Rockhound State Park

The state parks in New Mexico are some of the nicest state campgrounds I have seen in any state. The one here at Rockhound State Park is no exception. Ranging from sites without utilities to RV sites, this campground also has a playground for kids and a short, but interesting trail. This campground at the base of the Florida Mountains is also unique in that unlike all of the other parks in the country, you are encouraged to take up to 15 pounds of rocks home with you.

Campground data:

Controlling agency:	New Mexico State Parks; campground web site
Location in the state:	Southwest; Florida mountains
Waypoint(s):	RHSP
Elevation:	4498ft; 1371m
Number of campsites:	36. 29 have water and electricity.
When we visited it:	2000-12-26.
Cleanliness:	9/10
Fee:	$10.00.
Water:	Yes.
Garbage cans:	Yes.
Fire pits:	No.
Cooking grills:	No.
Toilets:	Flush.
Showers:	Yes.
Handicapped accessible:	Unknown.
RV info:	Electrical hookups. Water hookups. Sewer hookups. $4 for electrical hookup. $4.00 for sewer hookup. A dump station is available.
When to camp:	Jan--Dec. Summer is likely to be hot.
General comments:	The park has a playground. A pay phone is available at the park.

Maps:

Online from topozone.com
Online from terraserver-usa.com
Satellite image from terraserver-usa.com
USGS Topo Quad 1:24,000 Florida Gap
USGS Topo Quad 1:100,000 Deming
USGS Topo Quad 1:250,000 Las Cruces

Getting to the campground:

To get to the park, head south from Deming on NM 11 about five miles. Turn east on State Road 141 (Rockhond Rd) for about nine miles.

The campground:

The campsites have shades (essential in the summer).

Reader comments about this campground:

On Sun Nov 30 21:43:14 2003 Sue Hepler from Ohio said:
Just arrived at rockhound park today. Fantastic!! Great hiking trails across the mountain side with awesome vistas. Lots of birds and wildlife. Very friendly campground and host volunteers. Great campsites that are level and spacious. Nice grills and fire rings plus covered picnic tables.

On Sun Jun 5 05:35:09 2005 Minerba G. Baldoza from Alvarado, Texas Dallas Area said:
Hello, i bought a little bit of land here in this area. I had never seen it or been there. Anyway i bought it in 2002 and finally went in the spring of 2004. I was so happy with the area. Not much there, when it comes to businesses, but it is beautiful, the mountains, the scenery, the ROCKS are beautiful. Hopefully i will be able to retire here in some years. It is very relaxing and just so pretty to wake up to. thank you, Minerba

On Mon Apr 30 14:58:37 2007 Knut from Santa Fe said:
I have no idea why anyone would want to camp here. The rockhounding has been pretty picked over. There is little shade, and plenty of heat. Pass this up and just go to the Gilas.

On Thu Aug 30 21:28:52 2007 Julie and David Konno from Santa Cruz, CA said:
We stayed here in October, 2005 near the end of a 6 month trip around the U.S.. We came as rockhounds but stayed because it is breathtakingly beautiful. It's desert country so not everyone's cup of ice tea. Unlike another camper who commented, we found plenty of great rocks and were even able to help other people who were newbies. The staff was great - cheerful and helpful. We're going back this fall!

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