I’ve camped in Ruidoso. I’ve camped in Cloudcroft. I’ve even camped at Southwest University Park!

But there’s one place I’ve never crossed off my camping list, and it’s been right here in El Paso this entire time: Ascarate Park.

As someone who loves camping, the idea of pitching a tent at Ascarate has always sounded pretty cool to me. And this September, El Paso families actually have a chance to do it.

Grab the tent, and find the sleeping bags because Ascarate Park is letting us spend the night!

You Can Actually Spend the Night at Ascarate Park

The Ascarate Park Camp Out is happening September 26 through 27, giving families and friends the chance to pitch a tent and experience one of El Paso’s most familiar parks in a completely different way.

Most of us know Ascarate for fishing, feeding the ducks or cruising around the park on a Sunday afternoon with some oldies playing.

But Ascarate after dark? That’s a different experience!

I also think this could be a great trial run for families wondering whether their kids are ready for the real camping experience.

You still get to set up the tent, sleep outside and find out whether everyone can make it through a night in sleeping bags. But instead of driving into the mountains for your child’s first camping trip, you’re doing it right here in El Paso.

If things don’t go according to plan, home isn’t hours away.

Camping at Ascarate Park Is Surprisingly Affordable

You also don’t have to spend much to try it.

Registration is $10 for adults ages 18 to 59 and only $5 for veterans, seniors and kids 17 and younger.

If your family has a favorite spot at Ascarate, picnic shelters are also available to reserve starting at $50.

Personally, I love the idea of seeing what Ascarate feels like once the usual crowds are gone.

We’ve spent plenty of afternoons there. Getting to watch the sun go down, hang out by the lake and then crawl into a tent instead of getting in the car to leave sounds like a pretty great little El Paso adventure.

Here’s How to Camp at Ascarate Park

Registration is already open and continues through September 25 at the Ascarate Park Administrative Office at 6900 Delta Drive.

The office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and the campout itself runs September 26 through 27.

As someone who already loves camping, I think I’m sold.

Ruidoso. Check.Cloudcroft. Check.Southwest University Park. Somehow, check.

Now I just need to find my tent!

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