
Rockhound State Park
Discover agates, quartz, and fossils in this peaceful New Mexico park with stunning desert views and incredible night skies.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps for exploring

Rockhound State Park
Best Time
Pleasant temps for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover agates, quartz, and fossils in this peaceful New Mexico park with stunning desert views and incredible night skies.
"A true gem with stunning scenery, peaceful nights, and the thrill of finding your own treasures."

🥾 Trail Safety
Trails are rocky. Watch your step and be aware of snakes, especially during warmer months.
💎 Rock Collecting Limit
Remember the 15 lb limit per person for rock collecting. Enjoy your treasures responsibly!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rock Collecting Adventures
Hunt for agates, quartz crystals, and fossils! Take home up to 15 lbs of your unique finds.

Scenic Hiking Trails
Explore short, rocky trails with stunning desert mountain views. Keep an eye out for local wildlife!

Stargazing Paradise
Far from city lights, witness breathtaking sunsets and a dazzling night sky filled with stars.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Rock Collecting Rules
Book Your Campsite Early
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
What type of rocks are these? Found at Rockhound State Park in Demming, NM
🥾 Trail Safety
Trails are rocky. Watch your step and be aware of snakes, especially during warmer months.
💎 Rock Collecting Limit
Remember the 15 lb limit per person for rock collecting. Enjoy your treasures responsibly!
I found this agate in Demming, NM. Rockhound State Park.
Southwest New Mexico locations? Doing my annual birthday rock hounding trip there!
⭐ Amazing Night Skies
The lack of light pollution makes for incredible stargazing. Don't miss the Milky Way!
🚗 Easy Access
The park is easily accessible with well-maintained roads leading to the campgrounds.
Rockhound State Park near Deming
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Trail Safety
Trails are rocky. Watch your step and be aware of snakes, especially during warmer months.
💎 Rock Collecting Limit
Remember the 15 lb limit per person for rock collecting. Enjoy your treasures responsibly!
⭐ Amazing Night Skies
The lack of light pollution makes for incredible stargazing. Don't miss the Milky Way!
🚗 Easy Access
The park is easily accessible with well-maintained roads leading to the campgrounds.
💧 Water & Electric Hookups
Many campsites offer water and electric hookups for a comfortable stay.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Rockhound State Park is a hidden gem praised for its stunning desert scenery, peaceful atmosphere, and excellent stargazing opportunities. Visitors love the unique rock collecting opportunities and well-maintained, spacious campsites with essential amenities. While the trails are generally moderate, some find them rocky, and wildlife like snakes are present. Overall, it's a highly recommended destination for a serene and engaging outdoor escape.
"Rockhound State Park is an underrated State Park in New Mexico! This is our second time to stay here. The scenery is stunning, with rugged mountains, and desert landscape. There are two well marked moderate short hiking trails are accessible right from the campgrounds. Trails are rocky underfoot. Both times here I've seen snakes on the trail. This time was incredible to see a gray banded king snake. There is also a second day Use only area a few miles away, this short, but more difficult hikes, if you want something a bit more challenging, called the Spring Canyon. Definitely worth the visit.
One of the most fun things about this park is that you’re actually encouraged to collect rocks and minerals to take home, up to 15 lbs. We found some cool fossils.
The campground is clean, quiet, and has lots of space between sites and the views are wonderful. There are not a lot of sites, so it's a quiet. YOU MUST HAVE RESERVATIONS to camp here. The facilities are well maintained. Very clean toilets and showers. There is a dump station avaliable. Campground host was very friendly and helpful.
Being located far from a big city the sky was amazing at night. We were blessed with 2 beautiful sunsets.
It's a true gem."
Lorraine Mourning
"This is a really nice state park. Stopped here on a cross country overnight and could have spent another night. Very clean and well maintained grounds. Up against the hillside, the park had nice valley views. Cooler at night with a nice breeze. We were in site 11 which had water/sewer/electric. Site 10 next to us looked nice with a long driveway but no sewer hookup. Their is an RV dump station at the park."
Hugh Jass
"This is a lovely place for camping. The sites are large and far apart. Fairly level, well maintained and clean, with electricity and water. Nice fairly short hikes. You can pick and take away up to 15 lbs of rock. We didn't find any geodes but did find unusual rocks. There is a clean dump station. Spent two nights there, would go again."
R O
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rockhound State Park is located in southeastern New Mexico, near the town of Deming. From Deming, take NM-11 South for about 14 miles, then turn east onto NM-146. The park entrance will be on your right. It's a straightforward drive, often mentioned by travelers flying into Phoenix or El Paso.
Yes, the park has campsites with water and electric hookups, and an RV dump station is available. Many sites are spacious enough for larger RVs.
The nearest town is Deming, New Mexico, which offers basic amenities like gas stations and grocery stores. It's about a 15-20 minute drive from the park.
Spring Canyon is a separate day-use area a few miles away. Follow the signs from the main park entrance; it involves a short, more challenging hike.
The roads leading to and within Rockhound State Park are generally well-maintained and paved, making for easy access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Absolutely! Reservations are essential for camping at Rockhound State Park. It's a popular spot, so book well in advance to secure your site.
While specific entrance fees can vary, camping fees typically cover park access. It's always best to check the official New Mexico State Parks website for the most current pricing.
The park is generally open year-round, but specific hours for facilities like the visitor center or campgrounds may vary. Camping is available 24/7 with reservations.
Yes, you can visit the park for day use to explore the trails and collect rocks, but camping reservations are required for overnight stays.
Visitors are allowed to collect up to 15 pounds of rocks and minerals per person. Ensure you are collecting in designated areas only.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The park is famous for agates, quartz crystals, and fossils. Many visitors report finding unique and interesting specimens to take home.
The main trails accessible from the campground are described as moderate and rocky. Spring Canyon offers a shorter but more challenging hike.
Yes, visitors have reported seeing snakes on the trails, including gray-banded king snakes. Always be aware of your surroundings.
Campgrounds offer clean toilets, showers, water, and electricity hookups. There's also an RV dump station.
Absolutely! Being far from major cities, the park offers exceptionally dark skies, perfect for viewing stars, planets, and the Milky Way.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no restaurants within Rockhound State Park. You'll need to bring your own food and supplies or drive to Deming for dining options.
The closest town with dining options is Deming, New Mexico. It offers a few local eateries and fast-food chains.
Yes, most campsites are equipped for cooking. Campers typically bring their own grills, camp stoves, and food supplies.
Yes, Deming has grocery stores where you can stock up on supplies before heading into the park.
Pack non-perishable items, snacks, and plenty of water, as amenities are limited within the park itself.
📸 📸 Photography
The sweeping desert mountain vistas, dramatic sunsets, and clear night skies are prime subjects. The unique rock formations also make for interesting shots.
Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for landscapes. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing rock details.
Yes, but be respectful and maintain a safe distance. Keep an eye out for birds, reptiles, and other desert creatures.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a macro lens can capture the intricate details of collected rocks. A tripod is essential for night photography.
Generally, no. However, always be mindful of other visitors' privacy and follow any park guidelines.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💎 Rock Enthusiasts & Collectors
🌌 Stargazers & Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of Rockhounding
Many visitors find the rock collecting aspect to be the highlight of their trip. The thrill of discovery, combined with the knowledge that you can keep your finds, adds an extra layer of excitement to exploring the park's terrain. It's a perfect activity for families, turning a simple hike into a treasure hunt. The variety of rocks available means there's always something new to discover, even for repeat visitors.
Exploring the Trails and Scenery
For those seeking a bit more challenge, the Spring Canyon area provides a steeper, more demanding trail. Regardless of the path chosen, the vistas are consistently praised for their beauty, especially during sunrise and sunset when the desert colors are at their most vibrant. The peaceful solitude of the trails allows for a truly immersive experience in the Chihuahuan Desert environment.
Camping Under the Stars
Campground hosts are noted for being friendly and helpful, contributing to the overall positive experience. The quiet atmosphere, coupled with the stunning views of both the desert landscape and the celestial canopy, creates a truly memorable camping adventure. Due to its popularity, securing reservations well in advance is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit