Boondocking the Badlands: El Malpais Off-Grid Adventure

Escape the crowds and experience the rugged beauty of El Malpais National Monument in this boondocking adventure! We'll explore ancient lava flows, volcanic caves, and soak in breathtaking night skies under a blanket of stars.
We based camp at Joe Skeen Campground, a free dispersed site with basic amenities like shade pavilions and pit toilets. While there are no hookups or water available, the campground offered a true off-grid experience perfect for boondockers. Pro Tip: We planned to refill our water at the El Malpais Ranger Station, but they were out. Be sure to check water availability beforehand or plan to haul in enough for your entire stay. In our case, we ended up driving 30 minutes to the nearest town of Grants to fill up at an RV park.
Our days were filled with adventure! We hiked across volcanic rock, explored the unique ecosystem within a caldera, and even braved the heights of some scary-high sandstone bluffs. For a change of scenery, we took a short desert drive to visit the nearby El Morro National Monument, steeped in history and petroglyphs.
Join us as we navigate finding the perfect campsite and tips for boondocking success in El Malpais. Get ready for stunning scenery, off-grid camping, and an unforgettable adventure in the New Mexico wilderness!

[@flockersiegel2929]

Super sweet!!! Great video, you guys are excellent adventurers and what an education for you all! Thank you for sharing❤❤❤❤ Flower and Rocker 😊😊

[@Butterflymoments]

Aww!! It’s the Flockers!! So thankful that our paths crossed. ❤️