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Franklin Mountains State Park RV Rentals

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Introduction

Franklin Mountains State Park is a premier destination for RV camping enthusiasts. With its rich history and stunning natural beauty, it’s no wonder that this park draws visitors from far and wide. The park is located in the heart of El Paso, Texas, and is the largest urban park in the state. The Franklin Mountains themselves are a testament to the power of nature, having been formed over millions of years by tectonic activity and erosion.

The park’s cultural significance is equally impressive. It has been inhabited by Native American tribes for thousands of years, and the remains of their dwellings and artifacts can still be found throughout the park. More recently, the park has played an important role in the development of El Paso, serving as a natural barrier and providing valuable resources such as water and minerals.

RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Franklin Mountains State Park. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Franklin Mountains State Park.

Camping Accommodations

37

'

Max RV length

37

'

Max trailer Length

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

Generator use

Food storage

Sewer hookup

Dogs & cats

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Transportation

  • Driving/Transportation

Getting to Franklin Mountains State Park is easy with several transportation options available. The most convenient way to access the park is by private vehicle and there are several entrances located throughout the park. However visitors should be aware that there are restrictions on rig sizes with a maximum length of 45 feet for RVs and trailers. It’s important to check the park’s website for the most up-to-date information on road conditions and restrictions.

  • Parking area

RV parking is available in designated areas throughout the park. However overnight parking is only permitted in designated campsites. It’s recommended to camp with an RV and explore the park using alternative transportation methods.

  • Public Transportation

Franklin Mountains State Park offers public transportation options for visitors to get around. These include shuttle buses and walking paths. The park’s website provides information on schedules and routes.

Top Campsites in Franklin Mountains State Park

  • Reservations camping

The top 4 campsites near Franklin Mountains State Park that require reservations are

Tom Mays Park

This is the most popular campground in the area located just a short drive from the park. With 44 sites it offers plenty of space for campers along with amenities like electrical hookups water and restrooms. The park also offers hiking trails picnic areas and a playground. It’s pet-friendly and open year-round with RVs and trailers up to 40 feet permitted.

McKelligon Canyon

Located at the base of the Franklin Mountains this campground offers stunning views and easy access to hiking trails. There are 15 sites available all with electrical hookups and water. The campground also has restrooms and showers and is pet-friendly. It’s open from October to May and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 30 feet.

Aguirre Spring

This secluded campground is located in the Franklin Mountains and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. There are 25 sites available all with picnic tables and grills. The campground also has restrooms and water but no electrical hookups. It’s pet-friendly and open year-round with RVs and trailers up to 25 feet permitted.

Sneed’s Cory

Located just outside the park this campground offers easy access to hiking trails and scenic views. There are 10 sites available all with electrical hookups and water. The campground also has restrooms and showers and is pet-friendly. It’s open from October to May and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 30 feet.

  • First-come first-served

If you’re looking for first-come-first-served camping options in Franklin Mountains State Park here are 3 options to consider

Aztec Cave

This campground is located in the heart of the park and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. There are 5 sites available all with picnic tables and grills. The campground also has restrooms but no water or electrical hookups. It’s open year-round and pet-friendly.

Juniper Canyon

This campground is located in the northern part of the park and offers easy access to hiking trails. There are 6 sites available all with picnic tables and grills. The campground also has restrooms and water but no electrical hookups. It’s open year-round and pet-friendly.

Pine Springs

This campground is located at the base of the Franklin Mountains and offers easy access to hiking trails and scenic views. There are 20 sites available all with picnic tables and grills. The campground also has restrooms and water but no electrical hookups. It’s open year-round and pet-friendly with RVs and trailers up to 25 feet permitted.

  • Alternate camping

If the campsites in Franklin Mountains State Park are full there are alternative camping options nearby. Here are 2 private campgrounds and 1 backcountry camping option to consider

El Paso West / Anthony KOA

This private campground is located just a short drive from the park and offers a range of amenities like full hookups Wi-Fi and a swimming pool. It’s pet-friendly and open year-round with RVs and trailers up to 70 feet permitted.

Saddlehorn RV Park

This private campground is located in the nearby town of Canutillo and offers full hookups Wi-Fi and laundry facilities. It’s pet-friendly and open year-round with RVs and trailers up to 45 feet permitted.

Backcountry Camping

For a more rustic camping experience consider backcountry camping in the Franklin Mountains. Permits are required and campers must hike at least a mile from the trailhead to set up camp. There are no amenities or facilities so campers must be self-sufficient. It’s open year-round and pet-friendly.

  • General activities

Hiking and Biking Trails

Franklin Mountains State Park offers an extensive network of hiking and biking trails that cater to various skill levels. The popular Ron Coleman Trail for instance is a challenging hike that leads to stunning views of the park. Mountain bikers will enjoy the Aztec Cave Trail a thrilling ride that takes you through rocky terrain and technical obstacles.

Camping and Picnicking

RV campers looking for a more relaxed outdoor experience can take advantage of the park’s many campgrounds and picnic areas. Tom Mays Unit is a popular choice offering scenic views convenient facilities and easy access to trails and other attractions.

Wildlife Watching

The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife including mule deer javelina and various bird species. The Trans-Mountain Road which runs through the park offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing especially during the early morning and late evening hours.

Fishing and Boating

While Franklin Mountains State Park does not have any lakes or rivers within its boundaries nearby McKelligon Canyon offers fishing and boating opportunities. The canyon is home to rainbow trout largemouth bass and catfish making it a popular destination for anglers.

Rock Climbing and Bouldering

For those seeking a more adrenaline-pumping outdoor experience the park’s many rock formations offer excellent opportunities for rock climbing and bouldering. The Mundy’s Gap area in particular is a popular spot for climbers of all skill levels.

  • Alternative activities

Scenic Drives

For RV campers who prefer a more leisurely outdoor experience the park’s scenic drives offer stunning views of the mountains and surrounding landscape. The Trans-Mountain Road which runs through the park is a particularly popular route offering panoramic vistas and opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Nature Watching

Franklin Mountains State Park is home to a diverse range of plant and animal life making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. The park’s many trails offer opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitat while the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail provides an educational introduction to the region’s unique ecosystem.

Photography

The park’s stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife make it a popular destination for photographers. Some of the most Instagram-worthy spots include the Aztec Cave Trail the Ron Coleman Trail and the scenic overlooks along the Trans-Mountain Road.

Visitor Center

The park’s visitor center offers a range of educational exhibits and programs making it an ideal destination for those looking to learn more about the region’s history culture and ecology. The center also offers maps brochures and other resources to help visitors plan their visit.

Guided Tours

For those who prefer a more structured outdoor experience the park offers guided tours of its many attractions including hiking biking and wildlife viewing tours. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who can provide insights into the park’s history geology and ecology.

Season-specific experiences in Franklin Mountains State Park

  • Spring activities

Spring is a beautiful time to visit Franklin Mountains State Park and RV campers have plenty of activities to enjoy. One popular activity is hiking the Aztec Cave Trail which leads to a series of natural caves that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trail is moderately difficult but the payoff is worth it. Another great hike is the Ron Coleman Trail which winds through the park’s desert landscape and offers breathtaking views of the Franklins.

For history buffs the Tom Mays Unit of the park is home to the McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre which was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The amphitheatre hosts concerts and events throughout the year and it’s a great place to learn about the park’s rich cultural history.

If you’re looking for a more relaxing activity the park’s many picnic areas are the perfect place to enjoy a meal and take in the beautiful scenery. The Tom Mays Unit also has a fishing pond which is stocked with catfish bass and trout.

Finally no visit to Franklin Mountains State Park would be complete without taking in the stunning views from the scenic overlooks. The North Franklin Mountain Overlook offers panoramic views of the park and the city of El Paso.

  • Summer activities

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors at Franklin Mountains State Park. One popular activity is mountain biking on the park’s many trails which offer a range of difficulty levels for riders of all skill levels. The Tom Mays Unit has over 100 miles of trails to explore including the challenging Sotol Loop.

For those who prefer a more leisurely pace the park’s many nature trails are perfect for a summer hike. The Mundy’s Gap Trail for example offers stunning views of the park’s rugged terrain and a chance to see some of the park’s wildlife including mule deer javelina and coyotes.

If you’re looking to beat the heat the park’s swimming pool is the perfect place to cool off. The pool is located in the Tom Mays Unit and is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

For a unique summer experience the park offers guided tours of the Hueco Tanks State Historic Site which is located just outside the park. The site is home to thousands of Native American rock paintings many of which are over 1 000 years old.

Finally no summer visit to Franklin Mountains State Park would be complete without a visit to the Wyler Aerial Tramway. The tramway offers breathtaking views of the park and the surrounding mountains and it’s a great way to take in the beauty of the area from above.

  • Fall activities

Fall is an excellent time to visit Franklin Mountains State Park especially for RV campers. Here are some recreational activities landmarks and famous historical places that attract visitors during this season

Hiking

The park has over 100 miles of trails and fall is an ideal time to explore them. The leaves change color and the cooler temperatures make for a comfortable hike. One popular trail is the Aztec Cave Trail which leads to a cave used by the Aztec people.

Location

Throughout the park

Bird Watching

Franklin Mountains State Park is home to over 200 species of birds making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. During the fall many migratory birds pass through including the golden eagle and the peregrine falcon.

Location

Tom Mays Unit

Rock Climbing

The park’s rugged terrain offers many opportunities for rock climbing and the cooler temperatures make it an ideal time to do so. The North Mountain is a popular spot for climbers of all levels.

Location

North Mountain

Visit the Wyler Aerial Tramway

The Wyler Aerial Tramway offers breathtaking views of the park and the city of El Paso. During the fall visitors can enjoy the changing leaves from above.

Location

McKelligon Canyon

Explore Hueco Tanks State Park

While not technically in Franklin Mountains State Park Hueco Tanks is just a short drive away and is a must-visit for history buffs. The park is home to many ancient pictographs and petroglyphs.

Location

Hueco Tanks State Park 32 miles northeast of Franklin Mountains State Park

  • Winter activities

Winter is a beautiful time to visit Franklin Mountains State Park and RV campers will find plenty to do. Here are some recreational activities and landmarks that attract visitors during this season

Visit the Franklin Mountains Wilderness

During the winter the wilderness area is less crowded making it an ideal time to explore. Visitors can hike backpack and enjoy the peacefulness of the park.

Location

Throughout the park

Winter Camping

The park offers several RV campsites and winter camping is a unique experience. Visitors can enjoy the crisp cool air and the beauty of the park in the winter.

Location

Throughout the park

Stargazing

The park has some of the darkest skies in the area making it an ideal spot for stargazing. During the winter the skies are clear and visitors can see constellations and planets.

Location

Tom Mays Unit

Visit the El Paso Museum of Archaeology

While not in the park the museum is just a short drive away and offers a glimpse into the region’s history. Visitors can learn about the Native American cultures that inhabited the area.

Location

4301 Transmountain Rd El Paso TX 79924

Winter Photography

The park’s rugged terrain and unique rock formations make it an excellent spot for photography and winter provides a unique backdrop.

Location

Throughout the park

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