About this campground
The large basalt outcropping known as Point of Rocks is among the landmarks that travelers depended on to keep their bearings as they made their way through the desert. Located along the western edge of the Perrillo Hills, the Point of Rocks ridge looks over a section of El Camino Real that runs between the escarpment and the eastern edge of the floodplain beyond. The site was a day away from the San Diego paraje (rest stop), where voyagers watered their animals and collected what they hoped would be enough to carry themselves through the dry days ahead. By the time northbound travelers reached Point of Rocks, often after traveling through the cool of night, they were ready for a good rest. The base of the ridge provided a sheltered camping spot. For southbound travelers, it offered a welcome sign that water was only 13 miles away.
Getting there
To access Point of Rocks Trailhead on Sierra County Road A013 (near Truth or Consequences, NM): From the north: Take I-25 Exit #79 (Business I-25) into Truth or Consequences. Head east on 51 (Third Street) to County Road A013 (Upham Road), then south on County Road A013 (Upham Road) for 26 miles to the parking area. From the south: Take I-25 Exit #32 to County Road E071, which turns into County Road E072 and then turns into County Road E070. This road eventually becomes County Road A013 (Upham Road). The parking area is 10.5 miles from the I-25 exit.
Activities
- HISTORIC & CULTURAL SITE
- INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS
- HIKING
- HORSEBACK RIDING
Nearby federal campgrounds
- Yost DrawBureau of Land Management8 mi
- Kingston CampgroundGila National Forest40 mi
- Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and CampgroundBureau of Land Management41 mi
- Emory Pass Observation SiteGila National Forest43 mi
- Ladrone #127 TrailheadGila National Forest43 mi
- Backcountry CampingWhite Sands National Park44 mi
Explore more New Mexico camping
Point of Rocks doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby New Mexico campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.
Browse New Mexico camping →Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.