Franklin Mountains State Park Campground offers dry camping with limited amenities in a desert mountain landscape. Located on the northern edge of El Paso, the park features tent and RV campsites distributed across a rocky terrain with varying levels of privacy. Most sites have picnic tables with sun awnings, but lack utilities beyond electric hookups at a few RV sites. The campground's high desert setting provides expansive views of the El Paso region while maintaining proximity to urban conveniences.
What to do
Hiking trails with diverse difficulty levels: Franklin Mountains State Park Campground trails range from beginner-friendly paths to challenging routes with loose scree. "Take hiking poles. Not sure what mtn bike trails are like, so check specific reviews for them. Visitor center has very cool 3d map of area," notes Mark M., who recommends the Aztec Cave and Cottonwood Springs hikes.
Desert wildflower viewing in spring: For a seasonal experience at Franklin Mountains State Park Campground, time your visit for the spring bloom. "The spring has poppies covering the mountain," shares Chelsea O. This colorful display typically occurs after winter rains, creating stark contrast against the desert landscape.
Educational tours at historic sites: Hueco Tanks State Park Campground offers guided archaeological tours of pictograph sites for just $5 per person. "We 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," reports Moe F., who extended their stay to explore more.
What campers like
Desert isolation without long drives: Gleatherland provides access to remote desert camping just minutes from Hueco Tanks State Park. "Only five miles from Hueco Tanks SP. Has all the amenities, tons of primitive campsites, RV sites (electric/gray water & potable water hookups), yurt rentals and camp trailer rentals," says Charlie O., who appreciated the $5 per person nightly rate for primitive sites.
Secure camping with controlled access: Fort Bliss RV Park offers military personnel a well-maintained, secure camping environment. "We stayed for 3 nights at Fort Bliss and just Wow!!! It has to be one of the best RV parks we have stayed so far," shares David T., who highlighted amenities like "great spots, great pricing ($25-$35 a night), laundry mat ($1 wash, $1 dry), dog run, big grass area to play, family group hall."
Mountain views with minimal crowding: Aguirre Spring Campground provides secluded camping with panoramic desert vistas. "Great sites with close and clean toilets. We found a few level spots that would work for rooftop tents, but most spots seemed a little rocky and uneven for tents," notes Kara S., who also mentions a "lovely 4 mile hike that loops up in the mountains by the sites."
What you should know
Campground access restrictions: Hueco Tanks State Park limits daily visitors and requires orientation. "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," explains Moe F., adding that "the staff was very understanding" when weather conditions forced them to extend their stay unexpectedly.
Limited or no services: Many campgrounds near Fort Bliss have minimal amenities. At Franklin Mountains State Park Campground, Eduardo A. notes "No amenities like electricity, water or dump stations. Great for walking, cycling, birding. The only camping sites in the metropolitan area in Texas." Similarly, Mark M. mentions at Aguirre Spring Campground, "Water available at host site near gate before driving about 4 or 5 mi to campsites."
Extreme weather considerations: The Fort Bliss area experiences intense heat, wind storms, and occasional monsoon rains. Lucy P. describes Franklin Mountains as "Very pretty, but tough camping. Parking for sites is SLANTED, very few flat! 1 bar Verizon. Gorgeous here but tough in a camper van. Also very windy." At Aguirre Spring, S E. warns about summer conditions: "The gnats are INSANE."
Tips for camping with families
Off-peak timing for better experience: Schedule family camping at Hueco Tanks State Park Campground during weekdays or non-holiday periods. "We happened to arrive on one of the rare rainiest days of the year. Almost every site was open except for 2-3 other campers," shares mads, which allowed them more flexibility with site selection.
Alternative accommodations: Consider glamping options for families new to desert camping. Jacob W. recommends Gleatherland's yurts: "We had a great time glamping in Yurt 1. What can I say? Good times. Great clean bathroom nearby. The Yurt had pretty much everything except a bathroom. Very comfy."
Nearby supplies access: Plan for easy resupply runs from most camping spots near Fort Bliss. Coy B. notes about Franklin Mountains, "Walmart 12 mins away," while at El Paso Roadrunner RV Park, Ashlee G. mentions they were "able to receive packages here which was nice."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for level parking: El Paso Roadrunner RV Park offers level sites with easy access. "The facility was well kept, spots were a little tight, but we had no issues with our slideouts touching the neighbors. The grounds were neat and clean and we had everything we needed," reports Danielle W., who found it suitable for a quick overnight stop.
RV size limitations: Check campground vehicle restrictions before booking. Chelsea P. warns about Franklin Mountains: "The rv parking is small only has 5 sites and no amenities. Be cautious if you have a big rig the spots are not very long and are pull in pull out. We stayed in spot 5 with our 36" and it worked for the one night but if park was full we would felt we where in the way."
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. Mark M. describes Aguirre Spring Campground: "BLM recommends nothing more than 23' long. Road IS narrow and winding and steep in place but pave and ONE way (don't turn wrong direction)." Similarly, Arthur K. notes about Sombra Antigua Winery: "The RV area is just a big parking lot with one electric hookup."
