I frequently get asked about boondocking, camping and lodging in the area by folks who are looking to come hunt agates on a rockhounding tour. So here is some information to help you plan your rockhounding trip.
Please keep in mind that I offer these suggestions based on my personal knowledge of the area and what I hear from others. I do not control or speak for any owners or operators of these locations. Conditions or availability may change at any time.
I can’t offer any camping or lodging on the ranch at this time.
Lodging
Best Western Kokopelli Lodge – Clayton, New Mexico
Holiday Motel – Clayton, New Mexico
Quality Inn – Clayton, New Mexico
Hotel Eklund – Clayton, New Mexico
Great Plains Bunk House – Wheeless, Oklahoma
Black Mesa Bed and Breakfast- Kenton Oklahoma
Camping Spots with Hookups
Clayton Lake State Park and Dinosaur Trackway
Black Mesa State Park – Oklahoma
Boondocking (Dry/Primitive Camping)
New Mexico has roadside areas where it is permissible to camp. They’re not well known. The ones in our area are popular with hunters and other backroads travelers.
Please keep in mind there are often fire restrictions in place. Use propane fueled cooking appliances on a stable surface if cooking outdoors. Please keep these areas clean of liter and food waste. There are wild animals including bears, mountain lions, and coyotes in our area, so keep your food secured. Please respect fences and private property. These folks are my neighbors and I want to stay on good terms.
Here are map locations for the three closest roadside camping spots to Willett Creek Agate Co. (from nearest to furthest.
Along NM Hwy 456
Bottom of Tollgate Canyon – NM 456 at NM 551
Tollgate Canyon – NM Hwy 551
Conveniences and Groceries
Please keep in mind that we are off the beaten path. The nearest grocery store, fuel, and other conveniences are in Clayton, NM which is 43 miles from us. If you’re coming in through Trinidad Colorado or Raton, New Mexico, you’ll want to get your supplies, fuel, etc in those locations. If you need further info on boondocking, camping, and lodging, or find an inaccurate/dead link on this page, please email me.