Reviews

Dawn J

The Valley of Fires Recreation Area is BLM land that includes a nature center, small camping area, picnic pavilions, and more importantly, a paved and accessible walking trail that takes the visitor out into a small portion of the Carrizozo Malpais lava field. The paved path includes about a dozen interpretive signs that speak to the lava field and the ecosystem of the area. This is a must-see for anyone driving this section of Highway 380. No need to go to Iceland when you can see lava fields here! The shapes and textures are amazing, as are the plants that have managed to grow in this landscape. We completed the Malpais Trail in about 1/2 hour. The lava fields were created from lava flowing from vents in the valley floor almost 3,000 years ago. Looking at satellite images, the over 40 mile lava flow is visible as a dark gray/ charcoal field next to the rest of the desert landscape.

Wendy Tate

Just stayed one night as we passed through but a REALLY cool spot in the remains of a lava flow. Highly recommend the nature walk. Long spots with 50amp/water for our RV and tow. A bit tight to turn in the campground but navigable. It is on the desert so there is no shade.

jpass12

Beautiful scenery and stunning lava formations. There is a nice paved trail which about 3/4 mile long and takes you through the lava flows with points of interest and descriptions of the wildlife, plants and the lava flow. Campgrounds were clean. The gazebos were about 50 feet from the RV site which is not ideal. There is water and electric on most sites. I gave it 4 stars due to the dump being closed and I didn’t see that anywhere on their reservation website. I recommend visiting in the colder months since there are flies in the hotter months. Thousands of tiny little flies flying into your ears, mouth and eyes which were are relentless. We had reservations for two nights but cut it short. That is how bad the little fruit flies were.

Deanna Ford

Didn't really know what to expect from this place, but we wish we had planned on more than one night. The lava fields were BEAUTIFUL, and the nature trail was very informative and amazing to think of what that must have looked like when the lava was flowing. The campsite was clean & quiet. The gnats were incessant, but at night the bats come out and the gnats disappear! The winds got up to 50+mph overnight which was fun to sleep through in the RV.

Angela Trejo

Valley of Fires is an excellent place to camp. The main trail is well maintained and there are opportunities to go off trail. All the campgrounds are well labeled and have a camping area, covered picnic table, and water spigot. The bathrooms/showers were very clean. We also got a chance to check out the little bookstore/visitor center - the guide was very nice and welcoming. I would absolutely camp here again!

Nikki Rohde (OutThisDoor)

Nice little park right off 380 as you travel east/west across New Mexico. Easy in/out for big rigs but parking for big rigs is limited. The bookstore/visitor center has good info, helpful friendly staff, maps and souvenirs. There was a single, clean bathroom inside. The campsites have a covered Ramada, picnic table and grill. There are sites with pull throughs, electric and water. There’s a dump station available. The sites and road are paved but not all sites are level. The camping area is on a raised island overlooking the lava flow so it is windy. There’s no natural shade. But the views of the mountains, malpais and plains are gorgeous. I bet sunset and sunsets are amazing. This park is certainly close enough to visit the ski areas in the Lincoln NF, White Sands NP, and more. The interpretive trail is paved and 3/4 mile long and showcases many interesting features of the flows. The trail is ADA accessible but there are a couple cracks in the pavement. Dogs are welcome.

Karian Breen

This was such a unique and beautiful geological experience. There is an ADA accessible walking path that allows anyone to enjoy this amazingly young lava flow. It's also unique that this park allows for off trail hiking to explore the features of the flow. I learned so much just from the brochure as a self guided tour of the area. Definitely check out this unique bit of northern American geology. There are also RV and tent camping sights available.

Dispersed Camper Man

Loved camping here and checking out the Lava trail. Beautiful scenery! Excellent nightly rate of $18 electric/water hook ups. Very clean bathrooms with showers. Will camp here again.