BLM•Grants, NM•10.5h from Austin

Joe Skeen Campground — El Malpais NCA

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Accessibility baseline: Sites on this platform are reviewed for access with a standard 2WD pickup truck towing a 21-foot travel trailer unless otherwise noted below.

Fee

Free

Hookups

No hookups

Trailer

Accessible (2WD pickup + trailer)

Cell Signal

No signal

Water

Bring your own

Toilets

Yes

Best Season

Apr–Oct

Reservations

None — first-come (7-day/month)

Max Length

36 ft

Highlights

▶ Gateway to El Malpais NCA lava fields — Bandera Volcano, ancient lava tubes, and cinder cones accessible from camp
▶ 10 sites with sheltered picnic tables and vault toilets; potable water at BLM ranger station 0.5 mi away
▶ Exceptional dark skies; pairs perfectly with Coal Mine CG above Grants for a two-night lava-fields-to-pine-forest circuit

Planning Notes

7-day/month limit in the campground; 14-day/month limit total in El Malpais NCA. No cell signal. Watch the dip at the entrance — 36 ft combined vehicle+trailer is the stated limit; a 16 ft trailer is well under. Nearest services in Grants (27 mi north via NM-117 and I-40).

Contact: (505) 280-2918

Always call ahead to confirm conditions, closures, and road accessibility.