El Malpais NM National Monument Boondocking Location
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| County Road 42 Grants, New Mexico GPS: 34.705776, -108.028586 Elevation: 7083′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Bureau of Land Management This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
El Malpais NM National Monument boondocking location: Free Dispersed camping in the Bureau of Land Management Rio Puerco District. First come -> first served. No reservations accepted. This is a high elevation location.
About This Location
If you’re hunting for a quiet place to camp without dropping cash, the El Malpais NM National Monument boondocking location at GPS: 34.705776, -108.028586 might just be your ticket. This site lets you camp for free on public land, with big desert views and easy access to nearby hiking trails.
You’ll find a mostly flat area here, with plenty of room for tents or RVs. No hookups, no facilities—so come prepared with your own water and supplies.
It’s a solid pick if you’re tired of crowded campgrounds and want to soak up nature on your own terms. There’s a certain peace to this spot that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Whether you’re just passing through or sticking around for a while, you can really disconnect and take in El Malpais National Monument’s volcanic landscape. The place is simple, but there’s something rewarding about that.
Location at And Access
You’ll find this boondocking spot inside El Malpais National Monument, New Mexico. The GPS coordinates: 34.705776, -108.028586. The El Malpais NM National Monument boondocking location is remote, with wide-open views all around.
You’ll need a vehicle with good clearance to get here. The roads are mostly dirt and can get bumpy, especially after it rains.
From the nearest paved road, you’ll drive about 5 miles on dirt. The roads are marked, but they can be narrow, so take it slow.
No facilities or services are nearby. Bring all your water, food, and anything else you might need.
Cell service is spotty at best—sometimes nonexistent. Download offline maps before you go, or bring a paper backup just in case.
Mark the location on your GPS or phone to help you find it. Trust me, it’s easy to lose your bearings out here.
Park your vehicle in flat spots along the road, but don’t block anyone else in. Camping is primitive—no hookups, no frills.
This place is all about quiet camping, hiking, and stargazing. Make sure your ride is up for some off-road adventure before you head out.
Directions
To get to the El Malpais NM National Monument boondocking location at GPS: 34.705776, -108.028586, start in the town of Grants, New Mexico. Head west on US-66 W for about 15 miles.
Take the exit for Forest Road 42. This dirt road heads straight into El Malpais National Monument, but it can be rough—high-clearance or 4WD is a smart move.
After about 7 miles on Forest Road 42, keep an eye out for signs that point toward the boondocking area. The spot isn’t marked, but your GPS coordinates should get you there.
Plug the coordinates into your GPS or smartphone. Make sure your device is charged, and maybe bring a paper map for backup.
Once you’re close, drive slowly so you don’t disturb the area. There aren’t any paved roads at the campsite.
Key points for your trip:
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Start point | Grants, NM |
| Main road | US-66 W |
| Turn off | Forest Road 42 |
| Road type | Dirt, rough in parts |
| Vehicle type | High-clearance or 4WD advised |
| Navigation | GPS coordinates recommended |
Amenities And Activities
This El Malpais NM National Monument boondocking location really keeps things basic. There are no hookups, water, or restrooms—so pack in everything you need.
The location is quiet and private, perfect if you love primitive camping and want to stay close to nature.
You can wander through nearby lava flows, sandstone canyons, and volcanic formations. Hiking and photography are big draws.
Here’s what you can do out here:
- Hike on marked or unmarked trails
- Watch for wildlife—birds, small mammals, whatever’s around
- Stargaze (the night sky is unreal out here)
- Explore lava tubes and caves if you’re feeling adventurous
Tips for a good visit:
| Item | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Water | Bring plenty, no water available |
| Waste Disposal | Pack out all trash and waste |
| Vehicle | High-clearance 4×4 recommended |
| Fire | Check fire restrictions before starting any fire |
You’ll need to be self-sufficient and ready for no services nearby. If you’re after solitude and outdoor adventure, this spot’s hard to beat.
Camping Regulations And Restrictions
When you camp at El Malpais NM National Monument boondocking location, you need to follow some basic rules to protect the land.
Camping’s only allowed in designated areas near GPS coordinates 34.705776, -108.028586. You can’t just pitch your tent wherever you like.
You get 14 days max within any 28-day stretch. After that, you’ll have to leave for a bit before coming back.
Campfires? Usually fine, but only in established fire rings. Always check for fire restrictions first—sometimes, fire bans mean absolutely no fires.
Trash rules are non-negotiable. You have to pack out all your trash and waste.
Follow the Leave No Trace principles. Seriously, nobody wants to stumble on someone else’s mess.
Pets are welcome, but you need to keep them on a leash. And, yeah, cleaning up after them is your job.
You can run generators, but only during daylight hours. Quiet hours usually run from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Respect wildlife and plants. Please don’t mess with or take any natural features or cultural artifacts.
That’s pretty much it. Stick to these rules, and you’ll help keep this place awesome for everyone who comes after.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| RV Camping Tent Camping Hiking Stargaze Wildlife Viewing |
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