Valley of Fires Recreation Area

We stayed at site 9, which is right across from the dump station and restroom and the camp host. These are large sites with more than enough room between you and your camp neighbors. There is an awesome walking trail through the valley of lava rock! Definitely worth the drive. The book store was never open. The camp host was very friendly and helpful. The sunrises and sunset are memorable. You are up on a hill so you look down upon the lava rocks, you will also catch a nice breeze.
No shade for the rvs but there is a pavilion for each site down a small hill with a table and fireplace. The stores in that area do not sell firewood, plan to pack in your own from larger towns nearby. Close enough to ruidoso for daily drives for adventures. Very quiet and relaxing area.

Outstanding fun park

Outstanding fun park

What a hidden gem. Great facility, well cared for, and the landscape is unique. We did not know what to expect and were very pleased with everything.

What a hidden gem. Great facility, well cared for, and the landscape is unique. We did not know what to expect and were very pleased with everything.

Such a great location! I love hiking around the lava field, heading down to Carrizozo for all the art galleries, and especially, my favorite, the Photozozo Gallery which specializes in only New Mexico photography. Just fantastic. Also noteworthy is Rosies Pizzeria which has a fantastic staff, delicious pizzas/salads/etc.
BTW, the camp host (a retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant) was just fantastic and really made us feel welcome.
Do I have any recommendation for the campsite? Yes, get rid of the 'First Come First Served' RV sites - - just put these sites on the Recreation.gov on-line reservation system so RVers can plan ahead of time and not waste time going to an RV site that is already occupied. Don't know what government dumbbell thought that 'First Come First Served' was a good idea. :)

Great campground, quiet, but.... the WIND! We couldn't have our slide-out out for fear it would rip the awning right off.
Much to see and do in the area.
Must see: Three Rivers Petroglyph.
Food: Smokey Bear Restaurant at Capitan. Great food, inexpensive and very nice people who own and work there.
We love the area, but the WIND!

Such a great location! I love hiking around the lava field, heading down to Carrizozo for all the art galleries, and especially, my favorite, the Photozozo Gallery which specializes in only New Mexico photography. Just fantastic. Also noteworthy is Rosies Pizzeria which has a fantastic staff, delicious pizzas/salads/etc.
BTW, the camp host (a retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant) was just fantastic and really made us feel welcome.
Do I have any recommendation for the campsite? Yes, get rid of the 'First Come First Served' RV sites - - just put these sites on the Recreation.gov on-line reservation system so RVers can plan ahead of time and not waste time going to an RV site that is already occupied. Don't know what government dumbbell thought that 'First Come First Served' was a good idea. :)

Great campground, quiet, but.... the WIND! We couldn't have our slide-out out for fear it would rip the awning right off.
Much to see and do in the area.
Must see: Three Rivers Petroglyph.
Food: Smokey Bear Restaurant at Capitan. Great food, inexpensive and very nice people who own and work there.
We love the area, but the WIND!

We used site number 6 without issues. The best view! Camped between snow on the mountains one way and beautiful desert landscapes the other! Will definitely return asap. Staff in the office were very helpful and friendly. Great job. Nice place.