Rockhound State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Rockhound State Park is located in Luna County, New Mexico, 7 miles southeast of Deming. Covering a land size of 1,100 acres, the area was established in 1966 as the first park in the United States that allowed collecting of rocks and minerals for personal use. With an abundance of quartz crystals, geodes, jasper, perlite, and many other minerals to be found within the state park, it isn’t hard to see how it got its name. Rockhound State Park is nestled in the Little Florida Mountains, a range of low mountains that have become ‘sky islands’ due to the arid desert between the peaks. A variety of plants thrive in this environment, including yucca, prickly pear cactus, barrel cactus, and more. Several species of wildlife also call the unique, desert state park home, such as lizards, snakes, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, deer, antelope, coyotes, and prairie dog.
The area is dry and arid, like most desert regions, however, visitors are warned to prepare for thunderstorms and flash floods during the summer months. In the warmest months, temperatures can reach as high as 95°F, before falling to lows of just 27°F in winter.
If you’re planning a trip to Rockhound State Park, you’ll want to keep reading to find out all there is to know about this place, including camping, activities, how to get here, and more.
Spring 36°F - 86°F
Summer 61°F - 95°F
Fall 34°F - 86°F
Winter 27°F - 66°F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Rockhound State Park
There are plenty of camping opportunities in and around Rockhound State Park, including both within tents and RVs. If roughing it in a sleeping bag and the tiny space that a tent offers isn’t quite your thing, then we whole-heartedly recommend the warmth, comfort, and all-round glamping that an RV offers.
If you don’t own an RV, you can easilyrent an RV from RVshare that suits your individual needs – including size, budget, and more. All rentals come with nationwide insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a world-class team dedicated to helping you succeed.
The state park’s campground has good facilities, spacious sites, and stunning desert views, but it does tend to fill quickly. Some additional campgrounds and RV parks within the region are listed below.
Dreamcatcher RV Park
Located just a 15-minute drive from the state park isDreamcatcher RV Park, which offers a variety of amenities, as well as over 100 spacious RV sites. It is conveniently close to some of the region’s most famous attractions, including the Historic Walking Tour of Deming and the Deming-Luna Mimbres Museum. Daily rates for full hookups start from $20.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: clubhouse, laundry, showers, dump stations.
Little Vineyard RV Resort
Also located in Deming is theLittle Vineyard RV Resort, featuring over 150 level pull-thru sites with full hookups. The resort has a swimming pool that is heated year-round, as well as a hot tub to relax in after a long day hiking the state park’s trails (or searching for minerals!). Daily rates start at $35.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: hot tub, heated swimming pool, recreational hall, kitchen, laundry, restrooms, showers.
Sunrise RV Park
Just 15 minutes’ drive from the state park is Sunrise RV Park, which also offers over 80 spacious RV sites for those wanting to stay within the region. It’s within walking distance of local eateries and shops, making it a convenient place to stay for a few days or weeks.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: restrooms, showers, laundry, dump station, cable TV, clubhouse.
What to Do at
Rockhound State Park
Inside Rockhound State Park
Rockhound State Park might be very popular for camping, but people also flock here because of the wide range of fun outdoor activities on offer. Whether you’re hoping to enjoy hiking the park’s scenic trails, mine for gems, or more – there’s certainly something for every type of traveler at Rockhound State Park.
Mining: As one of the only state parks that encourages visitors to locate and take home a variety of gems and minerals, this is an opportunity you won’t want to pass up! Come equipped with a large hammer, several chisels and a spade, and get ready for an afternoon spent exploring the hillsides. Just keep in mind the 15-pound weight limit for what you take home to keep.
Hiking: The park has two main hiking trails, which provide far-reaching views over the desert plains. These include the Florida Mountain loop trail, as well as the Thunder Egg trail. Both provide visitors with climbs of varying degrees of difficulty.
Stargazing: The state park’s lack of pollution and road traffic results in clear night skies, which are ablaze with planets and constellations. It’s a desert stargazing experience you’ll likely never forget.
How to Get to
Rockhound State Park
Rockhound State Park is 7 miles southeast of Deming. Follow N Gold Ave to E Cedar St and get on I-10 E. Follow I-10 E and NM-549 E to NM-143 S/Stirrup Rd SE, then drive to Stirrup Rd SE. This will take you directly to the state park.
Entering Rockhound State Park
Day-use entry costs $5 per day per vehicle.
Rockhound State Park Entry per vehicle : $5.0
We’re very excited that you’re planning a trip to Rockhound State Park. Once you’ve finished exploring all that the park has to offer, there are also some incredible opportunities waiting for you outside of its gates! During or after your stay, we encourage you to tag us in any of your social media posts, or why not share your photos and experience with us at [email protected]? We may even feature your story on our blog or social media channels. Happy camping!