The best camping near El Malpais National Monument

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next El Malpais National Monument adventure.

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Top-rated campgrounds near El Malpais National Monument

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Lobo Canyon Mountain View Camping

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Grants, NM
Discover our prime location nestled near the stunning Mt. Taylor and other picturesque surrounding mountains! The area boasts numerous hiking and ATV trails, providing outdoor enthusiasts with endless opportunities for adventure. Only 12 minutes away, Grants, NM, offers convenient access to a grocery store for your essentials. Our site offers full hook-ups with 30 amps, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay. Explore the rich cultural and natural attractions nearby, including El Morro National Monument, El Malpais National Monument, Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano, La Ventana Natural Arch, New Mexico Mining Museum, Wolf Sanctuary, and Acoma Sky City. We are close to the Continental Divide Trail also. Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of the region, and make the most of your outdoor experiences while enjoying the comfort of our well-equipped site.
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$38
 / night
100%
(68)

Wifflebird Ranch

2 sites · Tents56 acres · Grants, NM
Once part of a large cattle ranch, Wifflebird Ranch is located in the beautiful Zuni mountains of west central New Mexico. These mountains were major hunting grounds for the Zuni, Acoma, and Navajo peoples. It teams with, deer,elk, turkey, bear, mountain lion, lynx, fox, coyotes, and a wide variety of birds including 4 different species of jays, 3 different species of blue birds, tanagers, gross beaks,canaries, humming birds and if you're lucky, a golden eagle. In the 30's these mountains were logged off. There are the remains of old logging camps, railroad tressles and miles of dirt roads scattered throughout the area.Learn more about this land:Secluded high country camping in open ponderosa pine forest adjacent to large tract of national forest, a great place for mountain biking, hiking, or bring your own horse and ride. 20 minutes from El Malpais and El Morro national monuments. For that wilderness experience, sites are 300 yards from parking and 300 yards apart.
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$20
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96%
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High Desert Magic

3 sites · RVs, Tents19 acres · New Mexico 87829, NM
This property was once part of the the Ball ranch the famous mason jar canning company. With expanding views in all directions, abundant wildlife and national forest surrounding, this is the place to be to get away from the rush! Breathe in the fresh air at 7200 feet elevation, visit the contenintal divide and the historic Pie Town which is only 12 miles away. Many exciting places to visit Santa Fe is a 3 hour drive and Silver City is about 2.5 hours away. The Cibola and Gila national forest surround this property. This is a central place to stay yet feels very rural and serene. Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent or park your camper beneath the dark starlit skies in awe inspiring high desert New Mexico.  This is why they call New Mexico the land of enchantment. This property features a fully fenced 19 acres with rolling terrain surround by cedar, juniper and piñon pine trees.  It is approx 3 miles of gravel and dirt roads heading north off of HWY 60 so if riding a bicycle a low vehicle or riding a motorcycle be aware that there are sometimes washboards and during monsoon season roads do get muddy. There is magnificent south facing views where you can see for miles and at night the stars seem to touch the ground. The sunrises and sunsets are spectacular with an array of colors that will take a persons breath away. This is a place to unwind from the busy hustle and bustle. You can listen to coyotes howling, owls hooting, and other birds and animals instead of city noise.  We own horses and can even take you on a trail ride.
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$25
 / night

The best camping near El Malpais National Monument guide

Overview

About

Achieve inner peace as you hike and stroll through the sandstone bluffs and lava falls of this stunning national monument. The basic Loop is an easy hike, and you can get a free permit from the Visitors Center to let you go inside the caves. Pull out your phone for spectacular photos at the Sandstone Bluffs Overlook—but hang on tight to it, because the edge has no warning signs, walls, chains or anything to grab hold of. (Parents, take heed!)

Want more serenity? (And a little bit of a challenge?) Head across the Lava Flows. No, there's no actual path, but following the cairns put in place by the rangers is kind of fun. Yes, those are pronghorns checking you out from the nearby meadows. (Fun fact: They're not sheep, goats or antelope, but a mammal unique to this area.)

The caves are fascinating— but you're on your own here (often literally, since this monument isn't a touristy destination). Good shoes are a must, as are a flashlight (head lamp preferably), gloves, and a jacket—You're underground and it's going to get cold.

The rangers here are awesome. They'll do the whole Junior Ranger thing with your kids, and they know the park inside and out. Pick up the excellent maps to figure out what you want to see. If you're short on time, you can hike to the natural arch in a few minutes—but this monument is worth at least half a day to explore remarkable natural beauty of so many types in one location.

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