Rockhound

Rockhound State Park in Deming, NM is the only place we stayed an extra night before reaching our first destination. Our decision was based upon a YouTube video we saw that made the place look charming. It turned out to be a good choice. The weather was great, the campsites large and well-spaced, the hiking matched our level of fitness, and the cats appreciated a break from the routine to-date: drive–stop–eat–sleep–wake–eat–drive.

Stitch, Mario, and Milo (L–R) birdwatching at Rockhound.

Rockhound is nestled at the base of the Little Florida Mountains at an elevation of about 4,500 feet. You can explore the flora and fauna on two short trails accessible from the campground. Admission also includes a couple more trails in Spring Canyon a few miles down the road. Here is a link to the trail map. Rockhound has a visitor center and gift shop. It is, perhaps, most notable for its geodes – stone nodules having a cavity lined with crystals or minerals. Unlike many parks, which prohibit transportation of artifacts outside of their boundaries, Rockhound actually encourages visitors to find and keep a few geodes as souvenirs. Seems rather obvious that this geologic feature and policy is where the park derives its name.

Another great sunset.

One final note about Rockhound that only an RVer could appreciate. It had a well-engineered dump station. The pad had the correct tilt and the sewer aperture was recessed so your trailer leans slightly downward toward your tank openings and your hose is above the receptacle. This allows the tanks to drain freely. A too-high dump station can be an issue, especially with low-slung Airstreams. I feel our tanks were completely evacuated. Too much information?