Red Rock Park & Campground provides equestrian-focused facilities in a distinctive sandstone setting. The campground offers both dedicated horse areas and standard camping options with a mix of convenience amenities and primitive sites. Trail riders can access multiple routes directly from the campground, with trail lengths varying from 3-3.5 miles round trip. During rodeo events and equestrian competitions, the facility transforms into an active horse community with limited site availability, making advance planning essential for visitors with horses.
What to do
Hike the scenic trails: Multiple trail options originate from Red Rock Park, offering varied terrain and difficulty levels. "Church Rock Trial and Pyramid Rock Trail are both about 3 to 3 and a half miles round trip from the campground. Your surrounded by desert on one side and dark red stone on the other, very cool place and trails," notes Fain H. at Red Rock Park & Campground.
Attend seasonal events: The park hosts various cultural and recreational activities throughout the year. "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 and there are a lot of places to scramble on the rocks yourself," shares Jean C.
Water recreation: Nearby lakes provide alternatives to the desert landscape. At Bluewater Lake State Park Campground, "There is a nice beach as well as boating and fishing. The campground is broken up into a couple areas," according to Sara S., who called it an "oasis in the desert."
What campers like
Geological formations: The red sandstone formations create a dramatic backdrop for camping. "More a stopover Park, Red Rock is nestled amongst beautiful sandstone cliffs that are mesmerizing. There are full hook ups available, and bathroom/showers as well. Take a hike to Bell Rock, or gaze night skies," says Curtis B.
Sunset views: The desert landscape provides exceptional sunset viewing opportunities. Robert N. from Bluewater Lake State Park describes the experience: "It is after Labor Day, the Canyonside Campground is deserted except for myself. I can hear the breeze moving through the pinions. Beautiful New Mexico sunset."
Budget-friendly rates: Campers appreciate the affordable pricing for both basic and serviced sites. "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. One night total was $13.81. Can't beat that," reports Lauren W. about Red Rock Park.
What you should know
Facility access limitations: Bathroom access at Red Rock requires planning around office hours. "Turns out their policy is that you get a key to the bathroom if you check in, and the office closes at 4:30pm, so if you haven't arrived by then you are going to be looking for a place to squat," cautions Chloe H.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region feature uneven sites. At Bluewater Lake, "literally almost all of the sites are unleveled so it was hard to find the right fit but other than that, it's beautiful here! The lake is gorgeous, easy access and the sites are from above allowing a high view of the lake," says Shirlee A.
Seasonal water levels: Lake-based campgrounds experience significant water level fluctuations. "The lake's water was very low. Perhaps time of year. It appears to be a nice place for water sports. End of October had main facilities closed," notes Wayne H. about his experience at Bluewater Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. Sara S. mentions Bluewater Lake has a "Playground for the kiddos, lots of areas to explore with the puppers, and plenty of bathrooms and Ramadas available for day use."
Environmental considerations: The desert climate creates specific camping conditions to prepare for. "During the windy season, the sand will blast you and all equipment (bring good tie downs)," advises Judes W. about camping at Red Rock Park.
Water recreation options: Lakefront camping provides additional activity options for families. According to Sara S., at Bluewater Lake "The primitive camping is all along the lake so you can park and walk right in with your canoe or SUP."
Tips from RVers
Arrival timing matters: For the best experience, plan check-in during business hours. "Arrive before 4:30 to obtain the key to the rest room if needed. They don't provide much information at all on the website, you need to call to get it or just stop by," suggests Jean C. from her experience at Red Rock Campground.
Hookup availability: Serviced sites fill quickly, requiring advance planning. "We were looking for a site near Gallup NM to camp for a few days to checkout 4 corners and other places. The site was clean with 50 amp power and water, it also had a small BBQ, picknick table and was fairly level," reports John M. about Red Rock Park.
Site selection strategy: Look for pull-through options for larger rigs. Grace D. shares about Bluewater Lake: "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."
