish sites and only 4 were taken but there wasn’t one that wasn’t visible by at least 2 of the other sites being used.

  • Gordy Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 24, 2025

    Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping

    Prius approved

    I drove my Prius in during the summer and it was fine. Granted, I could see how this would be hazardous if the ground was soft and muddy.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 13, 2025

    USA RV Park

    Great place!

    Clean showers ,a nice heated pool very friendly staff.

  • Janie O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Joe Skeen Campground - El Malpais NCA

    Car camping newbie

    This was my first car camping site, and 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. Overall an excellent site.

  • Edith L.
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Grants KOA Journey

    Excellent RV Park

    We were happy to end up at this RV park, when we needed a place to figure out what to do after our tow vehicle broke down. We have been here for 5 nights and have been grateful for their help. The staff and the person who runs it have been immensely friendly and helpful. Kevin, the owner, even drove my husband to get a U-Haul and waited for him at the post office to get a part we needed delivered. He wouldn't take any money for the ride. Other staff helped us research options and were always courteous and friendly. In terms of the park, it is well run and has a walking path through a lava flow in the park. It has excellent bathrooms and showers, which are set up in separate rooms. Their wireless connection and speed were the best! They have the normal KOA set up with long leveled gravel drive throughs with hookups, cabins, tent sites, and some sites have small trees. They have dog areas and a small playground. They also have a store with souvenirs, local pottery, and essentials, and a reasonably priced coin-operated laundry. They provide free breakfast with pancakes and you can order dinner to be delivered to your site. Their brisket and ribs were delicious! It is a high desert location, with the corresponding vegetation in the surrounding areas. The mesas and the volcanos in the background were beautiful at sunset, along with the distinct lava rocks. We are the forest-campground type, but appreciated the conveniences of this excellent RV park. The only downside was that the water didn't taste great. Even as it got hot during the day, it cooled nicely at dusk and in the evenings. Overall, we highly recommend it!

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2025

    Turkey Springs

    Great NFS spots

    Easy to get to with no four-wheel drive needed. Many pull-off spots and several pull throughs with lots of shady pines and wonderful breezes and wildlife. Secluded spots available and very quiet and beautiful location.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Sky City RV Casino & RV Park

    Excellent overnight stay!

    This was easy to find, clean, lots of spots and easy check in at the hotel. Make sure you mention the billboard for the cheapest rate of $19 per night otherwise it’s $29 per night

Guide to El Morro National Monument

Camping near El Morro National Monument, New Mexico, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and rich history. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do:

  • Explore the Monument: The El Morro National Monument features ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions left by travelers. One visitor noted, "It was a very peaceful night. The trail views are incredible and it's secluded and peaceful but feels safe."
  • Hiking Trails: There are trails leading to the ice cave and Bandera Volcano, which provide breathtaking views. A camper shared, "The trail to the ice cave was short but there are stairs, and the views were amazing."
  • Visit Local Attractions: Check out the nearby Joe Skeen Campground - El Malpais NCA for more outdoor activities. One reviewer mentioned, "This is a great area to camp in... but not in the summer, there is no shade for tent people."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and clean sites. A visitor at Grants KOA Journey said, "The toilets & showers are unisex, but they’re in individual little 'restrooms' so there are not any gaps in the door."
  • Affordable Rates: Many campgrounds offer low-cost options. One camper at Quaking Aspen Campground remarked, "For $5/night you can't go wrong. Everything was clean: vault toilets, smooth gravel driveways."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A review for Bluewater Lake State Park Campground highlighted, "Nice view of the lake."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper warned, "The wash areas are really poorly maintained."
  • Weather Considerations: Be prepared for windy conditions, especially at Bluewater Lake State Park Campground. One camper noted, "The all-night incessant winds were strong, gusty, and loud."
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Many sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. A visitor at Joe Skeen Campground mentioned, "These fill up fast, so come early."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities like picnic tables and fire pits. A parent at Grants KOA Journey appreciated, "Dog specific areas are available for your furry companion."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games or outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. One camper suggested, "We spent one night here and really enjoyed our stay."
  • Safety First: Ensure your campsite is safe for children. A reviewer at Joe Skeen Campground noted, "It was dead quiet from the time we arrived until we left."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A visitor at Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping advised, "You will probably need 4WD in case of rain."
  • Look for Electric Hookups: If you need power, check for campgrounds that offer electric sites. A camper at Joe Skeen Campground mentioned, "There are 10 spots and it is first come, first serve."
  • Stay Connected: Some areas have limited cell service. A reviewer at Ice Cave & Bandera Volcano noted, "Cell service with Verizon was ok outside but poor inside the trailer."

Camping near El Morro National Monument, New Mexico, offers a chance to connect with nature while enjoying the area's rich history. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to relax or an adventure-filled getaway, there's something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near El Morro National Monument?

According to TheDyrt.com, El Morro National Monument offers a wide range of camping options, with 32 campgrounds and RV parks near El Morro National Monument and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near El Morro National Monument?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near El Morro National Monument is El Morro National Monument with a 4.6-star rating from 21 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near El Morro National Monument?

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