New Mexico, with its rugged landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and mystical allure, attracts travelers seeking something extraordinary. Known as the Land of Enchantment, this southwestern state offers a variety of experiences for all visitors. From ancient lava flows to stunning mountain vistas, here are some unique destinations in central New Mexico:
Valley of Fires Recreation Area- Carrizozo, New Mexico
If you are planning a trip to New Mexico, we highly recommend a visit to Valley of Fires Recreation Area. It is located a little over an hour north of White Sands National Park, in the town of Carrizozo, NM. We enjoyed a 6 day stay at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) campground located within the park. We had fun hiking the nature trails in the park, watching sunsets over Malpais Lava Flow, and taking in the picturesque views of Sierra Blanca in the distance. The park offers day use activities, a group shelter, a Visitor Center and gift shop, as well as camping.
Campground Amenities
- Sites: 19 RV Sites and 6 Tent Sites
- Reservations: Most sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are a few sites that are available for reservation through recreation.gov
- Facilities: A bathhouse with showers and an RV dump station are available within the campground
Malpais Nature Trail
Learn all about the Malpais lava flow while hiking the 3/4 mile paved interpretive trail located in the park. Brochures are available online and at the Visitor Center, these guides off insightful information about the trail and its features.
Vista Overlook
A short hike to the top of the Vista Overlook offers captivating panoramic views. The Mailpais Lava Flow on one side and the majestic Sierra Blanca range on the other. The overlook is also a prime spot for witnessing breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.
We visited during the early spring, which offered cooler temperatures and budding wildflowers. But be mindful that the area can experience strong winds during this time. While the park is open all year round, the rangers recommended fall as the best season to visit for mild temperatures and less wind, which will be especially lovely if you are camping in the park.
If you need a place to camp for a few days or are just in the area for the day, we hope you enjoy this unique destination as much as we did!
Smokey Bear Historical Park- Capitan, New Mexico
Did you know, you can visit the home of Smokey Bear (yep, the “Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires”…. Smokey Bear). Located in the charming southwestern town of Capitan, New Mexico. We had a fun (and very informative) field trip to Smokey Bear Historical Park.
Smokey Bear was found as a young cub during a wildfire in the Capitan Gap of New Mexico in 1950. After being nursed back to health, he became an icon for forest fire prevention.
The museum hosts exhibits about wildfires, prevention, the health of the forest, and of course Smokey’s life and legacy. They offer a short film where visitors learn more about forest health and the impact of wildfires.
In the garden, more exhibits about the life zones of New Mexico can be found along with the final resting place of Smokey Bear.
We grew up hearing that low deep voice charging us with the safety and responsibility of our campfires while enjoying the forest. It was a great experience sharing that with our own children.
The first Friday and Saturday of May, the town of Capitan hosts a 2-day celebration of Smokey’s birthday with a parade, festival, music, educational events, and more!
With a recommendation from the rangers at the historical park, we enjoyed dinner at the OSO Grill, located just across the street. The restaurant also has a gift shop where you can find Smokey Bear souvenirs. Home of award-winning green chili, we knew we needed to check out this local joint to try a New Mexico staple. The Green Chile Cheeseburger and OSO Tacos were delicious, and we must recommend the homemade chips as a side.
Three Rivers Petroglyph Site- Tularosa, New Mexico
Located 28 miles south of Carrizozo, NM, the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site offers a unique glimpse into the past cultures that once called this land home. Ancient art and ruins of the village of the Jornada Mogollon people are a protected site for visitors to experience.
Upon arrival, check in at the small visitor center, meet the friendly rangers, and pick up a brochure for a helpful guide to the walking trails. You can also download the electronic brochure from blm.gov for self-guided walking tours of the trails.
The petroglyph trail is a short, rocky but manageable trail that takes you right up close to the petroglyphs. There are over 20,000 of them in the park! Keep walking until you reach the covered shelter, where you can take a rest and enjoy panoramic views. The stunning Sierra Blanca and the Sacramento Mountains are to the east and the San Andres Mountains to the west.
On the other side of the campground is the Village Trail, a shorter more gradual trail that takes you to a partially excavated village with ruins from the early peoples of the area.
Camping at Three Rivers: the site features a small campground with picnic shelters, a bathhouse, a group site, 2 RV sites with water and electric hookups, as well as 5 tent sites.
Less than an hour’s drive away is White Sands National Park, check out our post for all of the fun activities at this very unique park.
Caballo Lake- Caballo, New Mexico
Come visit this stunning lake with the beautiful backdrop of the Caballo Mountains. There is a variety of water recreation including boating and kayaking, swimming, and fishing. We stayed at the campground which offers everything from dry camping down by the water to full hookup sites overlooking the lake. You can also check out the nearby town of Truth or Consequences and the village of Hatch, home of the hatch chile!
Rio Grande Winery- Las Cruces, New Mexico
The last destination on our list of unique places to visit in New Mexico, the Rio Grande Winery offers a delightful retreat for wine aficionados and casual visitors alike. As RV travelers, we chose this location as a place to stop for the evening as a part of our Harvest Host membership. We visited during early fall, when the weather was warm during the day but crisp in the evenings and morning, perfect for dry camping. You can find our full post about Rio Grande Winery here.
