Campground

Meadows and juniper forests give way to views of Inscription Rock from the campground.

NPS Photo/P.Reed

Within the Monument

El Morro National Monument operates a free, nine-site campground with two vault toilets year-round. Each site has a graveled tent pad, picnic table, and ground grill for fires. During the warmer months, water is available in spigots centrally located along the campground loop. When overnight temperatures begin to drop below freezing, water is turned off for the season. One site, No. 5, is handicapped accessible.

Sites are available by self-registration on a first-come, first-served basis; reservations are not accepted. The campground occasionally fills up on weekends from May through September. El Morro National Monument does not collect camping fees; campsites are fee-free.

Picnicking

A day use picnic area is availble between 9am and 5pm. Picnic tables are located adjacent to the oversize vehicle parking lot near the Visitor Center. A group picnic site is available to the public if not already reservered for school group use.

 

Campground Rules

• Number of People/Vehicles: Campsites are limited to no more than eight people, two tents, and two vehicles per site. Tents are restricted to the confines of each campsite.
• Campfires: Fires are permitted in provided grills only. Please comply with any seasonal fire restrictions. Collection of firewood within the monument is prohibited, so bring firewood with you if you intend to have a campfire. Ensure that fires are extinguished completely after use.
• Camping Limits: The campground has a limit of 14 days per calendar year.
• Quiet Hours: From 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., including generators, radios, etc.
• Pets: Pets must never be left unattended. Pets must always be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Pet owners are responsible for cleanup and cleanup supplies.
• Recreational Vehicles: There are no hookups for recreational vehicles (RVs). The length limit on all RVs is 27 feet overall. This is measured from the front of the truck to the end of the trailer.
• Wildlife: Feeding wildlife, including stray cats and dogs, is prohibited. Coyotes and ravens are scavengers–please keep your campsite clean and properly store your food in a vehicle. The use of artificial sources (such as spotlighting) to deliberately illuminate or view wildlife, including infrared, thermal imaging, or ultra-violet (black light) devices of any kind, is prohibited.
• Unmanned Aircraft: Launching, landing, and operation of unmanned aircraft on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries or the Monument is prohibited.
• Restrictions: The campground is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, the visitor center and trails close each night. Do not enter the visitor center parking area or monument trails after hours. There are no trails that originate from the campground. Campers are required to remain within 150 feet of the campground road and campsite to protect El Morro's natural resources.

 

Area Camping and Lodging

The public lands and communities around El Morro offers a variety of different lodging options for those seeking to extend their stay. El Morro National Monument is a rural park, with sporadic cell service, so plans should be made before arrival.

Public Campgrounds

• Joe Skeen Campground (BLM) - Designated campground off Highway 117 with 10 free sites available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• El Malpais National Conservation Area (BLM) - Primitive, backcountry camping.
• Cibola National Forest, Mount Taylor Ranger District (USFS) - Designated campgrounds and backcountry camping options.
• Bluewater Lake State Park (NM State Park) - Designated primative and developed camping options.

Private Campgrounds and Lodging

Private campgrounds are available in the surrounding communities. Visit the Grants Chamber of Commerce (43 miles northeast of El Morro) or the Gallup Chamber of Commerce (55 miles northwest of El Morro) websites for more information about local lodging opportunities.