If the call of the wild is growing louder, El Paso offers a unique blend of rugged desert landscapes, star-filled skies, and wide-open spaces perfect for road-tripping campers and RV travelers. This far-west Texas city is surrounded by scenic wilderness areas and well-equipped parks that offer an immersive outdoor experience—whether you’re in a tent, campervan, or full-size RV.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the top camping and RV park destinations near El Paso, ideal for anyone craving fresh air, nature trails, and peaceful nights under the stars. Whether you’re passing through on a long-haul journey or planning a weekend of unplugged serenity, these outdoor stays will make you fall in love with the desert’s raw beauty.
Why El Paso Is a Great Base for Outdoor Camping and RV Travel
El Paso’s proximity to the Franklin Mountains, Chihuahuan Desert, and Rio Grande valley makes it an ideal hub for camping and RV road trips. The area enjoys more than 300 sunny days a year and offers dramatic backdrops for hikers, bikers, birders, and stargazers.
Unlike more crowded parts of Texas, camping near El Paso often means true solitude—quiet campsites, peaceful trails, and wide views where the horizon seems to stretch forever. And thanks to well-maintained parks and BLM lands, both primitive and amenity-rich options are available for every type of traveler.
Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons, offering mild weather and blooming desert landscapes. So whether you’re traveling with a tent or a travel trailer, El Paso has the outdoor stay for your next adventure.
7 Best Camping and RV Parks Near El Paso
1. Franklin Mountains State Park – Tom Mays Unit
Just 15 minutes from downtown El Paso, this park is a haven for desert hikers and wildlife watchers. The Tom Mays unit includes developed campsites for tents and small RVs, plus trail access right from your site. Expect rocky terrain, scenic overlooks, and some of the best sunrises in Texas.
Address: Tom Mays Access Rd, El Paso, TX 79930
Hours: Daily, 8 AM–5 PM (camping available overnight with reservation)
Approx Cost: $8 per site + $5 entry fee per person
Famous For: Rugged trails, mountain views, and proximity to city amenities.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Reserve your spot early during spring and fall—this is El Paso’s most popular camping area.
2. Hueco Tanks State Historic Site
Ideal for campers interested in both history and nature, Hueco Tanks offers a few primitive campsites in a sacred landscape known for its rock art, bouldering, and desert beauty. Entry requires reservations, and guided tours are available for cultural insight.
Address: 6900 Hueco Tanks Rd No. 1, El Paso, TX 79938
Hours: Daily, 8 AM–6 PM
Approx Cost: $15–$20 per site + $7 entry fee
Famous For: Rock art, hiking, bouldering, and spiritual desert energy.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Book several weeks in advance—camping spots are limited and highly sought after.
3. Mission RV Park
For travelers seeking full RV hookups, amenities, and proximity to city comforts, Mission RV Park is a top pick. Located just off I-10, this clean, quiet park offers laundry facilities, restrooms, and a rec room.
Address: 1420 Rv Cir, El Paso, TX 79928
Hours: 24/7
Approx Cost: $40–$60 per night
Famous For: Convenient location, full-service hookups, and traveler-friendly amenities.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ideal for overnight stops and longer stays if you’re exploring El Paso without roughing it.
4. El Paso West RV Park
Nestled in the upper valley with great views of the Franklin Mountains, this park offers a quiet, laid-back vibe with level gravel pads, full hookups, and shade trees. It’s great for snowbirds and seasonal travelers looking to unwind near trails and shopping.
Address: 16590 Ashford St, Canutillo, TX 79835
Hours: 24/7
Approx Cost: $35–$55 per night
Famous For: Scenic views, friendly service, and well-maintained sites.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Request a site near the edge for more privacy and mountain views.
5. Anthony KOA Journey
Located north of El Paso near the Texas-New Mexico border, this KOA offers top-notch facilities including a pool, dog park, and shaded RV sites. It’s family- and pet-friendly with easy access to nearby wineries, trails, and day trips into Las Cruces.
Address: 900 Anthony Dr, Anthony, TX 79821
Hours: 24/7
Approx Cost: $45–$70 per night
Famous For: Full-service amenities, RV comfort, and family-friendly extras.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Use it as a base for exploring both El Paso and southern New Mexico attractions.
6. Leasburg Dam State Park (New Mexico)
About 45 minutes from El Paso, this scenic state park offers riverside camping with desert views and excellent stargazing. Campsites accommodate both tents and RVs, and you can hike along the Rio Grande or explore nearby Mesilla’s historic charm.
Address: 12712 State Park Rd, Radium Springs, NM 88054
Hours: Daily, Sunrise to Sunset
Approx Cost: $10–$18 per site
Famous For: Stargazing, riverside tranquility, and short scenic hikes.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Come during a new moon for dazzling skies—ideal for “desert stargazing road trips.”
7. BLM Dispersed Camping – Desert West of El Paso
For truly off-grid adventurers, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands west of El Paso offer dispersed camping opportunities. No facilities, no fees—just raw desert terrain, distant mountain views, and a silent night sky.
Address: West of El Paso, near NM-9 and Highway 338
Hours: Open 24/7
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Remote wilderness, solitude, and wide-open freedom.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Come fully self-contained, leave no trace, and carry all water. Great for vanlifers and “boondockers” seeking freedom.
Food Stops to Fuel Your Outdoor Adventure
1. Hillside Coffee & Donut Co.
A West El Paso favorite for early morning fuel. Their specialty coffee, craft donuts, and breakfast burritos are ideal before hitting the trail or setting up camp.
Address: 2260 N Zaragoza Rd, El Paso, TX 79938
Hours: Daily, 7 AM–3 PM
Approx Cost: $8–$15 per person
Famous For: Donuts, cold brew, and trail-ready breakfast bites.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Grab a burrito and extra donut holes to stash for your campsite snack.
2. L & J Café
This iconic El Paso spot near Concordia Cemetery is great for a hearty meal after a day of hiking. Their enchiladas, tacos, and margaritas are the stuff of borderland legend.
Address: 3622 E Missouri Ave, El Paso, TX 79903
Hours: Mon–Sat, 10 AM–9 PM
Approx Cost: $10–$20 per person
Famous For: Spicy salsa, enchiladas, and rich local history.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Call ahead for pickup and enjoy a warm meal at your campsite.
3. Ardovino’s Desert Crossing
Located near the Anthony KOA, this upscale rustic eatery offers weekend brunches and scenic patio dining. Great for a treat-yourself meal mid-road trip.
Address: 1 Ardovino Dr, Sunland Park, NM 88063
Hours: Thurs–Sun, 11 AM–9 PM
Approx Cost: $20–$40 per person
Famous For: Farm-to-table cuisine, weekend brunch, and mountain views.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Try the Saturday morning farmers market for fresh snacks to bring back to camp.
Packing Tips for Camping and RV Trips Near El Paso
Bring extra water—hydration is key in the high desert.
A quality headlamp or lantern is essential for evening setup and nighttime hikes.
Desert temps drop fast—pack layers for chilly nights and hot days.
A high-SPF sunscreen and wide-brim hat are daily must-haves.
Binoculars, star charts, and a journal enhance the desert experience.
Local Tips and Seasonal Advice
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are ideal for camping near El Paso.
Most state parks require reservations—book online ahead of time.
Check fire restrictions before lighting a campfire—conditions vary.
Avoid summer afternoons—temps can exceed 100°F by noon.
Use El Paso as a resupply stop for groceries, gas, and gear before heading into the wild.
Conclusion
Camping and RVing near El Paso isn’t just about escaping the city—it’s about discovering a quiet, wild side of Texas that few take the time to explore. With its dramatic mountains, golden sunsets, and open skies, this region invites you to slow down, unplug, and reconnect with nature.
Whether you’re stargazing from a primitive BLM site or waking up to mountain views at a full-hookup RV park, El Paso’s outdoor escapes offer the kind of freedom and beauty that define the road trip spirit. Pack your gear, plot your route, and let the desert welcome you home.
