Rocks can appear in dirt, dark dirt, and sand path tiles. Use stone, wood, or any other hard path to draw out the grid for your garden.

Can rocks spawn near paths?

But unlike furniture or trees, rocks can appear directly next to a pattern or walkway (so long as there's an open, eligible space there).

Can rocks spawn next to beach?

Rocks do not spawn 1 square from water, cliff edges or bases, beach ramps (where grass meets the beach), or near major buildings (houses, shops, museum, plaza). Rocks do not spawn in the surrounding squares of trees, bushes, stumps, bamboo, or other items (not 100% on items).