El Paso, Texas
Website: http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/hueco-tanks
Overview: This is a very nice state park with a lot of rules and regulations. You must have a day pass to explore North Mountain and only 70 people are allowed entrance per day. Make reservations to ensure your visit! In addition, East, West, and Eastern Spur Mountains require guided access. They have daily tours, but sign up early and the fee is $2/person. The gate is closely monitored and has a daily curfew of 6 pm. No entrance/exit is allowed after 6 pm (except emergencies). You must watch a short (15 minute) video prior to camping or visiting and carry proof of this with you (a card that is valid for one year). You are not allowed to leave the campground after 6 pm (no exploring the park after hours). To ensure all these rules they require daily forms to be filled out and returned each night. Despite all the regulations this park is great for rock climbing and hiking volcanic rock. In addition, the rock art is pretty cool too. That is if you can find them. (Maps are available from the office with deposition of an ID and more forms). The park is about a 30-45 minute drive to downtown El Paso.
Campsites: Fairly level, gravel sites with 50 AMP and water hook-ups. Many sites are rather short (<45 feet long) with a couple larger sites. Beautiful views of and many sites are nestled next to East Mountain.
Amenities: Bathhouse, hiking trails (although must have additional day pass for North Mountain and guided access only of other 3 mountains), interpretative center, historic adobe ruins, historic pictographs
Pet friendly: Yes, but only allowed in campground and on roads (no trails)
Internet: Campground Wi-Fi available
Price: $16/night (50 amp, water)
Entrance fee $7/person/day (without Texas State Park pass)
Guided tour $2/person
Rating: 2/5 (only because of rules/regulations/curfew)
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