Petroglyph enthusiasts and history buffs will find Three Rivers Petroglyph Site offers rare access to over 20,000 ancient rock carvings alongside basic camping facilities. This BLM campground sits three miles off the highway on a gravel road in good condition, positioning campers within walking distance of both the main petroglyph trail and reconstructed Jornada Mogollon pit homes.
The camping area centers around a large gravel lot with sites spread across open desert terrain. Two RV sites feature electric and water hookups for $18 per night, while eleven dry camping spots cost $7 nightly. Five tent sites include elevated tent boxes, and Roger W. notes that "Sites 1 and 2 set off from the rest and are the best sites" for those wanting more separation from the main camping area. A group site accommodates larger parties with three picnic tables under a shelter.
The main petroglyph trail requires moderate hiking ability with steep sections in places. Rachel advises to "bring lots of water as this is Chihuahuan Desert" and recommends hiking boots due to sharp mesquite thorns. Dogs must stay leashed in the campground and cannot access the trails. The easier Village Trail begins in the campground and crosses the road, showcasing three reconstructed pit homes on a flat quarter-mile loop.
Clean flush toilets and drinking water serve the campground, though campers should filter the water. No dump station exists on-site, with the nearest located at Valley of Fires in Carrizozo. The campground operates first-come, first-served with helpful hosts managing the electronic check-in system. Wind can be significant, and weather changes quickly in this desert environment between the Sacramento and White Mountains.
Description
The Three Rivers Petroglyphs are outstanding examples of prehistoric Jornada Mogollon rock art. The basaltic ridge rising above the Three Rivers Valley contains over 21,000 petroglyphs, including masks, sunbursts, wildlife, handprints, and geometric designs. The number and concentration of petroglyphs make this one of the largest and most interesting rock art sites in the Southwest. A rugged 0.5-mile trail begins at the visitor shelter and links many of the most interesting petroglyphs. Another short trail begins on the east side of the picnic area and leads to a partially excavated prehistoric village. The Three Rivers Petroglyph Site is one of the few locations in the Southwest set aside solely because of its rock art. It is also one of the few sites giving visitors such direct access to petroglyphs. The number and concentration of petroglyphs here make it one of the largest and most interesting petroglyphs sites in the Southwest. More than 21,000 glyphs of birds, humans, animals, fish, insects and plants, as well as numerous geometric and abstract designs are scattered over 50 acres of New Mexico's northern Chihuahuan Desert. The petroglyphs at Three Rivers, dating back to between about 900 and 1400 AD, were created by Jornada Mogollon people who used stone tools to remove the dark patina on the exterior of the rock. A small pueblo ruin is nearby and Sierra Blanca towers above to the east. A detailed petroglyph guide is available at the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundThree Rivers Petroglyph Site is located in New Mexico
Directions
The site is located 17 miles north of Tularosa, NM, and 28 miles south of Carrizozo, NM on U.S. 54. Turn east from U.S. 54 at Three Rivers onto County Road B30 and travel five miles on paved road, following signs.
Coordinates
33.34749023 N
106.01462575 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 21 usersLast on 4/30/26
VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 26 usersLast on 4/30/26
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/30/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 21 usersLast on 4/30/26
- VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 26 usersLast on 4/30/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/30/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 43 min from Las Cruces, NM
- 1 hr 50 min from El Paso, TX
- 2 hrs 37 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 3 hrs from Santa Fe, NM
