Franklin Mountains State Park

Open — Open year-round for camping and day use. Gate hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with extended hours from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from early April through early September. Reservations are highly recommended as the park often reaches capacity.

About

Franklin Mountains State Park encompasses nearly 27,000 acres of rugged Chihuahuan Desert wilderness within El Paso city limits, making it one of the largest urban state parks in the United States. The park offers primitive camping at the Tom Mays Unit with 14 walk-in tent sites (some requiring high-clearance vehicles to access), 5 self-contained RV sites, and multiple group camping options accommodating 20-30 people. All campsites feature picnic tables and fire rings or grills, with many tent sites including shade shelters and tent pads. The park is a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering over 100 miles of multi-use trails for hiking and mountain biking across diverse desert terrain. Rock climbing is permitted at designated areas in McKelligon Canyon and Sneed's Cory. North Franklin Mountain reaches 7,192 feet, providing spectacular views of El Paso and Ciudad Juarez. Wildlife viewing opportunities include mule deer, foxes, and over 100 bird species. The park is also home to the rare Southwest barrel cactus, found nowhere else in Texas. Campers must be self-sufficient as no water or electricity is available at campsites. The desert environment requires preparation with adequate water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. Temperatures vary from 32-60°F in winter to 68-95°F in summer, with most rainfall occurring during July and August thunderstorms. The park operates year-round with seasonal gate hours, offering both day-use and overnight camping opportunities.

Directions

The Tom Mays Unit camping area is located at 31.908166, -106.525458. From El Paso, take I-10 west to the Canutillo exit, then follow signs to Tom Mays Access Road. The entrance is approximately 15 minutes from downtown El Paso.

Nearby Campgrounds