Carrizozo, New Mexico · Lincoln County · Campground
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 sq…
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. 13 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 Camping:Valley of Fires Recreation area offers opportunities for RV Camping (both full-service and primitive camp sites), tent camping and day use. Each campsite and group shelter is equipped with picnic shelter and picnic table(s) for the public's enjoyment. Some of the campsites offer online reservations through Recreation.gov - Camping, Cabins, RVs, Permits, Passes & More.Malpais Nature Trail:The Malpais Nature trail offers a unique experience of getting trail users out into the lava. The trail is paved and accessible. Wildlife is commonly seen on or from the trail during the warm months, especially in the early morning and late evening hours. The interpretive signage along this trail and the hilltop vista at the Valley of Fires Recreation Area has been updated. These new signs provide updated information, including photos and artwork, about the lava flow, its inhabitants, and the surrounding are
Photos
Interpretive Sign — Wendy Brown/BLMKipuka Trailhead — Wendy Brown/BLMGroup Shelter 2 — BLMShower/Restroom — BLMLooking South — Roswell BLMValley of Fires Junior Ranger Booklet — BLMCampground Map — BLMEnjoying the nature trail. — BLMLooking North — Roswell BLMAerial View — Roswell BLMBeautiful scenery from the recreation area. — BLMHabitat — BLM
How to Get There
Travel four miles west of the town of Carrizozo on U.S. Highway 380. Valley of Fires recreation area is on the left.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Valley of Fires Recreation Area
Heading to Valley of Fires Recreation Area? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Valley of Fires Recreation Area?
No central reservation system listed for Valley of Fires Recreation Area. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10060263) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at Valley of Fires Recreation Area?
Valley of Fires Recreation Area has 27 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to Valley of Fires Recreation Area?
Travel four miles west of the town of Carrizozo on U.S. Highway 380. Valley of Fires recreation area is on the left.
How do I contact Valley of Fires Recreation Area?
You can reach the park at phone: 575-648-2241 or email: N/A.
