Red Rock Park - Church Rock, New Mexico

Amanda M.

We stayed at the campground for one night on our way through town.
What we liked: close to the interstate, easy in and out and the incredible views. I recommend getting here early and take a hike, the scenery is beautiful and it’s a nice way to stretch your legs after a day of travel.
What we didn’t like: train noise all night long, a lot of garbage and debris both in the campground and surrounding area, lose dogs in the area (none aggressive but we have a small dog and that’s just not cool), one of the two bathrooms wasn’t working and one of the two dump stations wasn’t working so there seems to be some maintenance challenges here.
Also noteworthy is there’s a fairly large number of resident campers on site. We had no issues but I know that’s concerning to some so I thought I’d mention it.

Carrie K.

The hike to Pyramid Rock was phenomenal! A bit steep in places but doable if you take it slow if needed…but jaw-dropping views every time you look up!

L O.

Beautiful park/area with gorgeous nature. We came to hike and stay overnight before continuing our trip. The site was fine - very rustic close to the red rocks etc. We didn’t use the bathroom facilities, however. Only reason it’s a 4, not 5, star review, is the lack of communication - we couldn’t get in touch with any personnel regarding our stay on the way there. They’re simply closed Saturday and Sunday - which is a bit odd when it’s possible to arrive/stay there during the weekend. We tried booking and paying online - but the system didn’t work. Finally we talked to some people staying there, who told us that the office would be open at 8am in the morning. So we just found a spot and hooked onto the water and electricity and paid in the morning when we left the place. I’m thinking a lot of people just drive without paying - which is too bad. Would be nice to be able to at least call someone during weekends when they’re open for guests during the weekend. The service (when they opened) where nice and friendly though, there’s water and electricity, lots of space, it’s nice and quiet (far away enough from the highway) and the price was great at almost 27 dollars for a full hook-up at a spacious pitch. And yes - it’s dusty - but what did you expect - it’s in the desert! We didn’t mind. Would re-visit if we pass another time. Also: there is a little playground by the convention center/museum (outdoors) which we visited since we’re traveling with a 4-year old, and that was a nice surprise.

Steve C.

4 days here were okay, not great, wouldn't do it again. Great trails, but not well marked when you get far along the Church Rock Trail. Campground is really just a close together parking lot with tonnage of red sand dust in non-stop blowing wind. It gets into your everything. We did get to witness the 15 balloon launch here after the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, which was amazing.

Mike W.

I was going to give them 4 stars because of the train noise. But that really is irrelevant after you see all the beautiful rock formations and shade trees. It dosen't hurt to wake up to a balloon rally right outside your camp. Great place.

Stephanie M.

My favorite place to hike in Gallup! Well marked trail with spectacular views. Last ascension to the top is a bit challenging but totally worth it!

Elizabeth T.

We were here for the camping, great sites and what a view!! I found this park through an internet search, and it’s a nice park. True, with washroom could use some updating, especially in the shower area. Disrobing in public is a little creepy.

Aside from that, it was excellent!

michael S.

I came close to a 5 for the beauty and price. But writing a bit, had to knock off 1 star. Gotta say up front that I'd stay here again (just not in 105). We stayed 4th of July weekend. There was supposed to be a concert, but not enough ticket sales. Most of the bad reviews speak to valid concerns. Could be solved with staffing ,a better website, and enforcement.
Basically, the place could be so, so much better with a better website, staff, a limited stay policy or dedicated "full time" spots, and some basic pr. It has so much - an arena for rodeo and concerts, plenty of horse stalks (obviously). But I feel this is similar to most NM state/ public parks.
Sites 104,05,06 (we were in 05) were confusingly on top of each other. Luckily, we were the only ones in any of those spots.
Never once saw anyone that was a host, employee, ranger, etc. I'm guessing it was due to the holiday weekend, but one could've easily pulled in and set up without paying a cent (which always worries me that a reservation might be of little use if there's no one to enforce it when you arrive and someone is in your spot).

Dogs, too many campers letting them run free. One chased another... picture of the stray camp dog that got chased by a camper dog not restrained. The camp dog seems nice enough, but still. He was just waiting outside our door.
Playground, none. Nature and the beauty are the playground here. The trails are nice. Not sure "all ages" with some of the carved steps and edges.
Bathrooms, meh. Functioning flush (not vault) toilets, with showers (didn't check hot/ cold). 2 bath houses in the main, 1 on the West camp loop.