Founded in 1926, McCamey had 10,000 people in 1927 and was named for Geo. B. McCamey, driller of the discovery well that by 1964 had led the way to the opening of 31 oil and gas fields in Upton County; the discovery well is 2.3 miles north of town. It is also a center for horse, sheep, and goat ranching, has 5 parks, and is home to the Mendoza Trail Museum.