Faywood camping spots feature multiple terrain types within a compact geographic area, from the Mimbres River basin to Florida Mountains foothills. The elevation ranges from 4,500 to 5,500 feet, creating microclimates that influence camping conditions throughout the year. Spring visitors often encounter persistent winds that can affect tent camping, particularly at more exposed sites.
What to do
Rock exploration at City of Rocks: Spend hours climbing and exploring the unique volcanic formations. "You can spend hours exploring all the rocks," notes a visitor at City of Rocks State Park Campground. The park features named campsites based on constellations visible from each location.
Hiking trail networks: Access multiple connecting trails from campgrounds in the area. "There are trails that take you up into the rocks and into the desert," reports a camper about City of Rocks State Park. Railroad Canyon Campground offers "many trails to access the wilderness from, and a small creek running behind each of the three campsites."
Soak in hot springs: Reserve private hot spring sessions at Faywood Hot Springs. "DEFINITELY recommend booking a private hot spring tub after dark. The stars are INCREDIBLE. Tubs are the perfect temperature," shares a visitor at Faywood Hot Springs. Overnight guests can access 24-hour pools included with their stay.
Rockhounding: Search for geodes and thunder eggs at designated areas. "Only State park where you can dig for thunder, eggs, and gems wonderful information center to learn about hard rock geology," explains a camper at Rockhound State Park Campground.
What campers like
Spacing between sites: Non-electric sites at City of Rocks provide exceptional privacy. "Love how far each campsite is spaced out!" emphasizes one camper. Another notes the non-electric sites are "nestled among the rocks and spaced so far apart that for many of them, you don't even see your neighbors."
Dark sky viewing: The region offers exceptional astronomy opportunities away from light pollution. "Each site is named after a constellation you can see in the sky at night from the campground," shares an enthusiastic visitor to City of Rocks State Park Campground. Another camper calls it "very quiet, big sky!"
Geological features: The unique rock formations create memorable camping experiences. "Beautiful spot. Amazing rock formations. Probably one of the coolest campgrounds I have ever stayed at," says one City of Rocks visitor. At Rockhound State Park, campers note the "probably the most wild prickly pear cactus we've seen on mountainside."
Peacefulness: The remote location offers quiet camping experiences. "The park is far away from everywhere and offers a very quiet and peaceful experience," mentions a camper at City of Rocks. Sites at Railroad Canyon Campground are noted as "a 'little' more hidden from the road than other nearby campgrounds."
What you should know
Weather challenges: Wind conditions can significantly affect camping experiences. "Very unique landscape, great campsites but wow the wind was too much. We had friends go in spring who said it was windy and we went in mid May and it was the same story," warns a City of Rocks camper.
Water availability: Many campgrounds have limited or no potable water. The BLM dispersed camping near City of Rocks has no facilities or water sources. At City of Rocks, one visitor cautions about wildlife at water sources: "the bees take over the drinking water (if you turn it slowly, they don't seem to be bothered)."
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds require advance booking. "You have to have a reservation prior to arrival. And don't get confused and fill out the paper registration at the entrance. That is for day picnicking," advises a visitor to Rockhound State Park.
Wildlife awareness: Watch for native wildlife including snakes. "We almost stepped on a camouflage rattlesnake," reports one City of Rocks camper. Multiple campgrounds report frequent wildlife sightings.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly climbing at City of Rocks: The rock formations provide natural playground areas. "Our grandsons loved this place. We went without reservations so there was no open place but they allow the overflow to camp in the group sites if they are empty," shares a visitor to City of Rocks State Park.
Group site availability: Look for designated group camping areas. City of Rocks features "a really nice group site with large covered area" when camping with extended family or multiple families.
Cabin options for easier family stays: For families wanting more comfort, Faywood Hot Springs offers cabin accommodations. "Cheapest one is only $60 and comes with an hour long soak in a private pool which is otherwise $28 for one hour," explains a camper.
Educational opportunities: Visit interpretive centers to learn about regional geology. Rockhound State Park offers "nice visitors center and small gift shop" with information about the area's unique geological features.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for privacy: Choose non-electric sites for better spacing. "There is a mix of electric and non-electric sites; however, the electric sites are lined up like a typical RV park with no privacy. The non-electric ones are the gems in this state park," advises an RV camper at City of Rocks.
Leveling considerations: Some sites require effort to level larger rigs. At Rockhound State Park, visitors note "many nice large fairly level sites" while at City of Rocks, sites are "all dirt and some with a challenge to get level."
Overnight transit options: Use Deming RV parks as convenient interstate access points. Little Vineyard RV Park in Deming offers "large level pull throughs" with "super easy to book and check in. 30 amp, 50 amp service."
Internet connectivity: Cell service varies dramatically by location. "I have good cell service, and my home fi hot spot is working great," reports a camper at the BLM land near City of Rocks, while Little Vineyard RV Park notes "Starlink works great here!"
