Hueco Tanks opened as a state park in 1970 and was designed to preserve the extensive amount of historical rock art that the park is known for.
Location
6900 Hueco Tanks Road No. 1, El Paso, Texas 79938
Cost
The entry fee for Hueco Tanks State Park is $7 per person over the age of 13. There is free admission for people ages 12 and under.
There are additional fees for overnight stays which vary depending on the type of campsite.
To save money when visiting Hueco Tanks State Park, I recommend looking at a Texas State Parks Pass. The pass costs $70 a year. The benefit of the pass is that it allows the pass holder, and any passengers in their vehicle to enter the park without paying the day use fee.
Reservations
Reservations can be made in advance online. Reservations can be made for campsites or for day use. Reservations should be made as soon as you know your plans.
This is a popular park that often reaches capacity, even for day use.
Hueco Tanks restricts the number of visitors per day in order to protect park resources. If you do not have a reservation you may be turned away at the gate.
Staying at Hueco Tanks State Park
Campsites
Campsites with water are $12 per night. The sites have a picnic table, water, and restrooms with showers in the vicinity.
Campsites with electricity are $16 per night. The sites have a picnic table, water, a 50 amp hookup, and restrooms with showers in the vicinity.
Restrooms in Hueco Tanks State Park
There are bathrooms provided throughout the park. Restrooms in the camping loop have showers. There are also restrooms near the picnic area by the lake.
Hiking Trails
There are several trails in the park. Many of them are very short. Some of the short trails can still be strenuous due to being rocky and steep. Be sure to have sunblock, a hat, extra water, and appropriate clothing.
What is there to do at Hueco Tanks State Park?
Take a tour of the park to see the pictographs and petroglyphs. There are guided tours and self-guided tours. Guided tours must be booked in advance so a guide can be scheduled. Self-guided tours are capped at the number of people per day and require a reserved permit.
Rock climbing is popular in the park. You can request a tour guide, or book a climbing guide service.
Have a picnic in the park.
Go birding or do some nature photography.
Dogs at Hueco Tanks State park
Hueco Tanks State Park allows dogs into extremely limited parts of the park. I do not recommend bringing a dog to Hueco Tanks State Park.
Dogs are limited to the picnic area and the campground. Dogs must be on a leash that is less than six feet long. Owners must pick up after their dogs. Dogs may not be left unattended, especially in a vehicle. Dogs are not allowed inside any buildings, including restrooms.
What to do near Hueco Tanks State Park
El Paso, Texas
The park is located 32 miles from El Paso, Texas. El Paso has restaurants, museums, and the Mission Trail.