Updated October 2026
Giant volcanic boulders rising out of flat desert, campsites tucked between 40-foot rock towers, and some of the darkest night skies in New Mexico: City of Rocks State Park is unlike any campground we’ve stayed at. We spent two days here in the summer of 2021, and the kids spent hours climbing and exploring the natural “streets” between the rocks.
This guide covers everything you need to plan your visit, including 2026 fees, campsites, hiking trails, the park’s observatory and monthly star parties, and tips from our stay.
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City of Rocks State Park at a Glance
Location: Faywood, NM, between Silver City and Deming
Day-use: $10 non-residents, $5 NM residents
Camping: 49 sites, 6 with water and electric, reservable up to 6 months ahead
Hiking: 5.5 miles of trails
Best for: Stargazing, rock scrambling, and unique campsites
Best time to visit: Spring and fall
How long to stay: 1–2 nights
In This Guide
How to Get to City of Rocks
Camping at City of Rocks
Showers & Restrooms
Where to Stay Nearby
Best Hiking Trails
Stargazing
Visitor Center
Desert Botanical Garden
Best Time to Visit
Tips for Visiting
What to Pack
FAQ
What Makes City of Rocks State Park Unique?
The rocks were formed by a massive volcanic eruption about 35 million years ago, then shaped by millions of years of erosion.
Rock columns rise as high as 40 feet, separated by paths that look like city streets, which is how the park got its name.
The whole park covers just one square mile, at about 5,200 feet in elevation.
Many campsites are tucked between the boulders, giving you privacy you rarely find at a campground.
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!
Photo credit www.emnrd.nm.gov
City of Rocks State Park: Things to know
Address: 327 Highway 61, Faywood, New Mexico
Hours: 7am - 9pm. If you’ll arrive after the gate closes, call the park ahead at 575-536-2800.
Day-use fee: $10 per vehicle for non-residents, $5 for New Mexico residents (residents are free from October 1 to April 30)
Camping is available, see below for details
Things to do: 5.5 miles of hiking trails, 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
Good to know: The America the Beautiful national park pass is NOT accepted at New Mexico State Parks.
Open: Year round
How to Get to City of Rocks State Park
City of Rocks State Park is in southwestern New Mexico, about halfway between Deming and Silver City. Even though it feels like you’re in the middle of nowhere, it’s an easy drive from either town, under an hour from both.
From Deming: Take US-180 northwest for about 24 miles. Turn right onto NM-61 and continue for about 3 miles, then turn left and drive about 1.4 miles to the park entrance.
From Silver City: Take US-180 south for about 27 miles, turn left onto NM-61 and drive about 3 miles, then turn left and go about 1.4 miles to the park entrance.
From Las Cruces: The drive is about 90 miles, roughly 90 minutes west on I-10 to Deming, then follow the directions above.
Flying in? El Paso International Airport is the closest major airport, about a 2-hour drive from the park. You’ll need a car to get there, so compare rental car prices here before your trip. Check out Skyscanner for flight deals.
Don’t have an RV or camping gear? You can rent an RV and drive it straight to your campsite, or stay at a hotel in Silver City or Deming and visit City of Rocks as a day trip.
Road trip tips:
Fill up on gas and groceries in Deming or Silver City, since there are no services near the park.
If you’re driving an RV, watch for gusty crosswinds across the open desert and narrow shoulders on NM-61.
Camping at City of Rocks State Park
Amenities: Picnic tables, fire grill, trashcans, potable water spigots (water spigot on west side of park by toilet #3)
Facilities: modern restrooms with flush toilets, warm showers
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:
Developed campsite: $20/night non-residents, $15/night residents
Water and electric sites: add $5 for water and $10 for electric per night (about $35/night for non-residents)
Reservation fee: $3.50 per night ($10 max per reservation)
Camping details: There are 49 developed sites. 6 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
They did have walkup reservations available at the entrance where you fill out the envelope and put your money in at the time of our visit.
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.
City of Rocks State Park Campground Map
Showers & Restrooms at City of Rocks
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 shower facilities are open 24 hours.
Where to Stay Near City of Rocks State Park
There are a few towns nearby that offer accommodations. I usually use booking.com to book my hotels while traveling. Need help finding a hotel? Check out these options below.
This pet friendly hotel offers free breakfast, fitness center, seasonal outdoor pool and bar.
This hotel with family rooms, fitness center, outdoor seating, BBQ facilities, and free breakfast offers a pleasant stay.
Best Hiking Trails at City of Rocks
Hydra Trail - 3.5 miles loop around the park
Table Mountain - 1.6 mile one-way up the mountain for the best views
Cienega Trail - 2-mile loop on a newer trail. Large parking lot at the trailhead before you exit onto Highway 61 for an easy trail option for beginners
The park also offers monthly guided nature hikes, except in July and August.
Don’t forget to bring a water bottle and electrolyte packets to stay hydrated on the trails.
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.
Stargazing at City of Rocks
On clear nights, you can see thousands of stars with the naked eye, making this location the perfect place to stargaze in New Mexico. One of the highlights of camping is the minimal light pollution offering dark skies, making it the perfect opportunity to star gaze, something I look forward to each time we camp.
The City of Rocks Observatory
City of Rocks was the first New Mexico state park to have its own observatory. The Gene and Elizabeth Simon Observatory sits at the Orion group campsite and houses a solar-powered 14-inch Meade telescope.
Monthly Star Parties
The park and its astronomy volunteers host a star party about once a month, and it’s one of the best free things to do at City of Rocks. About 45 minutes after sunset, volunteers lead a laser-guided tour of that night’s sky, followed by about two hours of looking through telescopes with their help. When planets are visible, you can often view them before the main program even begins.
Tips for the star party:
Arrive around sunset so you have time to get settled and find your way around before dark.
Bring your own camping chair, since seating is limited.
Pack a red flashlight or headlamp to protect your night vision, and everyone else’s.
Star parties are weather permitting, so check the Friends of City of Rocks event calendar or call the park at 575-536-2800 before you go.
Plan your trip around the star party date if you can. It’s the highlight of a visit for many families.
Stargazing on Your Own
Even if your visit doesn’t line up with a star party, the dark skies will still provide a beautiful show. Spread out a blanket or sit at your favorite chair at your campsite, let your eyes adjust for about 20 minutes, and use a star chart or a stargazing app to find constellations. A pair of binoculars is an easy way to see more detail without a telescope.
Stargazing Gear
Red-light Head Lamp - perfect for walking around the campground at night
Stargazing map - a perfect addition to stargazing and star locator
Astronomy binoculars - bring the perfect binoculars to see the stars up close
Visitor Center at City of Rocks State Park
The Visitor Center is located at the front of the campground close to where you enter. Here 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.
Visitor Center hours are 9:30 am to 4:30 pm during winter, and 8:30 am to 3:30 pm during summer.
Desert Botanical Garden
Right next to the Visitor Center, the desert botanical garden is an easy stop when you first arrive at the park. The short paths wind past cacti and other plants native to the Chihuahuan Desert, with labels so you can learn what you’re looking at. It’s a great way for kids to learn about the plants they’ll see throughout the park before heading out on the trails.
Tips for visiting the garden:
Visit in the morning or late afternoon, when it’s cooler, especially in summer.
Spring is a great time to go, when many desert plants bloom.
Bring your camera; the garden makes a beautiful foreground for photos of the rock formations.
Tips for Visiting City of Rocks State Park
It gets really HOT in the summer months so bring LOTS of water
Wear sturdy shoes as the area is rocky and you will need traction if you climb the boulders
If you go hiking, make sure to wear good hiking shoes
Although the large boulders give some shade, some sights may be in full sun during part of the day
2 days is the perfect amount of time to camp and hike at City of Rocks State Park
Best Time to Visit City of Rocks State Park by Season
Spring - March to May offers mild temperatures
Summer - June to August bring hot summer heat. Temps can get into the 100’s during the middle of summer. Grab a pop-up canopy tent before you go to help reduce the sun exposure
Fall - September to November allows for moderate temperatures which can make the outdoor enjoyable and perfect for camping and hiking
Winter - December to February you will find cold, dry weather with light winds. Temp lows are in the 30’s and highs are 40-50’s
What to Pack for City of Rocks
WEN Generator - this helps keep my campervan charged, electronics charged, and phone charged
10-inch battery operated fan - perfect addition for those warmer nights
Hiking shoes and Teva Sandals - I wear these sandals all the time when camping and hiking
Outdoor camper rocking chair - a must have for relaxing at night and for stargazing
Sunscreen - during the summer months you will definitely need sunscreen
Bug Soother bug spray- all-natural bug spray made in the Midwest, USA
Travel journal - I love to document my travel details along the way and this journal I created is the perfect place to keep those notes
Kelty 4-person backpacking tent - this is the tent we have used while camping
Cooling towels - the perfect addition to help keep you cool while hiking the trails
Check out this blog post for 15 Essential Items for Boondocking in a CamperVan
City of Rocks State Park FAQ
How much does it cost to visit City of Rocks State Park?
Day-use is $10 per vehicle for non-residents and $5 for New Mexico residents. Camping costs $20 per night for non-residents and $15 for residents, plus $5 for water and $10 for electric at hookup sites. Online reservations add $3.50 per night.
Can you reserve a campsite at City of Rocks?
Yes. Most sites can be reserved online through New Mexico State Parks up to 6 months in advance. Ten sites, including two electric sites, are first-come, first-served.
Does the America the Beautiful pass work at City of Rocks?
No. New Mexico State Parks don’t accept national or federal park passes, so plan to pay the state park fee.
Where is City of Rocks State Park?
The park is at 327 Highway 61 in Faywood, New Mexico, roughly halfway between Silver City and Deming in the southwestern part of the state.
What is the best time to visit City of Rocks?
Spring and fall have the most comfortable temperatures for hiking and camping. Summer temperatures can reach the 100s, and winter nights drop into the 30s.
How many days do you need at City of Rocks?
We found 2 days to be perfect. That’s enough time to hike, explore the rock formations, and spend a night stargazing.
Are dogs allowed at City of Rocks State Park?
Yes. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash no longer than 10 feet.
Are there showers at City of Rocks?
Yes. Warm showers are at the Visitor Center near the entrance and are open 24 hours. There are also restrooms with flush toilets throughout the park.
Is City of Rocks good for stargazing?
Yes. With very little light pollution, you can see thousands of stars on clear nights, and the park even has its own observatory.
Is City of Rocks State Park Worth Visiting?
City of Rocks State Park is such an amazing place to visit. I highly 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 backdrop to an already beautiful country. So yes, this state park is worth visiting!
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 offers 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, and I think you will enjoy this park too.
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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 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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