City of Rocks State Park New Mexico: Ultimate Guide to Camping, Hiking, and Tips
Updated July 2024, April 2026
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 with natural “streets” and hidden campsites ready for any outdoor adventure.
City of Rocks State Park is located in Faywood, New Mexico and 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.
Whether you are planning a road trip through New Mexico, looking for a family friendly outdoor adventure, or searching for unique one-of-a-kind campsites, this guide covers everything you need to know from the best campsites to hiking trails and everything in between.
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A List of Free Boondocking Locations across the United States
What Makes City of Rocks State Park Unique?
It was formed from a volcanic eruption 34 million years ago
This is one of only a few places with such unique rock formations
The campground is only one-square mile square foot of land
City of Rocks State Park: 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: $10 daily pass if you don’t plan to stay at the campground
Open: Year round
Number of campsites: 43
6 electric sites (4 reservable, 2 first come, first served)
Many campsites are tucked between the large rock formations offering privacy that you don’t find at many campsites
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
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
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
City of Rocks State Park Campground Map
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.
Hours: 9:30am to 4:30pm winter, 9:30am to 3:30pm summer
Best Hiking Trails at City of Rocks - Map Included
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
Monthly Nature hikes except in July and August
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.
Camping at City of Rocks State Park
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
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 $15 ($105 for a week) for non-electric and $30 for electric sites a night plus $3.50 online booking fee. They do have walkup reservations available at the entrance where you fill out the envelope and put your money in.
Camping details: There are 43 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
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.
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.
Camping and hiking essentials
Bug Soother bug spray- all-natural bug spray made in the Midwest, USA
Kelty 4-person backpacking tent
Check out this blog post for 15 Essential Items for Boondocking in a CamperVan
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.
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
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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 back drop 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.
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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