Red Rock Park & Campground sits among dramatic sandstone cliffs near Church Rock, New Mexico, approximately 7 miles east of Gallup. The campground offers both RV and tent sites with water and electric hookups at $22-25 per night, while dry camping is available for about $14. The surrounding area features unique geological formations created through centuries of erosion, providing a distinctive backdrop for camping and outdoor activities.
What to do
Hiking trails: The Church Rock and Pyramid Rock Trails offer 3-3.5 mile round-trip routes with desert and red stone views. "Your surrounded by desert on one side and dark red stone on the other, very cool place and trails," notes Fain H. about Red Rock Park & Campground.
Attend local events: The park hosts Native American celebrations, rodeos, and seasonal events. "There are events at the open arena, featuring rodeos, Native American celebrations, and an annual balloon festival in early December. It's beautiful to watch the balloons float about the red rocks in the park," shares Jean C.
Rock climbing: Multiple sites allow for scrambling on the red rocks. "There are a lot of places to scramble on the rocks yourself," notes a camper who stayed during the balloon festival season.
What campers like
Accessible location: The campground provides convenient access for travelers along I-40. "Stayed here after a long day on the road for some shut eye. Booked online and confirmation was immediately sent via email that included the bathroom door code," reports Lauren W. about Red Rock Park & Campground.
Budget-friendly rates: The campground offers affordable camping options with basic amenities. "You get what you pay for. $22 for water and electricity is a bargain," writes Edie & Roy T., though they note facilities are outdated.
Convenient reservation system: Online booking is straightforward with quick confirmation. "The online booking was super easy. Almost immediately got conformation with site number and bathroom codes," shares john M., who found the process hassle-free.
What you should know
Site conditions: The camping area has dirt/sand sites that may affect equipment during windy periods. "Level dirt sites. Closer to each other but enough space to enjoy the scenery. During the windy season, the sand will blast you and all equipment (bring good tie downs)," advises Judes W. about Red Rock Park & Campground.
Bathroom access: The restroom facilities require a code that's provided during check-in. "Turns out their policy is that you get a key to the bathroom if you check in, and the office closes at 4:30pm," warns Chloe H., suggesting arrivals before office closing.
Campground capacity: During rodeo events or festivals, the campground fills quickly. "Make sure you call to check for availability, there is a rodeo arena near by and will fill up if there is a rodeo," recommends Robert A.
Tips for camping with families
Check nearby attractions: Consider day trips to regional points of interest. "The Petrified Forest is another 90 minutes down the road; El Morro National Monument, Acoma Pueblo, and El Malpais National Monument are a few of the interesting places to visit," suggests Jean C. about Bluewater Lake State Park Campground.
Water recreation: Families can enjoy lakefront activities at alternatives like Bluewater Lake. "Great state run campground with options from primitive to full hook ups at great prices. The primitive camping is all along the lake so you can park and walk right in with your canoe or SUP. Playground for the kiddos," notes Sara S.
Wildlife viewing: Some areas offer chances to see wild horses. "Wild horses roaming around the lake were also pretty cool," mentions Austin C., adding an element of natural discovery for children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV sites vary in levelness and hookup availability. "Nice host greeted us and explained where the best sites were for our very large 5th Wheel. The sites with power were already taken, but we can boondock and the pull-through sites were great," shares Grace D. about Bluewater Lake State Park Campground.
Hookup considerations: Not all sites offer full hookups. "We were in our RV so the codes were not needed. There is no camp host or office. Just go to your site and hookup. The site was clean with 50 amp power and water," explains john M., who found the RV dump convenient for flushing systems before departing.
Leveling requirements: Some sites require minimal leveling adjustments. "Water and electricity on our spot was fine, and only had to level 1 side," notes Edie & Roy T., indicating manageable setup for most rigs.
