Villanueva State Park is located alongside the Pecos River about 35 miles southwest of Las Vegas, NM.
The park contains a visitor center and a group shelter with a stone fireplace.
There is a playground for the kids and a restroom with extraordinarily hot water.
The 33 developed sites are in two distinct areas. The upper campground called El Cerro boasts about 10 sites on a hill overlooking the valley. There are two vault toilets and water is available on the western side.
Freddy and I spent the first half of our visit up here.
We gathered up some leftover firewood and were all set to enjoy a campfire but were thwarted the next day when fire restrictions were put in place. So we just enjoyed the view.
Down by the river you will find the majority of the sites. Some have electricity and some can be reserved.
The campsite numbers are going to be changed soon but this spot, currently 17B, is a great example of the large riverside sites.
Yes, those three pics are all one site.
There are several tent sites at the eastern edge of the park across from the playground.
The second half of our stay was at the site currently numbered 8A.
This is my favorite site at the park. And it has electricity.
I even brought my firewood with me.
But the ban remained in effect.
There are three miles of hiking trails available.
The El Cerro Trail leads from the playground to the upper campground and on to a lookout.
The Viewpoint Trail is accessed near the group shelter and is a loop.
You need to cross over the Pecos River to find it.
Those are not hard trails but they do feature loose rocks in places so you need to wear appropriate shoes or boots. Since my boot treads are worn down to slicks, Freddy and I walked the River Trail most often.
Especially in the morning to watch the sunrise.
My visit here coincided with the 50th anniversary celebration. Well, maybe it wasn't a coincidence.
There were proclamations and declarations and much rejoicing.
This proclamation contained seven "whereas"s and one "now therefore" and Director Christy read the whole thing out loud admirably.
Plaques were given out.
There was a live band, food, and even birds of prey.
But most visitors came for the cow show.
Oops, I meant car show. Those pics were from 2010 when I last made a visit. There were no signs of bovines this time. Lots of horses though.
I was not quite sure what to make of this vehicle.
If it had knobby tires I guess it could go offroad.
Dogs were everywhere, having fun dog times.
Freddy was being walked by my camping neighbor while I was taking photographs. The other dog is Abigail, Freddy's new girlfriend.
And that is what makes camping so enjoyable. Meeting new friends and sharing good times and good meals.
April 23rd was Freddy's third birthday. 21 in human years which he reminded me of later on. He wanted to go swimming so I obliged him. It was his birthday after all.
You can see the red sand being churned up by the Wonderpup. Even after drying him off and giving him a good brushing, I still ended up with a few pounds of sand in my bed.
He was tired after his river play.
Which is also when he gets talkative.
"Can I borrow your camera for a minute?"
"Umm, OK. Just make sure to wear the strap around your neck."
He came back with this photo from the dump station.
Then he asked if I could fire up Photoshop on the laptop. I couldn't see any harm in that. His nails are pretty short from all the hiking so I let him have at it.
"Hey Greg."
"What?"
"Check this out."
I was impressed. Not bad for someone with no hands, just paws. Then he started talking again.
"It is a double negative."
"Huh?"
"Take out the not and the no and what do you have left?"
I saw where he was going with this.
"It would say Do Drink Beer."
"Yep, and I am now 21 human years old."
He stared up at me with his golden brown eyes. I sighed and poured a few ounces of beer into his water dish.
My pup is growing up.
Regards,
Greg and Freddy
