Franklin Mountains State Park is 40 square miles and located within the El Paso. It was opened in 1987.
Location
2900 Tom Mays Access Road, El Paso, Texas 79911
Cost
The entry fee for Franklin Mountains State Park is $5 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 lodging or campsite.
To save money when visiting Franklin Mountains 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. If you do not have a reservation you may be turned away at the gate.
Staying at Franklin Mountains State Park
Campsites
All of the campsites in the park are primitive campsites. None of the campsites offer water or electricity. None of the restrooms in the park have showers.
Walk-in primitive campsites are $10 per night. These sites are accessible on foot, but some require a high clearance vehicle. The sites have a picnic table, grill, lantern post and tent pad. Some have a shade shelter. There is no water at these campsites, and no restrooms.
Drive-up primitive sites are $10 per night. These sites do not have water or electricity.
Group Facilities
There are primitive developed campsites that can take large groups. They have picnic tables, grills, and fire rings. There are tent pads and shade shelters. These sites do not have water.
Restrooms in Franklin Mountains State Park
There are bathrooms throughout the park. None of the bathrooms have showers.
Hiking Trails
The park has over 100 miles of hiking and mountain-biking trails.
The park has over 100 miles of hiking and mountain-biking trails.
What is there to do at Franklin Mountains State Park?
Go out on the hiking trails.
Camp at one of the campsites.
Go rock climbing in McKelligon Canyon or Sneed’s Cory.
Dogs at Franklin Mountains State Park
Franklin Mountains State Park allows dogs into the park. Dogs must be on a leash in public areas of the park including on hiking trails. Owners must clean up after their dogs.
If you elect to bring a dog into this park, use caution to maintain their safety. The trails can be very hot, and they can overheat or burn or cut their paws.
What to do near Franklin Mountains State Park
El Paso, Texas
This is a very large park, but it is located within El Paso which is a city of 678,000 people. The city has museums, restaurants, and hotels.