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 within the park.
We had fun hiking the nature trails, watching sunsets over the 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 in the park. Brochures are available online and at the Visitor Center, these guides offer 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 in early spring, enjoying cooler temperatures and budding wildflowers. However, be mindful of strong winds during the spring season. Fall is recommended as the best season to visit this area, with mild temperatures and less wind. Perfect for camping!
Whether you’re looking for a camping spot or just passing through, 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 town of Capitan, New Mexico. We had an informative and enjoyable 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. Visitors can watch a short film to learn even 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 Smokey’s deep voice charging us with the safety and responsibility of our campfires while enjoying the forest. It was a great experience to share with our own children.
During 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 OSO Grill, located just across the street. The restaurant also has a gift shop with 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 highly 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
This short, rocky but manageable trail 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 rest and enjoy panoramic views of the Sierra Blanca, Sacramento Mountains, and San Andres Mountains.
Village Trail
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, 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 is the Rio Grande Winery. The 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 Hosts 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.
New Mexico truly lives up to its name as the Land of Enchantment. With its diverse landscapes, rich cultural history, and unique attractions, there’s always something new and exciting to discover. Whether you’re exploring ancient petroglyphs, hiking through stunning lava flows, or enjoying a glass of wine at a charming winery, New Mexico promises unforgettable experiences for every traveler.
Happy Travels!
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