Hueco Tanks State Park And Historic Site

4.63

30 reviews

6900 Hueco Tanks Rd #1, El Paso, Texas, 79938, United States

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Texas#2 Spring Camping Texas Desert Camping Texas +4 more

Quick Facts

4,528 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Texas Parks and Wildlife Department site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,528 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Texas Parks and Wildlife Department site

Official Website

Get Directions

Hueco Tanks State Park And Historic Site

$0.00 - $7.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day use fee is $7 per person aged 13 and older. Texas State Park Pass holders pay no reservation or day-use fees, covering up to 15 people per...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.63

Top-Rated

Based on 30 reviews

21 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanshowers

"The campground is widely praised as 'the best' by multiple users, with emphasis on its natural beauty, cleanliness, and quiet atmosphere. Common highlights include excellent restroom and shower facilities, as well as the breathtaking views and privacy at campsites."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

6900 Hueco Tanks Rd #1, El Paso, Texas, 79938, United States

Hueco Tanks State Park And Historic Site

6900 Hueco Tanks Rd #1, El Paso, Texas, 79938, United States

Driving directionsFrom El Paso: Take Hwy 62/180 (Carlsbad Hwy, Montana Ave) East for 24 miles. Turn North on RR 2775 (at the Flying Saucer shaped building). Stay on RR 2775 to the Park Headquarters. There are signs showing where to turn onto RR 2775 from Hwy 62/180. From Houston: Take I-10 West to Van Horn. Take Hwy 54 North to Hwy 62/180. Turn West to RR 2775. Turn North (at the Flying Saucer shaped building on RR 2775). Stay on RR 2775 to the Park Headquarters. There are signs showing where to turn onto RR 2775 from Hwy 62/180.

The campground is accessible from paved highways (Hwy 62/180 and RR 2775). Signs guide visitors, and roads are open year-round, though late arrivals after office closure are not accepted.

Nearby places

El Paso (24 miles, approximately 30 minutes by car), Van Horn (approximately 120 miles, 2 hours by car).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in El Paso, approximately 24 miles away. A crash pad rental and coffee shop are located just 8 minutes from the trailheads.

Best Time to Camp at Hueco Tanks State Park And Historic Site

Experience the desert's dramatic seasonal personality at Hueco Tanks, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. From October through April, crisp winter nights dip to a refreshing 33°F, perfect for campfire gatherings, while pleasant days reach 56°F ideal for exploring ancient pictographs. As summer arrives from May to September, the desert truly comes alive with temperatures soaring between 85°F and 94°F, creating those magical golden hours at dawn and dusk when the rocks glow amber and wildlife emerges from daytime shelters.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.5 / 5

Hot desert summers and altered gate/hours May–Sep; comfort and activity options reduced.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 14% in TX

Peak season Oct–Apr; cooler weather and active guided tours make fall excellent.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 24% in TX

Spring offers pleasant weather, guided tours and excellent hiking/climbing conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 24% in TX

Crisp winter nights and active season, though campfires are restricted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: October through April is the peak season for guided tours and cooler weather.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round with varying gate hours based on season: October 1 - April 30, 8 AM to 6 PM; May 1 - September 30, 8 AM to 6 PM (Monday - Thursday), and 7 AM to 7 PM (Friday - Sunday). Late arrivals are not accepted.
Current Alerts: Late arrivals are strictly not allowed due to mandatory orientation requirements. Gates lock promptly at closing times.

About Hueco Tanks State Park And Historic Site

Nestled in the heart of the Chihuahuan Desert, Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site offers an intimate camping experience where ancient history meets modern comfort. This hidden gem features pristine facilities including heated restrooms and hot showers, all set against a backdrop of massive rock formations that have drawn climbers from around the world. Whether you're here to scale the legendary boulders, explore millennia-old rock art, or simply soak in the desert's profound silence, this meticulously maintained campground serves as your gateway to one of Texas's most extraordinary landscapes.

The campground caters to both tent and RV campers, with limited spots available (20 sites). Reviews mention good privacy and views, making it an appealing option for those seeking a quieter camping experience.

Historical SignificanceStep back thousands of years at Hueco Tanks, where massive rock basins have served as a vital water source and sacred gathering place for countless generations. The park's crown jewels are its extraordinary pictographs ancient artwork that adorns hidden rock shelters and tells stories of the people who once called this desert home. Join expert-led tours that unlock these prehistoric galleries, revealing vibrant masks, intricate designs, and mysterious symbols that have survived centuries in the desert sun, making every visit a journey through time.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the desert's dramatic seasonal personality at Hueco Tanks, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. From October through April, crisp winter nights dip to a refreshing 33°F, perfect for campfire gatherings, while pleasant days reach 56°F ideal for exploring ancient pictographs. As summer arrives from May to September, the desert truly comes alive with temperatures soaring between 85°F and 94°F, creating those magical golden hours at dawn and dusk when the rocks glow amber and wildlife emerges from daytime shelters.

ElevationNull

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape sculpted by time, where colossal syenite rock formations rise like ancient castles from the desert floor, creating a natural playground of hidden tanks, narrow passages, and secret alcoves. These weathered monoliths frame sweeping vistas of the Chihuahuan Desert, while closer inspection reveals a thriving ecosystem where desert cottontails dart between prickly pear cacti, javelinas forage in the early morning light, and sure-footed mountain goats navigate impossible ledges. Each sunrise and sunset transforms these rocks into a canvas of gold and crimson, offering photographers and nature lovers endless moments of desert magic.

Geological RegionDiscover the geological wonder of Hueco Tanks, where 34-million-year-old magma intrusions have created one of North America's most unique rock climbing destinations within the vast Chihuahuan Desert. These ancient syenite formations, weathered into fantastic shapes by millennia of wind and rain, harbor natural water catchments or 'huecos' that have sustained life in this arid landscape for thousands of years. The interplay between rugged geology and delicate desert ecology creates a rare environment where barrel cacti bloom beside prehistoric rock art, and where every boulder tells a story written in stone.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Campers must arrive by 5 PM or 6 PM on summer weekends
check-in includes orientation.

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Stay limits are not explicitly stated in the source material.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Group sizes of up to 15 are covered by the Texas State Park Pass.

Groups

No details about group sites provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutCampground consists of 20 sites, spaced for privacy, with proximity to restrooms noted as beneficial by some reviewers (Patricia Adkins).

Reservation PlatformsCall (512) 389-8911 for reservations. Online reservations for campsites and North Mountain permits are unavailable.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is limited; reservations are highly recommended. Visitors without reservations may be turned away even if sites are available.

Cancellation PolicyModify or cancel reservations as soon as possible to allow others to enjoy the park. Day-use reservations not claimed by 10 AM will be released without refund.

AccessibilityMandatory orientation on arrival, though specific features for disabilities are not outlined in the data.

Site Size: Limited details, but some reviews mention good privacy and adequate space.

PrivacyPrivacy is generally rated positively, with comments like 'I felt like I had a lot of privacy.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsites near the restrooms offer convenience and shade, as noted by Patricia Adkins.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Picnic tables

Water hookups

Activities you can enjoy

The park offers a variety of recreational activities, including guided tours, hiking, rock climbing, biking, bird watching, and stargazing. Rock climbing and historic pictograph viewing are particularly popular activities. Several reviewers highlight the breathtaking natural features and suggest that the park offers some of the most impressive climbs.

HikingNumerous hiking trails available. Guided hiking tours operate October through April at 9:30 AM and May through September at 8:30 AM. Trails are well-maintained and offer access to historic sites and climbs.

ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.

BikingSurfaced biking roads and trails are available. Further details about trail difficulty or distance are not provided.

Wildlife viewingWildlife, such as goats and rabbits, can be observed. One review mentions seeing javelinas on the road at night.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsGuided tours focusing on rock climbing, pictograph viewing, and bird watching are offered Wednesday through Sunday. These tours require reservations made at least a week in advance.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife such as rabbits, javelinas, and goats roam the area. Dry brush increases fire risks, so containerized fuel is mandatory. Roads are locked after hours, and late arrivals are denied entry.

Active AlertsLate arrivals are strictly not allowed due to mandatory orientation requirements. Gates lock promptly at closing times.

Fire PolicyOnly containerized fuels such as gas grills and stoves are allowed. Wood and charcoal fires are strictly prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Null

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are in El Paso, approximately 24 miles away, including hospitals, police stations, and fire services.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific details about trash and recycling facilities mentioned.

Water FeaturesNull

Camp HostNull

Weather at Hueco Tanks State Park And Historic Site

Reviews

4.6

30 reviews

Top-Rated

Hueco Tanks State Park And Historic Site is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is widely praised as 'the best' by multiple users, with emphasis on its natural beauty, cleanliness, and quiet atmosphere. Common highlights include excellent restroom and shower facilities, as well as the breathtaking views and privacy at campsites.

Review Summaries

Based on 30 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests consistently note the cleanliness of the bathrooms and showers, the scenic views, the quiet atmosphere, and the well-spaced campsites. One reviewer called it 'the best campground we have ever...

Based on 30 reviews

Common Concerns

Several users mention strict rules, such as needing to check in before 6 PM and the lack of campfires due to dry conditions. Another complaint is the limited number of restrooms and showers relative...

Based on 30 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to check in and attend the required orientation video. Bring appropriate clothing for winter visits as campfires are not permitted. For climbers, consider visiting the nearby Crash Pad...

Based on 30 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews emphasize the park's strict arrival policies, which users should plan around. In winter, layering is recommended due to the prohibition on campfires. The park's beauty and activities are...

Based on 30 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The bathroom is heaven. Clean, shower is hot, the bathroom is even heated.' 2. 'The campsite is very well kept, some of the nicest bathrooms I've seen camping.' 3. 'This is the best campground...

Based on 30 reviews