Painted Rock Petroglyph Site and Campground
S
Reviewed Feb. 9, 2022

Don't come for the petroglyphs, but stay for the campsite

Being from New Mexico, the few petroglyphs are a big yawn, especially given the amount of defacement and graffiti. But if you're looking for large, fairly separated, easy-in, easy-out RVing or tenting – cheap – this is the place. I arrived about 4:30am and waited in the entrance parking area until the hosts got up and around. They were very friendly and helpful. The fees seem to be inconsistently documented ... the sign on the entrance map says $8 to overnight, then there's another sign that adds $2 for a day fee. But the host only asked me for $4, which included a 50% discount for a senior America the Beautiful pass. Some of the sites can be reserved, but most are first come, and there's no real difference in desirability.

The sites are HUGE compared to the few other campgrounds I've stayed at. They vary in size and usable space, but they do have concrete benches/seats and a fire pit. There are two restrooms at the entrance (one M, one W), plus at the far end there's a one-hole  vault.

The reviews that comment on the lack of shade have obviously been there on a day like I was there ... this is early February. The day I arrived and the morning I left there was a combined total of ZERO clouds ever in the sky. How brutal is the sun? The air temp during the afternoon was in the mid-upper 60s; a temp gauge I brought recorded 91 in my tent sitting on a table near the corner with the two-sides both getting direct sunlight all day. I put it in the middle of the floor and it dropped to 83. When the sun set it was probably low 60s, but dropped to 37 when I got up at 6:30a to check it. This is the place for an awning or anything that makes shade.

Site28
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Painted Rock Petroglyph Site and Campground by Steve S., February 9, 2022
  • Review photo of Painted Rock Petroglyph Site and Campground by Steve S., February 9, 2022
  • Review photo of Painted Rock Petroglyph Site and Campground by Steve S., February 9, 2022