Pancho Villa

About

Pancho Villa State Park preserves the site of the only armed invasion of the continental United States in the 20th century, when Pancho Villa and his forces raided Columbus, New Mexico in 1916. The park encompasses the remains of Camp Furlong, where U.S. Army troops were stationed, and includes an exhibit hall interpreting this unique chapter of border history. The 60-acre park sits at the edge of the small town of Columbus, just three miles from the Mexican border crossing at Palomas. The campground is divided into two loops. The North Loop contains 41 developed sites with electric hookups (30 and 50-amp) and water connections, accommodating RVs up to 50 feet. The South Loop offers 19 additional electric sites and 3 primitive tent sites on a first-come-first-served basis. The park features a botanical cactus garden showcasing native Chihuahuan Desert plants, a playground, group shelters, and interpretive programs about the region's history and wildlife. Birders appreciate the park's location along migratory flyways, with opportunities to spot roadrunners, scaled quail, pyrrhuloxia, and various raptors. The surrounding high desert landscape offers hiking and biking on park trails and nearby BLM lands. Columbus provides basic services, while Deming (32 miles north) offers full amenities.

Directions

From Deming, drive 32 miles south on NM Highway 11 to Columbus. From El Paso, drive 70 miles west on NM Highway 9. The park is located at 400 West Highway 9 in Columbus.