Unique Camping Experience at City of Rocks State Park in New Mexico
Updated July 2024
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City of Rocks State Park
Whenever we travel, I love to find unique locations to visit. Whether that be a campground or a destination, I will search until I find some place to visit that we have never been to before and that offer a unique opportunity for exploration. During our travel to New Mexico, I found City of Rocks State Park which offered a unique camping experience that blends natural wonder and tranquility.
City of Rocks State Park is about one-mile square foot of land in the Chihuahuan desert region. These enormous volcanic rocks, protruding about 40 feet high, were formed about 34 million years ago when a volcano erupted. Over the years, erosion formed this area into the large boulders creating a picturesque backdrop for your outdoor adventure.
City of Rocks State Park is located in Faywood, New Mexico provides the perfect setting for hiking, stargazing, and immersing yourself in the serene surroundings of the extraordinary destination. We stayed at this campground a couple days and really enjoyed walking around and climbing the gigantic rocks. The rocks are massive and do provide some shade although the area is still very hot in the summer.
Things to know
Address: 327 Highway 61, Faywood, New Mexico
Hours: 7am - 9pm. Although they close at 9pm we were still able to go around the gate to get to our camping spot after closing time.
Cost: $5 daily pass if you don’t plan to stay at the campground
Open: Year round
Amenities: Picnic tables, fire grill, trashcans, camping, potable water spigots (water spigot on west side of park by toilet #3)
Facilities: modern restrooms with flush toilets, warm showers
Things to do: 5.5 miles of hiking trials, 300 different plants for viewing, birding, stargazing, and educational activities in the Visitor Center
Pets are allowed but must be on a leash no longer than 10-feet
Visitor Center
At the Visitor Center you can buy firewood, ice, souvenirs, t-shirts, and learn about the history of the park. After hours you can purchase firewood at the host station until around 8pm.
Hours: 9:30am to 4:30pm winter, 9:30am to 3:30pm summer
Hiking Trails Map
Hiking Trails Map
Hiking is available throughout the park. Sandy/rock path so bring good walking shoes. Temps are hot in the summer so don’t forget sunscreen and water.
Hydra Trail - 3.5 miles around the park
Table Mountain - 1.6 mile one-way up the mountain
Cienega Trail - 2-mile loop on a newer trail. Large parking lot at the trailhead before you exit onto Highway 61.
Monthly Nature hikes except in July and August
Camping at City of Rocks State Park
Camping is limited to 14-days in a 20-day period. After 14-day, campers are required to leave for one week before returning.
Cost for camping: The cost was $10 for non-electric and $14 for electric sites a night plus $4 booking fee online. They do have walkup reservations available at the entrance where you fill out the envelope and put your money in.
Camping details: There are 41 developed sites. 4 of those sites have water and electric hookups. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring, and trash can. Large boulders do provide some shade. Reservations can be made online up to 6 months in advance. Walk up reservations are available on a first come first serve basis.
Group camping: There is a section for group camping
When we went in the summer of 2021 there were only about 7 campers so there was plenty of space to spread out. We stayed in the Pegasus section of the campground at site 15A. This spot was all the way in the back and very quiet. It was also close to the hiking trail.
Camping and hiking essentials
Bug Soother bug spray - all-natural bug spray made in the Midwest, USA
Showers & Restrooms
Facilities: Warm showers are located at the entrance next to the Visitor Center. There are 4 restrooms with flush toilets located throughout the park, but the only showers are at the front entrance. The facilities are open 24 hours.
City of Rocks State Park Aerial View
Look at this aerial view of the park. The boulders just come up out of nowhere and the rest of the area is flat. So cool!
Picture from www.emnrd.nm.gov
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City of Rocks State Park is such an amazing place to visit. I recommend you add this place to your list if you are visiting New Mexico. The boulders definitely made this spot unique and gave the kids a place to explore like no other. You are literally out in the middle of nowhere within the Chihuahuan desert region where you can experience such a dramatic back drop to an already beautiful country.
Enjoy the journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel with my family and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous family travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. You can usually find me dreaming up our next epic vacation or outside exploring natural landscapes. I am a fearless roadtripper who isn’t afraid to explore new and off the path adventures. Pic: Boondocking in Virginia
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