Rockhound State Park

NM state parks opened camping to non residents on Feb 28. We snagged a few nights here at Rockhound. Camping is by reservation only, group area and dry camping remain closed. Visitors center is closed. Electric sites are $14 plus $4/day fee for online reservation.

Nice clean park with two short hiking trails accessible from camp area. Several geocaches here as well! We didn't use the bathroom (host said the showers were closed) so can't comment on that. Clean dump station, nice to have it all be downhill and not up and over a curb.

Met by host on gator cart who drove us up to our site. Site 16 is up at the top of the hill (the whole campground is on the side of the hill). Our 36' class a leveled ok but we did put out the booster step at our entry. I was very impressed at how level the sites were in spite of the natural terrain.

All sites have a picnic table, cover, and fire pit/grill along with 30 amp electric and water. Cell service was good, I'd recommend grocery shopping at Peppers, local Walmart was clean for supplies. Took a day trip up to Hatch for lunch (Sparkys) and shopping. DH Lescombes is a local winery in town, open for tastings now along with purchases.

Great views of the sunset, quiet although windy, especially this time of year. Definitely recommend!

I invested in an annual New Mexico State Parks Annual Pass for $180 and and am very happy that I did. The normal nightly rate is $14 but the annual pass gives you a $10 discount so I saved $50 already this trip. It will pay for itself in no time.

I stayed at site 11 for the first 4 nights and decided to stay one more but had to move to 14. Site 11 is a pull through and has FULL hookups... electric, water, AND sewage. Depending on the placement of the black/grey tank(s) on your rig, you may need at least a 20' hose to reach the dump. Site 14 has water and electric only but there is a dump in the park. Although the parking at the site is gravel, they didn't require leveling side to side. The park restrooms/showers are the nicest, cleanest public facilities I've ever seen! Camp host was extremely helpful and friendly, meeting us at the entrance and guiding us to our site. Sites have a picnic table/shelter on a cement pad and fire ring/barbecue grill. Although I only had 2 bars LTE on Verizon, service was great and able to support work and school on 3 devices.

There is an easy hiking trail that takes you about 1/3 up the mountain and across to the other side of the campground. Spring Canyon State Park (day use only) is only 3 miles away and has some more advanced trails. The only issue I had was the wind. I would recommend putting your awning up at night because the winds come strong and without warning. Will definitely stay here again.

Camped in a 35” motorhome. We are self-contained so cannot comment on restrooms/shower facilities. Water and electric. Dump station on site. Site #17. We love this campground – will return.

Pros –

• Stunning views of the mountains and valley
• Hiking trails in the Park as well as in the nearby Spring Canyon area
• Camp Hosts are very friendly and informative
  
• Fairly close to Demming, NM. Don’t miss the Museum in Demming.

Cons –

• None.

Arrived on a Saturday in early March expecting to take a primitive site and hope that an electric site would open up on Sunday. The camp host directed us to the Group Camp where we had electric and water and 2 other neighbors. Turned out to be a great site and we stayed there for the 3 nights.
A unique park located on a hillside with terraced sites where everyone would get a great view of the valley below. Good hiking at neighboring Canyon Springs (4 miles away) and part of Rock Hound.
Very busy. While some campers left each morning, the vacated spots were swiped very quickly. Reservations (though they don't have many reservation sites) would be helpful.
Great spot. Would definitely camp here again.

This was an unexpectedly nice campground with gorgeous views. We decided at the last minute on Friday to call for availability and were told there were dry camping spots. When we arrived at about 4 pm, the camp host drove up in a golf cart and we followed to a beautiful, spacious location with a covered picnic table, and large area for our 5th wheel and truck. This is one of the few parks where you can hike off trail and pick up rocks.

Did the late check in all the 30 amp spots were taken, but a few dry camping spots were available. Really nice spot road was paved the whole way. Super Ez to find. If you can get a spot its a great place to relax. Quiet Monday through Friday. More traffic on weekends with local hikers in and out, but still a sweet spot. Cell signal for verizon was a lil weak 3 bars but still was able the use wifi and cell no problem.