Map showing campground location near San Rafael, New Mexico

Camper submitted image from Ice Cave & Bandera Volcano

Ice Cave & Bandera Volcano

RVs park in a gravel lot without defined spaces, while tent campers set up behind rustic cabins at this family-run campground and tourist attraction. The lot slopes in most areas, though the section farthest from the trading post offers more level ground for larger rigs.

Two geological features draw visitors here: a quarter-mile trail leads down to an ice cave that stays cold year-round, while a 1.5-mile loop climbs to the rim of Bandera Volcano. Both hikes require a $12 fee and sturdy footwear, with the volcano trail recommended in a counterclockwise direction. The trading post operates 9-5 daily (extended hours in summer) and stocks basic supplies, snacks, and souvenirs.

Cell coverage varies significantly by location and carrier. "Cell service with Verizon was ok outside but poor inside trailer," notes Joseph W.. The remote location under pines provides dark skies for stargazing, and campers report minimal traffic noise once the attraction closes for the evening.

Pit toilets stay clean and accessible, with indoor restrooms available during trading post hours. Bathhouse facilities operate seasonally during peak months. For those wanting more developed amenities, Chain of Craters Hiker Hideout sits less than two miles west with full hookups.

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Location

Private Campground

Ice Cave & Bandera Volcano is located in New Mexico

Coordinates

34.99315706 N
108.0800414 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 4/3/26
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 8 users
Last on 4/3/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 4/3/26
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 8 users
Last on 4/3/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Dispersed
Group
Cabins
Yurts

Features

For Campers

Market
Trash
Picnic Table
Reservable
WiFi
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 26 min from Albuquerque, NM
2 hrs 15 min from Santa Fe, NM
2 hrs 30 min from Farmington, NM
4 hrs 15 min from Las Cruces, NM

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the peaceful, remote setting and friendly family operation, though site conditions vary with some level areas and slopes. Facilities are basic with no hookups, but guests commonly noted clean restrooms and reasonable pricing especially for Harvest Host members.

Stacia M.

Ranger

Reviewed Oct. 12, 2025

A little run down but nice people

We planned on staying the night here but ended up moving on because the lack of space. Nice if you’re just stopping in for the hike and to see the volcano & ice cave!

Month of VisitOctober

(8) View All

Lee D.

Legend

Reviewed Apr. 26, 2023

Quiet solitude (at least in the off-season)

General: There are several options here: RV and tent camping, and cabins. As members of Harvest Host, we were able to stay here for free with the expectation that we would patronize the business.

Site Quality: The tent section is behind the cabins, but RVs park in the gravel parking lot with no clearly defined spaces. The section at the top of the fence away from the trading post appeared to be level but otherwise, the lot is sloped. We opted to park closer to the trading post in our campervan, which was also closer to the pit toilet.

Bathhouse: During the high season, there is a bathhouse and shower, but it was not open when we were there, but the pit toilet was very clean. When the trading post is open (9-5, later in the summer), there are restrooms inside.

Activities: There is a trail to the ice cave (short but there are stairs) and a loop trail leading to the volcano (about 1.5 miles but wear sturdy shoes and you should be in reasonable shape). It was recommended that we do this hike in a counterclockwise direction and this was good advice. The fee is $12 for both and there are markers with an interpretive pamphlet explaining the history and geology of the area. There is a trading post with souvenirs and a small kitchen area where you can purchase some food and beverages.

We were the only campers there on a VERY cold late March night so I imagine it would be very different during warmer months. We only heard an occasional car but otherwise, it was very quiet, and the night sky was beautiful. This is a family-run business, and everyone was very welcoming.

Month of VisitMarch

(10) View All

Taylor P.

Scout

Reviewed May. 18, 2022

Beautiful area

This place is amazing. The trail views are incredible and it's secluded and peaceful but feels safe. We have a signal booster that let us get enough bars of reception to work our remote jobs, but once the booster went off it was intermittent at best. The trading post is also super cool, and has enough food to hold you over for a while if you come without anything

SiteCampground

Month of VisitMay

Joseph W.

Ranger

Reviewed Sep. 7, 2020

Amazed by the coldness of the caves

Spent the night at the Ice caves and Bandera Volcano with my wife. We did the hike up the Volcano and then down to the ice cave which cooled us off after the hike. They charge $12 per person with a discount for children. It was a very peaceful night. Cell service with Verizon was ok outside but poor inside trailer. There was no charge for this stay through our Harvest Host membership. I would definitely stay again.

(10) View All

Joseph W.

Ranger

Reviewed Sep. 5, 2020

Amazing how cold it stays down in the caves

We are boondocking at the Ice Caves and Bandera Volcano near Grant's NM. This location is open to Harvest Host members for a free over night stay. You can hike to the open face of the Volcano and then down to the amazing cold of the Ice caves. Entrance is about $12 each. Cell service is good through Verizon.

(8) View All

kristin S.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2020

Beautiful, cheap and quiet boondocking

A fun little campground with space to park an RV or rent a cabin. There are no hookups but you’re in a remote part of New Mexico under pines with a Giant night sky above. Plus you’ve got easy access to two fun little explorations... a 1.5 miles hike to the rim of the Bandera volcano and a 1/4 mile hike to the ice cave. It’s a family run business and they have a nice little gift shop and market with a few supplies. Once the park closes for the night, you have the hikes to yourself to take in sunset with lava rock surrounding. It’s a really beautiful area with a lovely family running the business. They charge $20/night for trailer parking but I’m not sure the price of the cabins. They’re also right by Malpais and El Morro national Monuments. Highly recommend for an overnight along your journey through New Mexico!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is camping available at Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano?

Yes, camping is available at Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano with several options. You can park an RV in their gravel parking area (no hookups available), set up in the tent camping section located behind the cabins, or rent one of their cabins. The campground provides a remote, peaceful experience under pine trees with spectacular night skies. Some visitors can stay overnight through membership programs that allow free stays with the expectation of patronizing the business.

What can I expect to see when visiting Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano?

Visiting Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano offers two distinct natural wonders. A 1.5-mile trail leads to the rim of Bandera Volcano, providing incredible views of this open-faced volcanic crater. After the volcano hike, you can descend to the Ice Cave, which maintains freezing temperatures year-round—a refreshing contrast after the volcano trek. The trails offer spectacular scenery with stunning vistas throughout the property. The area also features a Trading Post with interesting items. The entire experience is set in a peaceful, secluded environment surrounded by pine trees and offers magnificent night skies. Entrance fee is approximately $12 per person with discounts available for children.

What do visitor reviews say about Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano?

Visitors describe Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano as an amazing, peaceful destination with incredible trail views. The natural attractions receive high marks, with many appreciating the contrast between hiking the warm volcano rim and cooling off in the freezing ice cave. The campground setting under pine trees offers tranquility and spectacular night skies. Cell service is described as variable—generally okay with Verizon outside but intermittent, with some visitors using signal boosters to maintain connection. The on-site Trading Post is highlighted as a cool attraction with interesting merchandise. Overall, guests appreciate the secluded yet safe feeling of the location and the unique natural experiences it offers.

Are there RV rental options near Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano in Grants, New Mexico?

While Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano offers RV camping spots in their gravel parking area, there's no specific information about RV rental services directly at the site or in Grants, New Mexico. Visitors typically bring their own RVs to the location. For RV rentals, check with rental companies in larger nearby cities or online RV rental platforms. Before making the trip, contact local tourism offices in Grants for current information on RV rental options in the area.

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