Valley Of Fires Recreation Area
Open
— Open year-round. Reservations available through Recreation.gov. Limited to 14 consecutive days per stay.
About
Valley of Fires Recreation Area is a Bureau of Land Management campground located immediately adjacent to the Malpais Lava Flow, formed approximately 5,000 years ago when Little Black Peak erupted and sent molten rock 44 miles into the Tularosa Basin. The resulting lava flow is four to six miles wide, 160 feet thick, and covers 125 square miles, making it one of the youngest lava flows in the continental United States.
The campground offers both full-service RV sites and primitive camping options. Twenty campsites feature 30 and 50 amp electrical hookups plus water hookups, while additional sites provide primitive camping without hookups. Every campsite includes a picnic shelter, table, trash can, and grill, with fire rings at most sites. Two RV sites are ADA accessible. The centrally-located shower house provides flush toilets and hot showers included in the camping fee. Additional accessible vault toilets and water spigots are distributed throughout the campground. An RV dump station is available for campers or non-campers for a fee.
The highlight of Valley of Fires is the 3/4-mile paved Malpais Nature Trail, fully accessible and featuring interpretive displays including 3-D tactile elements with lava rocks and wildlife sculptures. Despite appearing barren from a distance, the lava flow supports diverse Chihuahuan desert flora and fauna including roadrunners, quail, mule deer, barbary sheep, great horned owls, burrowing owls, golden eagles, and numerous other bird species. Two accessible group shelters are available for rental. The visitor center, staffed by volunteers on weekends, includes a gift shop with recreation area information and keepsakes.
Directions
Travel four miles west of the town of Carrizozo on U.S. Highway 380. Valley of Fires Recreation Area is on the left.
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