A mile-square cluster of giant volcanic boulders forming a natural 'city' you can camp inside.
City of Rocks State Park lets you tuck a rig between 30-foot volcanic monoliths — a campground built into a natural sculpture garden. It's compact, weird, and one of New Mexico's best small parks.
Why it's special
The campsites are inside the rock cluster itself. You're sleeping in a stone city, with each spot screened by boulders. Walking among the rocks at night with stars overhead feels primordial.
Best time to go
October–April. Summer can hit 100°F+ in the day.
Getting there
Between Deming and Silver City, NM, off US-180.
Know before you go
- State park; primitive sites $10/night, with-hookups $14.
- Designated International Dark Sky Park.
- Showers and dump station on site.
- Reservations recommended Nov–March; walk-in only some sites.
Pro tips from boondockers
- Sites in the Pegasus and Orion loops are tucked deepest into the rocks.
- Don't miss the small observatory; they hold star parties some weekends.
- Silver City is a great resupply town with real coffee and good food.
- Hike the loop trail around the rocks at sunrise.
Combine with
Gila NF, Silver City, Bisti Badlands (long drive).