With a name like Rockhound State Park, you know Peggy and I had to go there. If you don’t know, Peggy is a geologist by training and has quite the passion for earth-related things. Naming a state park Rockhound is just like the equivalent of naming something train or classic car and knowing that I’ll show up.

We stayed at Rockhound State Park on the last few days of our epic 2023-24 winter adventure that brought us through Arizona, Northern California, Arizona again, and back into New Mexico.

Rockhound State Park stands as a geological treasure trove, inviting nature enthusiasts, rock collectors, and outdoor enthusiasts to explore its unique terrain. Located just seven miles southeast of Deming, this state park offers a fascinating blend of natural beauty, diverse flora, and an abundance of collectible rocks and minerals.

Camping at Rockhound State Park

Something we’re finding more and more is the New Mexico has some pretty terrific state- and locally-managed RV campgrounds. This one was no exception.

There are sites with electric and water hook-ups for RVs and those with no included services. Like many state parks, this one features a communal dump station with all the facilities in place.

We stayed in site 19 which has water and 30 amp electricity. The sites here are absolutely huge - you could easily accommodate an RV and an army of tent campers in the site. Further, there is a steel picnic table on a concrete pad covered by a metal roof. It’s really nice. There was also a fire pit with grates for cooking and we even had our own small trash can which was checked each day we were there.

The sites are levelish and covered in pea gravel. They would easily accommodate even long RVs here with easy access to the sites as well.

There’s a visitor center with explanation of the animals, plants and rocks in the area with rocks being of particular interest given the name of the place.

The rocks of Rockhound State Park

Rockhound State Park is renowned for its diverse geological formations. The park's landscape boasts a stunning array of volcanic rocks, including agates, jasper, and geodes. You can explore the park's trails to discover a variety of rocks and minerals, each with its own distinct colors and patterns. The geological history of the region unfolds as you traverse the trails, providing a unique opportunity to witness the Earth's ancient processes.

In fact Peggy even got my lazy self to hike over a mile through the desert landscape along a very well-marked and well-maintained trail. According to my AppleWatch this was a 1.3 mile trek that took about an hour to accomplish with 242 foot elevation gain.

At several places along the trail there were metal benches including one at the top that offered really stunning views of the landscape along with a brief rest for my less-than-fit self to catch my breath and question some of my life decisions.

One of the primary attractions of Rockhound State Park is the opportunity for visitors to collect rocks and minerals for personal use. Unlike many other parks, Rockhound allows individuals to take up to 15 pounds of rocks per person per day.

Okay, seriously, what in the wide, wide world of sports are you going to do with 15 pounds of rocks per day? We did see another couple when we were on our hike who did have a five gallon bucket so, presumably, they were trying to catch their limit. Of rocks.

This policy encourages rockhounds of all levels to explore and appreciate the unique geological formations found within the park. Before heading out, it's advisable to check the park's regulations to ensure you are aware of any restrictions or guidelines for collecting.

Peggy was hoping to find a thunder egg which is geode but that’s solid inside instead of being hollow. Peggy already has cornered the market on the hollow ones but hasn’t found a geode in the wild.

Hiking Trails:

The park features several well-maintained hiking trails that wind through the rugged terrain, offering stunning views and opportunities for rock collecting. The Jasper Trail is a popular choice, taking hikers through a landscape dotted with vibrant red and green jasper.

The Thunder Egg Trail leads to an area where visitors can find geodes and thunder eggs, adding an extra element of excitement to the exploration. Each trail provides a different perspective of the park's geological wonders, making it an ideal destination for both casual hikers and avid rock collectors. I’m not sure who they think this casual hiker is, because the trail kicked my tail.

Flora and Fauna:

While the rocks and minerals steal the spotlight, Rockhound State Park is also home to a variety of plant and animal life adapted to the arid desert environment. Springtime brings a burst of wildflowers, transforming the landscape with splashes of color. Birdwatchers may spot a variety of species, including roadrunners, hawks, and various songbirds. Exploring the park provides an opportunity to appreciate the delicate balance between the geological features and the resilient life that thrives in this unique ecosystem.

My thoughts on Rockhound State Park

I really liked our stay here and would definitely come back. Sitting at the top of that Thunder Rock trail, the view is absolutely spectacular with craggy, sharp-edged mountains in the distance and wide open spaces all around.

Plus, if you like the kind of plants that you should never ever touch, there were a lot of them here and some were starting to bloom. The rains have been pretty steady so the cacti are pretty happy.

The entire property, including the bath houses, are really clean and very well kept. Rockhound State Park. is a nice place which seems to be consistent with all our stays on publicly-owned land here in New Mexico.