## Overview

 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. 
## Recreation

 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. 
## Facilities

 Each camp site features picnic shelter and picnic tables, tent pads (tent camping area), pedestal grills, campfire rings (most sites) as well as a trash can.\_\_ There is a shower house with flush toilets centrally located within the campground, as well as accessible vault toilets and water spigots scattered throughout the area.\_\_Showers are included in your camping fee, or can be used by non-campers for a fee of $6. The on-site dump station charge is included in camping fees \* or it can be utilized by non-campers for a $15 fee.\_\_ \* One dump allowed per visit. Additional dumps will be charged $15. The bookstore and gift shop offers information on the recreation area, wildlife and other nearby activities as well as offering the opportunity to purchase a wide variety of stuffed animals, books and other recreation area keepsakes. 
## Natural Features

 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.\_\_ 
## Nearby Attractions

 Carrizozo Land Partnership\_\_ 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.

Valley Of Fires Recreation Area

This campground is run by the BLM and honors Senior Passes for National Parks. The campsites are well spaced and some back right up against the lava fields in Valley of Fires. There is water available and vault toilets. The sites have tables with a shelter, fire rings, grills, lots of space. There is electricity and showers in the RV sites.

Wonderful small campground. Near Lincoln County sites. 

Valley of Fires is a great state park with both RV- and tent-friendly spots. It's developed with covered, powder-coated picnic tables and flat, raised tent pads, a bathroom, and if my memory serves me correct (because I can't quite remember) showers.

Valley of Fires wouldn't be the best place to spend a full day as the black, volcanic rock holds a lot of heat. However at sunrise and sunset, the views are not to be missed. Use Valley of Fires as a good stop-over for trips across New Mexico.

Camp on Mercury... or just feel like it

The lava flow is very breathtaking, and the sunsets are amazing!

Scenic!

This was my introduction to a BLM campground and what a great introduction. Situated on an old lava flow, Valley of Fires campsites offer an introduction to a desert landscape. There's a small nature hike and a slight rise in the middle of the campground that offers a nice view.

Site have a grill, trash, water, and a shelter; with no natural shade, you'll appreciate the sun shelter in the heat! There are vault toilets throughout the campground, but there is a central bathroom that offers flush toilets and showers. A couple of the sites are accessible with a concrete pad extending from the parking area to the shelter/picnic table/grill. The tent sites have a raised gravel pad.  

If I were choosing a campsite, I'd see if the RV site on the back side of the hill is available. It is separate and therefore quieter than the others and offers a broad view of the monument and the tent loop below.

If you're here in the winter, I'd recommend a trip to the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge (1hr away) to see the sandhill cranes. 90 minutes south you'll reach White Sands National Park. Both are worth your time, though for White Sands, check before you go; it is sometimes closed in the morning for missile testing.

Unique views

We needed a place to pull over and eat our sandwiches. We were surprised that it was a full campground, bathrooms, showers, a book shop, fire rings, tables, spigots and in some spots, I suspect electric hook ups. There is a cash box by the entrance, so bring small bills. You can also pay at the book shop, but it was closed, as were the bathrooms. It may have been for COVID, so don’t rely on the bathroom there. We also noticed a very well maintained walking trail. This would be a great over night site or a place to stretch your legs on a long trip. 

So much more than a rest stop

We love BLM campgrounds and this one is no exception! 

Very nice BLM campground !!

Due to New Mexico Governor’s decision to close state owned campgrounds, we scrambled to find a place to stay prior to visiting White Sands...thank you BLM!!

This area provided a peacefully quiet landscape with expansive views of the lava valley and a memorable sunset. The area was well maintained and offered a 1-mile informational loop hike through the lava field. First Come, First Serve with pay at entrance envelopes. 

Flush toilets and showers were unfortunately locked due to the state’s covid ordinance and there was no management on site, but there were multiple potable water pumps and pit toilets available.

Terrific waypoint between Carlsbad Cavern and White Sands.

Blessing 

Nice clean restrooms full amenities electric, water, tank dump, this area has a lot of history. The lava tubes, the town of Carrizozo White Oak and Capitan. These are all towns that Billy the kid frequented back in the day also the ghost town of White oak was the largest gold mining  town in New Mexico.

Very nice campground

We just spent two nights here(in early May, 2021) and there are many great things, but we also had two big problems.

  

Problem one (probably only an issue in 2021). The sites, and in fact most the campground, have been re-blacktopped. It LOOKS great. So shiny and new. But the stuff is still quite tacky, and we ended up tracking tar into our RV and getting it everywhere. I accidentally knelt on the ground to look at something under my rig, and now I have a ruined pair of pants. When we put our leveling blocks down and leveled our rig, when we left, we found we had left giant lego-shaped impressions in the tar. And when it gets even hotter there in June/July...yikes, it's going to be a problem. Hopefully by next year, it will be better. But this is really something to watch for.

  

Problem 2: They did a great job re-surfacing everything(see above) but most of the sites, despite looking lovely, are very un-level. We had one heck of a time levelling our 30 ft class A. The sites slope front to back AND to the side. A recipe for a real leveling challenge. We walked around the campground and saw lots of very precariously propped-up rigs(our own included). It's a shame they didn't fix some of this before they resurfaced everything.

  

The campground, otherwise, is great. The spots are generously sized and spread pretty far apart. Each site has water, a metal picnic table with a substantial shade covering, a fire pit and a grill. Most have 50 amp electric, which worked very cleanly. Water pressure was acceptable.

  

Most of the sites also have great views of the lava field. The field itself has a 2/3rd mile loop trail with lots of interesting information. We actually walked it 3 different times, first in the evening(and we really enjoyed when the bats came shortly before sunset) and discovered new things each time. There are other, longer trails around, but when we were there the visitor center/gift shop were still closed for COVID and we had no one we could get good information from. We stumbled across a couple of trailheads, but were reluctant to go too far, not knowing what we were in for. The grounds also include some outstanding tent camping sites, if that's of interest. The dump station is easy to get to. There are also several new looking restrooms, but when we were there, all were closed(again, due to COVID). That was fine with us, but if you're needing restroom facilities available, maybe call ahead.

  

It's a lovely place and we look forward to returning.

Great place but two BIG caveats

This BML maintained campground is like new! There are no reservations, so it’s first come. An iron ranger for payment is at the entrance, but there is also a nice ranger on site who drives around the campground in a ute. I camped in a pull through site a few up from the entrance, but there was very little road noise from Highway 380, which is a beautiful drive. Most camp sites have electric, paved pads, covered picnic tables and fire rings. RV dump is also on site. Camping with electric is $18 and Dump station costs $15. It also costs $6 to take a shower. I didn’t visit the bath house, but like everything at this campground it looked maintained.

  

The highlight for me was the location, the experience of camping next to this extraordinary geologic site, and the 3/4 mile Malpais Nature Trail that offers a boardwalk style hike through the lava flow. 

  

Quiet camping with distant views of White Sands Missile testing area, Little Black Peak and amazing stars!

Amazing Carrizozo Lava flow camping!

This spot is hot! Literally. It is the perfect central point for exploring the state and is made up of lava rock. But even in the middle of a snowstorm, it is incredible!

  

There is minimal shade so ideally camping in an RV or in early spring or Fall would be best.  

  

I was here when there was a freak blizzard and snowstorm that almost took my tent on a flying adventure so I was forced to sleep in my car.

  

The snow did make the igneous rock so beautiful though. There are lots of spots, for RV’s to pull through with power. There are also dumpsters, clean bathrooms, and a showerhouse.  

  

This is a recreational area so I’m guessing that in the main season it is filled with off roaders and hikers.  

  

There are also great trails that head out from the campground and with it being on the main road going across the state, it is a perfect spot to set up shop for exploring.  

  

It is just a few hours from White Sands, Albuquerque, and Taos.

Even in the snow this place is amazing

Located on BLM land, Valley of Fire Rec Area is a great spot for one night or fourteen night stay! Located just off US Rt 380 west of Carrizozo, NM, Valley of Fires has clean bathrooms and showers, as well as clean sites.  Each site has a trash can, fire pit, shelter, and picnic table. There are handicap sites as well. Some sites are level, some not so level.  Large rv's can easily be accommodated in most sites.  Verizon cell signal was excellent.  One word of caution, it can get very windy at times!  Spectacular sunrises and sunsets!!

Clean, Beautiful, and Quiet!

We opted to stay in site 19 that was very level and had a 270 degree view.  Moon rise, sunsets, sunrise, beautiful.  The comfort station was super clean and warm. The privies were interspersed throughout camp so you could find one when needed.  My husband and I enjoyed the paved hike through the Lava fields.  One dis advantage for such a wonderful view, very windy.

Outstanding panoramic views!

Nice place.  Spot # 1 has no electricity or water. Last spot available even in march just after a snow. Not much in town. Could not find a propane fill station but two stores have exchange bottles. 



Fills up fast 

We were able to get the last spot, when we pulled in around 4 pm. It fills up fast.. Cool trail through the lava flow. Great views of sunrise and sunset.

Beautiful place to spend the night

This area is really beautiful and walking through the lava field was a really memorable experience. Easy, accessible, really nice central bathrooms. If you’re a tent camper, do yourself a favor and grab site #25, all the way at the end. It was the most secluded-feeling spot in the place and it has an awesome campfire cave/wind shelter

Very nice!

Scenic in every direction, facilities were well maintained and spacious, camp host was as good as they get.  Sites are separated and large.  Stayed an extra day just to enjoy the park.

Wish every campground was like this!

This was a great gem overlooking the lava rocks. They were very friendly and had accessibility.

Amazing 

Great sites looking out over lava field. Close to Ruidoso NM, three rivers petroglyphs. Not too far from white sands. There are great campsites and some great tent sites. 

Lava flow

This 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.  

Hot showers, beautiful views.

Large, generally private spots with FHU for RVers.  Some tent spots also.  Interesting area.  Clean bathrooms and showers. Interesting interpretative trail.

Well Maintained 

This 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. 

Stunning views

We 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!