Best Glamping near El Paso, TX

This park has achieved legendary status within the climbing community. Located 45 minutes outside of El Paso, many climbing-bum, dirt-bag, vans have parked here to send a few of its more notable bouldering “problems” and climbing routes. We saw more than a few of these great adventure rigs while there. 

We had no idea about the daily permit situation when we pulled off the highway and drove the 8 miles to “check it out.”  The ranger at the front gate handled the traffic coming into the park like a pro, even though there were a fair share of impatient people "who didn't understand the hold up, dude."  And, he offered to call the office for us to see if there was a camping spot for the night.  There was, and they saved it for us...and we stayed for 3 days!  It pays to be kind and patient.

The granite like domes within this state park are covered with pre-historic, and more modern, pictographs, indicating that this area was legendary long before anyone decided to hook a chalk bag to their back pocket and squeeze their feet into tiny rubber shoes. The park protects these sites and limits the number of people accessing the “mountain” on a daily basis, even without a pandemic. 

Much of the park is completely off-limits without a permitted guide service. All of these protections are designed to maximize use while minimizing damage to this incredible record of human history. The campsite is quiet, and tucked away in a corner of the park far from the more popular areas, under the backdrop of gorgeous rock. The bathrooms were clean and offered one of the more satisfying shower experiences of any campground in America.  There are electrical hookups at some sites, but if you bring your solar panel you can camp at this beautiful campground for just $12 a night in one of their non-electric spots.

Daily hiking options are as numerous as the bouldering sites scattered throughout the North Mountain. Weaving your way through to the summit of the mountain is an adventure in and of itself. One unique feature of the park is that the gate closes at 6pm, to protect the archeological treasures, but it can be an inconvenience for campers.  Plan accordingly.

El Paso is about 40 miles away and is the closest place to purchase gas, food, etc.

This is an amazing park. So many pictographs to find. This is a busy area for climbing/bouldering in the cooler months. Since this is a historical, archaeological, sacred area there are some extra rules to follow. Everyone must watch an informative video on the park and some areas are restricted. Campsites are relatively small but most have a picnic area, tent pads, and a driveway. Some sites are water and electric and some water only. Lots of wildlife in the park. About 15-20 minutes to major stores and restaurants. Lots to do in El Paso area. About 2 hours to Carlsbad or White sands. Negative note bathrooms are older and basic. Basically no shade at campsites. Cell service not great in camp area but rest of park was good for Verizon.

My husband grew up in El Paso and came here as a kid, so we decided to stop for a night on our way through the area. They only allow 70 people through a day, so it is not crowded at all. There is an area for self guided tours & an area only for guided tours. We stayed in the campground and did the self guided hike the first day, then decided to book a tour for the next day. Both were well worth doing and the guided tour was only $5 p/person and lasted about 3 hrs. We only intended to stay one night, but just as the tour ended a wicked sand storm moved in, so we asked if we could stay another night. The staff was very understanding and knew it was not safe to send us out in that. They had a spot they reserve for emergencies and put us there. We were very grateful as they shut down parts of I-10, which is where we were headed. The campground sites are pretty level, have electric & water. However, when we were there they asked to conserve as much water as possible & even use our own if possible. There were restrooms, but we did not use them so cannot comment. Very unique place, definitely worth the visit.

This 55+ park is in town so close to shopping. Good view of Organ Mountains. Park is clean and well maintained. Residents and staff were friendly. Being in town there is some road noise and also noise from neighboring business near the loading docks. Rates were$55/night. All sites are gravel with full hook ups with some pull thru. Even though this is 55+ children and grandchildren are welcome. 

Other useful info:

30/50 amp 

Cable/WiFi 

AARP, AAA, Good Sam, Escapees, FMCA discounts 

Laundry Bathrooms/showers 

Clubhouse with kitchen

Game and DVD library

Billiards, ping pong table, ;pickle ball and croquet

Dog park