Camping sites near Grants, New Mexico provide access to volcanic landscapes at elevations ranging from 6,500 to 7,500 feet, creating cooler temperatures even during summer months. The region's lava fields, sandstone formations, and high desert terrain create distinct camping environments often featuring native pinyon and juniper trees. Most dispersed camping areas close during winter months due to snow and freezing conditions.
What to do
Explore lava fields: Several camping options offer direct access to El Malpais National Monument's volcanic terrain. At Joe Skeen Campground, campers can hike nearby trails through lava formations. "Gorgeous drive in from 40 to the campsite... Beautiful sunset, unfortunately slept through dawn," notes one visitor.
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution makes this area excellent for stargazing. "Amazing dark sky view of the stars," reports a camper at Joe Skeen Campground. Another camper mentions how "the moon was so bright we didn't need a flashlight for the bathroom with a clear path from our site."
Water recreation: For fishing and boating, Bluewater Lake State Park Campground offers lakefront recreation about 30 miles from Grants. "There is a nice beach as well as boating and fishing. The campground is broken up into a couple areas," explains one camper who visited during summer.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept restroom facilities despite their remote locations. At Grants KOA Journey, campers appreciate "excellent bathrooms and showers, which are set up in separate rooms." One recent visitor specifically noted the "amazing and clean free showers" and "fantastic bathrooms."
Breakfast options: Several camping areas offer morning meal amenities. "The free bfast is cereal, toast and hot coffee," reports a KOA visitor. Another camper mentioned "free pancakes and you can order dinner to be delivered to your site."
Solitude and quiet: Cibola National Forest Lobo Canyon Campground offers dispersed camping with few neighbors. "We were the only campers in the campground. Loved the quiet," notes one visitor. Another camper describes it as "great quiet dispersed camp ground" with "plenty of spots to choose from" and mentions the area is "nestled in the trees and has plenty of shade."
What you should know
Campsite availability: Free camping areas fill quickly during peak seasons. At Joe Skeen Campground, "we got there about 8pm on a Monday in July and only saw one other spot taken," but another camper warns "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."
Mixed water quality: Tap water can be inconsistent. One Grants KOA camper noted "the only downside was that the water didn't taste great."
Limited cellular service: Coverage varies significantly. At Coal Mine Campground, a visitor reported "sporadic 4g Verizon network (was VERY slow when it was up), sometimes no service."
Budget considerations: Prices vary widely between camping options. Casino RV parks often offer the most economical full-hookup options, with one campsite advising "make sure you mention the billboard for the cheapest rate of $19 per night otherwise it's $29 per night."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds provide facilities for children. Grants KOA offers "dog areas and a small playground" according to a recent visitor.
Educational trails: Look for interpretive walking paths suitable for children. "The camp spot is nestled in the trees and has plenty of shade for the summer months," reports a visitor to Lobo Canyon Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Local campgrounds offer chances to spot desert wildlife. At Joe Skeen Campground, one family noted "we saw chipmunks scurrying about in the morning."
Watch for cactus: Desert vegetation can pose hazards for children and pets. A camper warns to "watch your dogs stepping in cactus. Dogs need to be on leash, but not enforced. Our dog loved this spot but he did sniff cactus too close ouch."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many camping areas have uneven terrain. At Sky City RV Casino & RV Park, RVers appreciate the "level spots, electric, water and sewage hookups" and note the convenience of having a "huge field for you to walk your dog."
Access considerations: Some roads to campgrounds have challenging features. One RVer notes Joe Skeen has a "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," adding they have a "silverback 37bh that specs say is 39'11". Would not try it again."
Electrical hookup availability: For those requiring power, options may be limited. At Coal Mine Campground, visitors note it's "primitive, no electricity, no water at all, not just hookups," though "the bathrooms were nice and clean with no sinks."
Weather preparedness: Despite desert location, temperatures fluctuate dramatically. "Even as it got hot during the day, it cooled nicely at dusk and in the evenings," explains a KOA visitor, highlighting the importance of packing for temperature variations.
