I-40 Rest Area Moriarty NM Boondocking Location
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Moriarty, New Mexico GPS: 35.004187, -105.852512 Elevation: 6529′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Rest Area This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
I-40 Rest Area Moriarty NM boondocking location: There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 24 hours at I-40 Rest Area.
Rest Area with full handicap facilities, picnic tables, trash cans, pet area. Clean with a couple of shelters for shade, road noise at night was not bad.
Many of the rest areas on the interstates running through NM have shelters that make for a decent place to spend the night.
About This Location
If you’re cruising along Interstate 40 in New Mexico and need a place to crash for the night, the rest area near milepost 181 deserves a look. It’s right off the highway—no long detours—and makes life easier if you want to avoid campground fees or the crowds that come with them.
The I-40 Rest Area Moriarty NM boondocking location at milepost 181 gives you a legal, safe spot to boondock. You’ll get basic stuff like restrooms and picnic tables. Nothing fancy, but it gets the job done if you just need a break. Sometimes, simple is all you want.
This rest stop works for a mix of rigs—RVs, vans, even regular cars. The I-40 Rest Area Moriarty NM boondocking location is maintained, so you won’t be dodging potholes or trash piles, and you’re far enough from city noise to actually relax.
Location And Access
You’ll find the I-40 Rest Area Moriarty NM boondocking location near mile marker 181, right along Interstate 40 in New Mexico. If you’re somewhere between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, it’s an easy in-and-out from either direction.
It’s about 25 minutes west of Albuquerque, so it’s a logical pull-off once you’re out of the city. No need to hunt for exits or drive far off the highway—just a straightforward stop to park and rest.
Take the exit at mile 181, and you’re there. There’s room for cars, trucks, and RVs, so whatever you’re driving, you’ll fit. Anyone can use the area, and the basics are covered for a quick boondocking night.
Whether you’re heading east or west on I-40, this rest area makes sense for a quick pause. Since it’s right on the interstate, you can get back on the road fast, whether you’re aiming for Texas, Arizona, or just exploring more of New Mexico.
Directions: How To Get There And What To Expect
To find the I-40 Rest Area Moriarty NM boondocking location, look for it between mile markers 207 and 208, close to Rattlesnake Draw. Both eastbound and westbound folks can get to it—just watch for the signs.
If you’re eastbound, the exit is near mile 207. Westbound? You’ll see the rest area just after mile 208. Highway signs make it pretty obvious, so you won’t miss it.
Once you pull in, you’ll see basic facilities: restrooms, parking, and some picnic tables. There’s no water or electricity, so bring what you need.
What you’ll find:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Parking | Ample space for cars and RVs |
| Restrooms | Available |
| Trash Bins | Present |
| Water/Electric | Not available |
| Picnic Tables | Limited |
You won’t find formal campsites here. Park level, keep an eye on the weather, and don’t expect much shelter—it’s pretty open.
This I-40 Rest Area Moriarty NM boondocking location is quiet, just right for a quick overnight rest, but not meant for extended stays.
Amenities And Activities
At the I-40 Rest Area Moriarty NM boondocking location, you’ll get the basics for a short stop or a night of boondocking. The restrooms are clean—a relief after a long drive. There’s parking for cars, trucks, and RVs, and overnighting is possible (just don’t expect hookups).
Bring your own water and whatever else you need; there aren’t any utilities here. It’s usually quiet, which is nice if you just want to catch your breath.
If you’re feeling restless, there are some trails nearby. They’re not epic, but they’ll let you stretch your legs and check out the desert landscape. You might spot some birds or the occasional rabbit or lizard—classic New Mexico desert fare.
Planning to boondock? You’ll have limited amenities, but the sky is wide open—perfect for stargazing if you’re into that. Wildlife is around, but nothing too wild.
Amenities at a glance:
| Amenity | Availability |
|---|---|
| Restrooms | Yes, clean and maintained |
| Parking | Cars, trucks, overnight parking possible |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Picnic Tables | Limited or none |
| Hiking Trails | Nearby |
| Wildlife Viewing | Common |
Be cool to the place—follow posted rules, and don’t leave a mess.
Camping Regulations And Restrictions
You can’t camp or stay overnight at the I-40 rest areas in New Mexico. State rules are pretty clear: no camping at any rest stop along this stretch. That means tents, RVs, or any kind of setup—it’s not allowed.
Rest areas exist for quick breaks, not long stops. You can nap in your vehicle for a bit, but don’t set up camp or leave your vehicle for hours. These rules keep things safe and clean for everyone passing through.
They also help protect local wildlife and plants. The land near I-40 is home to some sensitive species, and sticking to the rules means less disruption.
With more cars on the road and climate change stressing these areas, it’s smart to use designated sites and avoid off-road camping. That way, we’re not making things worse for the critters that live here.
If you want to camp nearby, check out official campgrounds. They’re set up to protect the land and follow the right guidelines. Just keep an eye out for signs and respect the rules—it helps everyone, honestly.
Leave No Trace
When you swing by the I-40 Rest Area Moriarty NM boondocking location, sticking to Leave No Trace principles really matters. It keeps the place clean and lets everyone enjoy it.
Pack out all your trash—seriously, don’t leave anything behind. That means food scraps, wrappers, and yep, even human waste. If you spot designated facilities, use them. If not, be ready to carry your waste out.
Stick to the established paths and camping spots. Try not to trample plants or bother the wildlife. These conservation measures go a long way in keeping the area wild and beautiful.
Regulators and environmental groups keep an eye on these rest areas. When folks follow the rules about grazing and campsites, it really helps prevent overuse and land damage.
Be careful with fires—better yet, just use a camp stove if you can. If you must have a fire (and it’s allowed), keep it small and make absolutely sure it’s out before you go. Minimize campfire impact, always.
Honestly, it doesn’t take much to make a difference. If everyone does their part, this I-40 Rest Area Moriarty NM boondocking location stays open, safe, and worth coming back to.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Picnic Tables Restrooms Trash Cans |
RV Parking Wildlife Viewing Bird Watching Hiking Stargazing |
Have you been to this location?Please help us and future travelers by |