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City of Rocks State Park Camping Featured Image with red van parked in a camping spot with boulders all around

Last Updated on 30 July, 2026 by Robyn Dockendorf

City of Rocks State Park in New Mexico is a one-square-mile scenic area of the Chihuahuan Desert. Intriguing rock formations jut upwards in an otherwise flat landscape, creating a ‘city’ of rocks, complete with natural streets and alleys created by these volcanic remnants.

If you’re traveling through New Mexico, this is one of those camping spots that’ll stick in your memories long after you’ve said goodbye to your campsite.

City of Rocks State Park camping can be done at any of the 54 available sites scattered between the rock formations. Most sites are drive-in, while others are tent-only. Ten of the sites have electric hook-ups.

Below, I’ll go over each campsite in brief detail. I’ll list its location, the maximum vehicle length limit, and how much privacy you’ll have compared to other sites.

This post includes affiliate links, but rest assured that we only recommend items we would use ourselves. If you choose to make a purchase, we receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. There are no sponsorships; this is just the truth about our favorite finds.

Map of all 54 sites: Click for details and directions!

Why Stay at City of Rocks?

Hiker on Table Mountain at City of Rocks

So, is it worth it to make a pit stop at City of Rocks? We think so! This place was otherworldly. According to recreation.gov, the rocks were formed around 34.9 million years ago, some of which are still 40 feet high.

The rocks formed after a volcanic eruption was eroded away, leaving behind nothing but the formations you see in the park.

So, what is so alluring about City of Rocks State Park camping? Well…

Unique and Private Campsites

Each campsite is unique, tucked away in the various rock formations, lending natural privacy and offering an exclusive experience that varies from campsite to campsite. 

Some sites have towering rock formations that offer natural shade and privacy from the road, while other camp spots are tucked far back from the road and require some maneuvering to squeeze between the formations.

No two camp spots are the same, making City of Rocks State Park camping one of the most unusual yet exciting stops in New Mexico!

Botanical Garden

City of Rocks State Park has a botanical garden that is a delight to walk around. Informational signs point out all the different types of plants that naturally thrive in the harsh desert environment.

Hiking

Several hiking trails totaling 5.5 miles can be found around the State Park. Most trailheads are within walking distance of all the campsites, making them convenient and enjoyable while camping at City of Rocks.

Table Mountain is a summit hike that ends at a sweeping vista showcasing the surrounding mountains and open desert landscape.

Check out our day hiking gear list to make sure you have everything you need to conquer the trails!

Observatory

The Gene and Elisabeth Simon Observatory is located centrally in the park and is a fantastic place for stargazing. Programs like star parties and planet walks take place at the observatory for campers.

Showers

If you’re a vanlifer like us, you probably get excited at the prospect of staying in a campground that has running water and showers. City of Rocks has showers and running water, making any stay convenient and clean!

Pet-Friendly

Dog sitting on a bench on top of Table Mountain at City of Rocks State Park

If you love bringing your furry companions along for the adventure, you’ll be happy to know that City of Rocks State Park camping is very welcoming to pets! They can hang out at your campsite, go on a hike on any trail, and wander through the rock formations!

City of Rocks is also a great camping spot for those with reactive dogs. The campsites are spaced out, and views to other sites are blocked by the boulder formations, offering your doggo a peaceful experience without any triggers.

Our friendly guide on reactive dogs explores all the way to enjoy adventures with dogs that have all the feels.

City of Rocks State Park Camping: All 54 Sites

The park is laid out in a large loop, with another small loop at the northern end. The road is gravel and well-maintained, allowing any type of vehicle to pass with ease.

Quick facts:

  • Camping fees:
    • Electric:
      • New Mexico (NM) Resident: $30
      • Non-resident: $35
    • Non-electric Developed Sites:
      • NM Resident: $15
      • Non-resident: $20
    • Primitive (tent camping):
      • NM Resident: $10
      • Non-resident: $15

Each campsite has a picnic table and a small grill. There is a 2-vehicle maximum at each site and a 7-person maximum.

Don’t forget these important camping staples!

Now, let’s take a look at each site and briefly go over the details!

01 Booties

City of Rocks State Park Camping: 01 Booties

Located closest to the visitor center, Booties is one of the first campsites you’ll see upon entering the park. Because of this, it can see more traffic than other sites, but the campsite is down a short driveway a little off the main road, offering some privacy.

02 Canes Venatici

02 Canes Venatici Campsite

Shortly after Booties is Canes Venatici. Despite being near the visitor center, there is a fair bit of separation between the campsite and the main road. 

03 Virgo

03 Virgo Campsite City of Rocks

Drifting even further from the main road is campsite 03 – Virgo. This site is tucked away between some rocks, offering privacy and a secluded feel that you don’t often get with a campground.

04 Cygnus

Campsite 4 City of Rocks

Campsites 4 & 5 are tucked way back in the rock formations, making them some of the best sites for seclusion.

05 Aquila

05 Aquila City of Rocks

This drive-in site is just a bit further back than Cygnus, offering some of the same seclusion and privacy while still being close to the visitor center, showers, and restrooms.

06 Lyra Vega Star

06 Lyra

Lyra Vega Star is located a fair distance from the main road. The picnic table and grill are tucked away behind rock formations. If you back your vehicle between the formations, it offers a lot of privacy and a fun stay.

07 Monoceros

07 Monoceros

Sites 7 & 8 are across from one another and have fewer rock formations than others, meaning they are more open. This is great if you have a solar system that needs to be charged up, but not the best if you’re looking for privacy and solitude.

08 Centaurus

08 Centaurus

Located across from Monoceros, Centaurus is about as far from the main road as you can get. The site itself is fairly exposed, so if you need to charge some solar panels, this is a great location.

09 Phoenix

9 Phoenix City of Rocks

Phoenix is located directly across from the electric sites and is fairly exposed with little to no shade. The site is larger than most, able to fit vehicles up to 50 feet in length.

10 Columbia

10 Columbia

Columbia has a decently long driveway off the main road and some rock formations to tuck a campervan or RV for some privacy. This site is located off on its own, making it a good spot if you don’t want neighbors.

11 Ursa Major (Walk-In Site)

11 Ursa Major Walk In

The Ursa Major campsite is walk-in only, meaning you cannot park an RV. It is for tent campers only who can carry their packs from the road to the campsite. Vehicles can be parked at the pull-off.

12 Corona Australis

12 Corona Australis

This is the site that we stayed in when we explored City of Rocks State Park camping. Despite being right off the main road, traffic was minimal, and the large rocks at the front of the road gave us plenty of privacy.

This site is pretty tight, so it’s best for small RVs, campervans, and car campers.

13 Corona Borealis

13 Corona Borealis
13 Corona Borealis

Corona Borealis has its picnic table and grill front and center against the main road. However, the parking situation is actually pretty private and secluded. Like Corona Australis, this site is meant for smaller RVs, campervans, and car campers.

14 Gemini

14 Gemini

This exposed site is right off the main road. It offers little privacy except if you hang out behind the campsite in the boulderfield. There’s a small path leading to some rocks that makes for a fun adventure for kids or curious pups.

15 Cepheus

15 Cepheus

Sites 15 through 19 are part of the Pegasus North Camp Area, which is the northern small loop at the campground. Cepheus is a large site that can accommodate bigger rigs and has a few rocks to add privacy from the road.

16 Cassiopeia

16 Cassiopeia

Like Cepheus, Cassiopeia can accommodate larger rigs up to 50 feet long. This corner site is close to a spur trail that leads to the main Hydra Trail.

15A

15A

We’re not really sure why this site didn’t get a name, but its sign simply says ‘15A.’ We’re also not sure why 15A comes after 16, but here we are! This small site sits on the other side of the spur trail from Cassiopeia and is only meant for car camping or very small rigs.

17 Cetus

17 Cetus

As you round the northern corner of the road, you’ll run into the Cetus campsite. It is a straightforward drive-in site that can accommodate larger rigs. Rock formations on either side offer privacy from other campsites.

18 Andromeda

18 Andromeda

Campsite 18 is a large pull-off that’s good for larger rigs. Rock formations surround the site on both sides and at the back of the campsite to offer privacy from other campsites. A spur trail leading to the Hydra Trail is located across the road from Andromeda.

19 Perseus

19 Perseus
19 Perseus

Perseus is another large site tucked back in the rock formations. It’s a cool spot for larger rigs that still offers privacy from other campsites. The vault toilets are a conveniently short walk from the campsite.

21 Draco

21 Draco 22 Equuleus 23 Delphinus 24 Hercules

Draco is tucked far back off the main road with rock formations lining the sides and back of the campsite to offer privacy. The City of Rocks Trails intersect at the back of the campsite, offering easy access to hiking and exploring.

22 Equuleus

Sites 22, 23, and 24 are fairly close to one another with an open space in between. All three sites are tucked back off the main road and close to hiking trails.

23 Delphinus

23 Delphinus

Sites 22, 23, and 24 are fairly close to one another with an open space in between. All three sites are tucked back off the main road and close to hiking trails. Delphinus is smaller compared to 22 and 24.

24 Hercules

24 Hercules

Sites 22, 23, and 24 are fairly close to one another with an open space in between. All three sites are tucked back off the main road and close to hiking trails.

25 Crab

25 Crab

Crab is a very small pull-off that is completely exposed to the road with little privacy. It’s an easy in and out if you’re only staying for one night and can accommodate medium to large rigs.

26 Pices

26 Pisces

Like Crab, Pisces is another pull-off right off the main road. The site offers little privacy from the road but has plenty of shade with a large tree right in the middle of the picnic area.

28 Capricornus

28 Capricornus

Located on the west side of the loop road, Capricornus is nestled behind one big boulder that offers some privacy from the road. Behind the campsite are miles of open desert plains with a few small mountains.

29 Aries

29 Aries

Aries is pretty exposed to the road, but the site itself is nestled within boulders and trees that offer plenty of shade on hot summer days. The pull-off is an easy drive-in site, making it a good spot for larger rigs that just want to pull in, set it, and forget it.

30 Triangulum

30 Triangulum

Campsite 30 is tucked a little ways off the main road, offering campers some privacy and solitude. Boulders at the back and side of the site make it even more secluded while still being close to the main road and the pit toilets, which are right across from Aries.

Triangulum is a slightly smaller site than some of the others on our list.

30A

30A

Like 15A, we’re not really sure why this site doesn’t have a name! Regardless, 30A is nestled in a field of boulders. The picnic table is placed beneath a shade tree, making this a comfortable, cozy campsite that is an easy pull-off right from the main road.

31 Serpens Cauda

31

Sites 31 & 32 are fairly close to each other, but both are tucked back away from the main road. These would be great sites for friends or big families, as you can occupy both sites and be close together.

However, if you’re looking for a private campsite, this isn’t the best choice. The site is also very small, with a max vehicle size of only 15 feet.

32 Opiuchus

32 da Ophiuchus

Sites 31 & 32 are fairly close to each other, but both are tucked back away from the main road. These would be great sites for friends or big families, as you can occupy both sites and be close together.

Opiuchus can accommodate larger vehicles up to 40 feet in length, making it a better choice than site 31 for bigger rigs.

33 Serpens Capup

33 Serpens Capup

Serpens Capup is a very simple pull-in site with complete exposure to the road and no boulders for privacy. It’s a good site for a one-night stay but not the best if you’re looking for a roomy site with privacy.

The site is tight with little room to maneuver around a camper. You either have to pull in or back in.

34 Lacerta

34 Lacerta

Lacerta is another exposed site right off the loop road, but it is larger with a lot more room to maneuver a vehicle around. There is also a large tree over the picnic table to offer shade. Still, there is little privacy at this site unless you park your vehicle so it is blocking the view of the road.

35 Camelopardalis

35 camelopardalis

A small driveway leads this site away from the main road and back into some privacy. A few boulders are scattered around the campsite to lend some seclusion. The site is a little tight and only recommended for vehicles 30 feet or smaller.

36 Walk-in Site

36 Walk-in Site

Site 36 is a walk-in site that is only meant for tent campers. There is a small pull-off along the road where you can park your vehicle and then walk to the campsite. The site is nestled within the boulder formations, lending privacy and seclusion.

37 Sagitta

37 Sagitta

Site 37 and 38 are right across from each other. Sagitta is on the west side of the road, and while it’s a simple pull-off, the picnic table is tucked behind a large boulder that blocks the road, making it an ideal spot.

This site can only accommodate vehicles 15 feet and smaller, so car campers and campervans will do best in this spot as opposed to RVs.

38 Sagittarius

38 Sagitarius

Right across the road from Sagitta is site 38, Sagittarius. This site has a small driveway to the site and even bends around slightly behind some boulders to offer seclusion. Site 38 is larger than 37, able to accommodate vehicles 40 feet and smaller.

39 Vulpecula

39 Vulpecula

Like many of the sites at City of Rocks State Park, Vulpecula has a short driveway that tucks it back away from the main loop road. This particular campsite can be accessed from two different points along the road, with one entrance on either side of the vault toilets.

40 Leo

40 Leo

Unlike most of the campsites on our list, Leo is non-reservable, meaning it is first-come, first-served. There are a few developed campsites like this in the park, including sites 7, 20, and 40-45.

Leo has a nice little driveway with a curve to lend some privacy amongst the boulders. It also has a raised picnic and tent pad area with stairs, so keep that in mind if you’re searching for an accessible site.

41 Leo Minor

41 Leo Minor

Leo Minor is a small pull-off that is exposed to the road. The raised picnic area is right up against a large rock formation, offering shade on hot summer days. Small RVs, campervans, and car campers will fit right in at this site.

43

Site 43

Site 43 is located behind Campsite 44, Libra. This obscure campsite is off the main road and surrounded by boulders. It’s an excellent spot if you’re looking for seclusion; just note that you’ll have to drive by campsite 44 to get to it.

44 Libra

44 Libra

Libra is a simple pull-in site with an elevated picnic area and tent pad. It is exposed to the road with little shade except for a boulder or two at certain times of the day. It’s great for tent campers who want to conquer nearby trails, but not best for those staying longer or wanting privacy.

45 Grus

45 Grus

The final non-electric developed site on our list is Grus. Site 45 is located directly across from site 44 with an elevated tent pad and a few scattered boulders. Grus is right next to the Botanical Garden, which is great for exploring all the native desert plants.

Electric Sites (E1 through E10)

Electric Sites City of Rocks
Electric Sites close-up

There are a total of 10 electric sites at City of Rocks State Park camping. Each site is equipped with a sheltered picnic area, fire pit with grate, a garbage can, water hookup, and a 30-amp electric hookup.

That’s it for the 54 City of Rocks State Park camping sites! Now, let’s talk about one of our favorite subjects: pets! 

City of Rocks State Park Camping with Pets

City of rocks state park camping with pets with an adventure cat running around the boulders

City of Rocks State Park is very pet-friendly! Pets are allowed almost everywhere in the park:

  • All trails
  • Campgrounds
  • Boulder areas
  • Roadways

The only place you can’t bring your pup is inside the visitor center (except for service animals)

We brought our 3-legged dog, Pawdrick, to the park, and he loved lying in the shade of the boulders, exploring the trails, and sniffing new desert plants he’d never seen before (and marking his territory, of course!).

Pet Safety at City of Rocks

City of Rocks is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of New Mexico. Here, you’ll find various hazards for your pup, from prickly cactus spines to venomous snakes. 

Here are some safety tips for pets at City of Rocks:

  • Get walks in early and late: High temperatures in the Chihuahuan Desert mean morning and evening walks are best, and midday walks should be avoided.
  • Test rocks and pavement: Many of the campsites are tucked away in the boulder field, giving dogs a fun maze to run around in. Make sure the rock surfaces and any pavement are cool enough for your dog’s paws by placing your hand on it: if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for dog paws.
  • Bring extra water: Give your dog plenty of water to help them cool off in the hot desert sun.
  • Prickly stuff: Prickly pear and cholla cacti are present in many parts of the park. Keep your dog on a leash and consider putting booties on them to protect their paws.
  • Wildlife: Javelinas, mountain lions, coyotes, and rattlesnakes may all be present in the park. Protect your pup by keeping them on a leash and never leaving them unattended.

Looking for the best leash for hiking dogs? Head over to our top 10 picks for best leashes for adventurous pups!

Which Campsite Should You Choose?

Camping sites at City of Rocks State Park

With 54 sites to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to find the best campsite for your specific setup. Below are some quick breakdowns of which sites are best for specific setups at City of Rocks State Park camping.

SiteMax Rig Length (ft)Best ForPrivacyShadeHookupsNotes
01 Booties30Vans, small RVsModerateLowDryClose to visitor center; short driveway offers some separation.
02 Canes Venatici40Medium rigsModerateLowDryNear visitor center but set back from road.
03 Virgo30Vans, small RVsHighMediumDryTucked between rocks; very secluded.
04 Cygnus30Vans, small RVsHighMediumDryDeep in rock formations; very private.
05 Aquila40Medium rigsHighMediumDrySecluded but close to restrooms and showers.
06 Lyra Vega Star40Medium rigsHighMediumDryBack-in between rock formations for lots of privacy.
07 Monoceros40Medium rigsLowHighDryOpen site; great for solar.
08 Centaurus40Medium rigsLowHighDryVery exposed; excellent solar access.
09 Phoenix50Large rigsLowLowDryBig, exposed site across from electric loop.
10 Columbia40Medium rigsHighMediumDryLong driveway; off on its own with few neighbors.
11 Ursa Major (Walk-In)0Tent onlyHighMediumDryWalk-in tent site; vehicle parking at pull-off.
12 Corona Australis25Small RVs, vans, car campersHighMediumDryTight site; rocks provide privacy despite road proximity.
13 Corona Borealis25Small RVs, vans, car campersModerateLowDryPicnic area exposed; parking is more private.
14 Gemini40Medium rigsLowLowDryExposed; small path into boulderfield behind site.
15 Cepheus50Large rigsModerateLowDryLarge site with some rocks for privacy.
16 Cassiopeia50Large rigsModerateLowDryCorner site near spur trail to Hydra Trail.
15A15Car campers, very small rigsLowLowDryTiny site on other side of spur trail.
17 Cetus50Large rigsHighMediumDryDrive-in with rock formations on either side.
18 Andromeda50Large rigsHighMediumDryLarge pull-off surrounded by rocks; near Hydra Trail spur.
19 Perseus50Large rigsHighMediumDryTucked back in rocks; short walk to vault toilets.
21 Draco40Medium rigsHighMediumDryTucked far back; trails intersect behind campsite.
22 Equuleus40Medium rigsModerateLowDryClustered with 23 & 24; tucked off main road.
23 Delphinus20Small rigsModerateLowDrySmaller than 22 and 24; close to trails.
24 Hercules40Medium rigsModerateLowDryTucked back off road; near hiking trails.
25 Crab40Medium rigsLowLowDryVery small, exposed pull-off; easy in/out for one night.
26 Pisces40Medium rigsLowHighDryRoadside pull-off with large shade tree.
28 Capricornus40Medium rigsModerateLowDryBehind one big boulder; open desert views.
29 Aries40Medium rigsLowHighDryExposed to road but shaded by boulders and trees.
30 Triangulum30Small/medium rigsHighMediumDryTucked off road; boulders add seclusion; near pit toilets.
30A40Medium rigsModerateHighDryEasy pull-off; picnic table under shade tree in boulders.
31 Serpens Cauda15Vans, car campersLowLowDryVery small; close to site 32.
32 Opiuchus40Medium rigsModerateLowDryLarger of the pair; tucked back from road.
33 Serpens Capup40Medium rigsLowLowDrySimple, tight pull-in; fully exposed to road.
34 Lacerta40Medium rigsLowHighDryExposed but roomy; large shade tree over picnic table.
35 Camelopardalis30Small/medium rigsModerateLowDrySmall driveway; scattered boulders for some privacy.
36 Walk-In0Tent onlyHighMediumDryWalk-in tent site nestled in boulder formations.
37 Sagitta15Car campers, campervansModerateMediumDrySimple pull-off; picnic table tucked behind large boulder.
38 Sagittarius40Medium rigsHighMediumDrySmall driveway bending behind boulders for seclusion.
39 Vulpecula40Medium rigsModerateLowDryShort driveway with two entrances; tucked away from loop road.
40 Leo25Small RVs, campervans, car campersModerateMediumDryNon-reservable; curved driveway; raised picnic/tent pad with stairs.
41 Leo Minor25Small RVs, campervans, car campersLowHighDrySmall pull-off; raised picnic area against rock for shade.
4325Small RVs, campervans, car campersHighMediumDryObscure site behind 44; surrounded by boulders; very secluded.
44 Libra25Small RVs, campervans, tentsLowLowDrySimple pull-in; elevated picnic/tent pad; exposed to road.
45 Grus25Small RVs, campervans, car campersLowLowDryAcross from 44; elevated tent pad; next to Botanical Garden.
E1–E10 (Electric Loop)40–50Medium & large rigsModerateMediumElectric + Water30-amp electric, water hookup, sheltered picnic area, fire pit, garbage can.

Best for Large RVs/Big Rigs (45-50 ft)

  • Phoenix (09)
  • Cepheus (15)
  • Cassiopeia (16)
  • Cetus (17)
  • Andromeda (18)
  • Perseus (19)
  • Electric Sites (E1–E10)

Best for Privacy & Seclusion

  • Virgo (03)
  • Cygnus (04)
  • Lyra Vega Star (06)
  • Columbia (10)
  • Draco (21)
  • Sagittarius (38)
  • 43 (hidden site)

Best for Solar Charging

  • Monoceros (07)
  • Centaurus (08)
  • Gemini (14)
  • Crab (25)

Best for Tent Campers

  • Walk‑ins: 11, 36
  • Libra (44)
  • Leo (40) if accessibility is okay

City of Rocks State Park Camping: Wrap-Up Session

Camping in the beautiful desert setting of City of Rocks State Park is an experience like no other. Gorgeous desert landscape goes on for miles all around this extraordinary boulderfield left behind after a volcanic eruption.

If you plan to camp at City of Rocks, there are 54 sites to choose from, ranging from walk-in, tent-only sites to electric hook-up and everything in between. Some sites are tucked away in the rock formations while others are an easy in-and-out right off the loop road.

No matter which campsite you choose, remember to enjoy yourself, breathe deep, look at the night sky, and give your furbag an extra pet. And for more travel articles like this one, check out the Dirtbags with Furbags blog!

Robyn and Jarrod with Pawdrick at Table Mountain at City of Rocks State Park in New Mexico
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Robyn Dockendorf

Robyn has been hiking for over twenty years, and has shared many trails with her faithful four-legged pals. From mountain summits at 14,000 feet in Colorado to exploring the swamps in Congaree National Park to the high desert mountains of New Mexico, she’s experienced nearly every environment possible while hiking. Robyn has a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science and uses her knowledge of the environment while hiking to understand her surroundings and stay safe while adventuring with her husband and canine companions.

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