Hueco Tanks State Park Campground

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.

Hueco Tanks is truly a sacred place and the campground is serene. You enter Hueco Tanks knowing it’s something special, knowing it’s something special both culturally and physically. Humans have lived here for centuries due to the natural holes that hold rain water in the stone, and the Boulder caves that create natural shelters. We took the guided hike with the interpretive ranger (Nicole) and she was FABULOUS. We learned so much about the people’s who lived here before and their petroglyph art. We also learned that Hueco Tanks is a world-class bouldering site. The campground was small (20 spots) and lovely. We stayed here in April 2021 camping in our sprinter van at a site with electric hookups. Beautiful views, boulders, nature. Good privacy between sites. Sunrise was serene, feeling at one with nature and all who came before us in this special spot. When we were there is was quite chilly with strong winds - which made it hard for me some young campers who were staying at another site in tents. Even in our camper van we felt the jolt of the wind. That may have been an aberration or may be a regular thing. Beautiful, special spot. Highly recommend it.

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 active and protected archeological site. About two or three miles before the park, you will be stopped and questioned regarding your intent. The attendant then radios the park registration desk to inform of your pending arrival. Once registered, you will be sent on to a 10 minute orientation delivered by a volunteer offering lots of information about the park.

The level gravel campsites are spaced well apart and have plenty of natural landscaping for privacy. The sites have cabanas over the picnic tables, nearby trash disposal and on site water and electric are available. The bathrooms with showers are well maintained and clean.

There are many hikes to interesting archeological sites and unique geological formations, but (understandably) dogs are not allowed on those trails. There is, however, a trail that circumvents the park where dogs are allowed. The park has many day visitors who come to hike the well maintained, rocky trails.

My original intent was to spend just one night, but I stayed for three. January, 2021.