Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park
Angel Fire, NM
A chapel and museum built by the parents of a Marine officer killed in 1968, one of the first memorials of its kind in the country. It stands beside US-64 above the Moreno Valley, with easy parking.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Angel Fire is a memorial with a chapel in the Moreno Valley of northern New Mexico (Colfax County), near U.S. Highway 64. At its center stands the Peace and Brotherhood Chapel, dedicated on May 22, 1971. Dr. Victor Westphall and his wife Jeanne had it built with the money from their son's life insurance: Lt. David Westphall, a Marine, was killed in an ambush at Con Thien, Vietnam, on May 22, 1968. The chapel honors him and the fifteen men who died with him.
Construction began as early as September 1968, in the middle of the war and long before the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., which was dedicated in 1982. Until 2017 the site was a New Mexico state park; since then it has been run by the New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services. Besides the chapel there is a visitor center with exhibits. Summer and autumn are considered the best times to visit, when the aspens in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains turn color.
- Nearest town
- Angel Fire, NM
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 36.4167, -105.2636
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Monte Verde RV ParkMotorhome stopover2 mi from Vietnam Veterans Memorial State ParkMotorhomes
- Angel Fire RV ResortMotorhome stopover3 mi from Vietnam Veterans Memorial State ParkMotorhomesElectricity
- Golden Eagle RV ParkMotorhome stopover9 mi from Vietnam Veterans Memorial State ParkMotorhomes
- Camp HaywardCampsite16 mi from Vietnam Veterans Memorial State ParkTents
- Twining CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park
- NADM RV CommunityMotorhome stopover21 mi from Vietnam Veterans Memorial State ParkMotorhomesElectricity
All campsites in New Mexico · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park?
Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park is in Angel Fire, NM, at GPS 36.4167, -105.2636. It is about 10 mi from Eagle Nest.
Can you camp near Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Monte Verde RV Park, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 207 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park?
Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: The Enchanted Circle: Taos, Red River and Eagle Nest.
What is there to see near Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Eagle Nest Lake State Park (8 mi), Taos Pueblo (16 mi), Rio Grande Gorge Bridge (26 mi) and Wild Rivers Recreation Area (28 mi).
When is the best time to visit Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)