El Morro National Monument sits at an elevation of 7,296 feet, creating cooler nights even during summer months when daytime temperatures average 80°F. The area's volcanic geology features ancient lava flows, with basalt rock formations visible from many nearby camping areas. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing, with occasional snow between November and March.
What to do
Visit the ancient inscriptions: El Morro National Monument contains over 2,000 inscriptions carved into the sandstone cliff face, including signatures from Spanish explorers dating back to the 1600s. El Morro RV Park and Cabins serves as a convenient base for exploration. "Morro National monument nearby is spectacular," notes one visitor who enjoyed the historical features.
Explore local trails: The area surrounding El Morro contains numerous hiking trails through volcanic landscapes and piñon-juniper woodlands. "I wanted to take a peek at the pool - so I picked up my 6 lb dog to walk into that area to see it," reports a visitor to Lavaland RV Campgrounds, though pet restrictions apply in some areas.
Stargazing opportunities: Minimal light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. "We had a FHU PT. The park is mostly all gravel," notes one camper at Grants KOA Journey, where open sites provide unobstructed views of constellations and occasional meteor showers.
What campers like
Cultural experiences: The region offers opportunities to experience Native American heritage. Sky City RV Casino & RV Park provides access to cultural sites. "Great place for a stop on I40," mentions one camper about this convenient location near Acoma Pueblo.
Peaceful surroundings: Many campgrounds offer quiet settings away from highway noise. "Vault toilets are very clean as well. A lot of very scenic campsites. Some well shaded with juniper and pinion trees," notes a visitor to Bluewater Lake State Park Campground.
Affordable options: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate the value of camping in this region. "Make sure you mention the $18 billboard to get that rate," advises one visitor to Sky City RV Casino & RV Park, where full hookup sites are available at competitive prices.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity becomes increasingly spotty closer to El Morro. "The cell signal seemed strong from the indicators on our devices but I guess due to the number of users in the area, we had slow service," reports a visitor to USA RV Park, located about 45 minutes from the monument.
Seasonal considerations: Facilities operate on limited schedules outside peak season. "End of October had main facilities closed," notes a camper at Bluewater Lake State Park Campground, highlighting the importance of checking operational status during shoulder seasons.
Water quality concerns: Several campgrounds report issues with drinking water. "The water didn't taste great," mentioned multiple reviewers, suggesting visitors bring their own drinking water or purchase it locally.
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Some campgrounds offer child-friendly amenities. Bar S RV Park provides basic facilities for children. "The campground is clean and the office staff were very nice. The campground is conveniently located off I40 and is very reasonable priced for full hookups," reports one family.
Educational opportunities: Combine camping with learning experiences at El Morro's visitor center. "We were able to get pizza delivered to our RV site which was a big hit with the kids," notes a family staying at USA RV Park, who combined convenience with historical education.
Safety considerations: Some areas have terrain hazards requiring supervision. "The stickers are terrible too so be extra careful if you have animals," warns a visitor at Lavaland RV Campgrounds, highlighting the need for appropriate footwear for children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Many rv campgrounds near El Morro National Monument have variable site quality. Bluewater Lake State Park Campground offers diverse options. "Nice host greeted us and explained where the best sites were for our very large 5th Wheel," reports one RVer who found suitable accommodations.
Accessibility challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult terrain for larger rigs. "Have this 4 stars instead of 5 cause literally almost all of the sites are unleveled so it was hard to find the right fit," notes a camper at Bluewater Lake, emphasizing the importance of careful site selection.
Utility considerations: Full-hookup availability varies significantly. "Our site was mostly level so we used our small curved levelers on one side. The sites are VERY close together and many of the picnic tables seem to need new boards for seats," observes a visitor to USA RV Park, highlighting the need for advance planning.
