Featuring an incredible extinct cinder cone volcano and multiple visitor activities, Capulin Volcano National Monument is a must-see National Monument for RV lovers who are interested in volcanoes. Located in New Mexico within Union County, Capulin Volcano National Monument is a symmetrical cinder cone that is around 55,000 to 62,000 years old, which is quite young for a volcano. It is one of the most popular landmarks within the northeast corner of New Mexico and its surrounding volcanic field contains at least 100 recognizable volcanoes.
The most impressive feature at Capulin Volcano National Monument is the two mile road that will take you from the bottom all the way to the top of the volcano. The road circles the volcano and once at the top, you will have one of the best views in all of New Mexico. Once you have reached the top of Capulin Volcano we recommend that you check out the visitor center. Located at the base of the volcano, the visitor center is full of fun exhibits about the volcano and the area's geology, interesting natural and cultural history and other educational programs about volcanoes. The area in and around the park also has some great recreational activities, including hiking, guided tours and other nearby attractions (including the Folsom Museum).
While there are no RV camping sites within the Capulin Volcano National Monument there are plenty of campgrounds located nearby that would make a great home away from home. Our pick of the bunch is the Raton KOA, which is located around 27 miles to the west.
Chipseal work has begun on NM325 which may delay access to Capulin through mid-July. Volcano Road chipseal begins September 15th. Watch for fresh tar and loose gravel as well as construction vehicles and workers.
Due to the Volcano top area closing to vehicles at 4:15pm there is not enough time to finish a top hike after 3:30pm. The volcano top must be clear of ALL vehicles by 4:15pm daily.
Capulin Volcano only accepts credit/debit cards for entrance fees. Our cooperating association Park Store accepts cash, credit/debit cards, and checks. There are limited cash only entrance passes available through our cooperating association Park Store.
The Volcano top road is not accessible to RVs, buses, attached trailers, or any other vehicle over 26 feet in length, due to the narrowness and weight limits of Volcano Road. Trailer drop off and RV/bus parking is available at the Visitor Center.
Capulin Volcano National Monument is located in Capulin, New Mexico and is around three and a half miles from the town center. The park is easily accessible thanks to the U.S Highway 64 which will take you to the turn-off to the park. Once you reach NM-325 you follow this road and it will take you to the park.
Due to the location of Capulin Volcano National Monument in north-eastern New Mexico there are no major cities located within a short drive. Despite this, there are many small towns that will the have supplies and amenities needed to enjoy your trip. These include Capulin (around three miles away), Des Moines (around 12 miles away) and Grenville. The closest small cities to the Capulin Volcano National Monument are Raton (around 32 miles away) and Clayton (around 57 miles away).
You shouldn't encounter any problems when driving to the park as the roads are well maintained and are relatively flat. In some instances the road up to the top of the Capulin Volcano can be closed due to the weather. We recommend you call ahead to the park to confirm the road will be open if you are wanting to drive up it.
There is plenty of parking available at the Capulin Volcano National Monument.
There are no public transport options that will take you to the Capulin Volcano National Monument.
Located in the town of Raton, Raton KOA is a great little campground that is perfect for visitors to Capulin Volcano National Monument. In total there are 42 sites that are RV friendly that are suitable for rigs up to 85 foot in length.
The park has some fantastic amenities, including 50 amp power hookups at certain sites, free WifI, cable TV, propane for sale, clean restrooms, a playground, basketball court, dog walk path and a dump station. You should also be able to get cell phone reception on all of the major networks when inside the campground.
Since this campground is one of the closest to Capulin Volcano National Monument at around 27 miles away, it does fill up quickly with reservations. Because of this, we recommend that you reserve a campsite in advance before your trip to the area. Raton KOA is open all year round for you to enjoy.
If you are looking for another great historical activity when visiting the area you should check out the Folsom Museum. The museum is dedicated to the preservation of the local history of the area. Some of the attractions at the museum include artifacts related to the pioneer history of the area and the first settlement of the high plains. There are multiple events held throughout the year at the museum so check out their website before you begin your journey to the park.
If you are a keen painter there is a great art contest held each year by park staff. Artwork or photos submitted for the contest must be of Capulin Volcano National Monument. The entries are judged on their ability to demonstrate the beauty of Capulin Volcano and promote a sense of wonder. The winning entry to the contest is featured on the annual pass for the following year. For more information on the contest check out the park office.
Thanks to the wide open skies and lack of light pollution, Capulin Volcano National Monument has been named a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association. The area is fantastic for viewing the night sky and there are Dark Sky viewing nights Saturday nights during Summer months. During these events giant telescopes are provided by the park staff and you will see planets, galaxies, nebula amongst other sights. For more information on stargazing contact the park office.
Looking to explore the Capulin Volcano National Monument by foot? If so, you will be very happy to note that there are five different hiking trails available for you to explore. The trails vary in length from being under a mile to around two miles and are suitable for people of all ages. If you plan to take on the trails during the warmer months make sure that you are prepared for the heat and are carrying enough water to sustain your adventure.
The visitor center at Capulin Volcano National Monument is the park's main place for education and learning. Suitable for people of all ages, the visitor center features an information desk, bookstore, exhibits, a touch table, and dioramas of the natural history, human history and geology of Capulin Volcano. The indoor interpretive programs are also usually held at the small auditorium within the center. Check out the ten minute film detailing the story of Capulin's eruption and the surrounding Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field. It's a must-watch!
During the summer months at the Capulin Volcano National Monument there are interpretive programs run by park staff that cover a variety of topics for those looking to learn more about the area. Programs run during this time usually cover geology, local history, flora and fauna and the night sky. If you plan on doing some hiking, rangers are also usually available on trails and in the visitor center to answer any questions that you may have.
