My Favorite Park in New Mexico Is a Little-Known Paradise for Stargazing

As the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico has certainly earned its nickname. From its rainbow-colored landscapes to its wide-open night skies to its warm sunsets, we can’t get enough of this desert paradise. And while we love destinations like Elephant Butte Lake, City of Rocks, and Bottomless Lakes state parks, it's the lesser-known parks that truly capture our hearts. One in particular is Clayton Lake State Park in northeast New Mexico. You can hike, fish, view dinosaur tracks, camp, and more at this remote destination. The bonus? It’s a designated International Dark Sky Park and one of my favorite state parks for stargazing in New Mexico.

Depending on where you live, you may need to travel off the beaten path to get to Clayton Lake State Park in the northeastern part of the state. The remote park is near the border of Texas, Colorado, and Oklahoma, but it’s well worth the drive. It’s a fun family destination for a weekend getaway. However, I wouldn’t recommend it for a day trip since it’s more than a three-hour drive from Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Plus, you'll be missing out on stargazing at the end of the day.

Many of you might know that Clayton Lake State Park is one of the coolest destinations where prehistoric creatures roamed. So, dinosaur enthusiasts and kids alike will love it here. Not only will you see over 500 footprints from up to four different dinosaurs, but you can learn about the gigantic creatures, too. Also, along the one-mile boardwalk Dinosaur Trail, there are interpretive signs about the history of an ancient ocean that dates back hundreds of millions of years.

But that’s not the only reason to visit this 471-acre playground. Its namesake, Clayton Lake, is a haven for anglers who love fishing for rainbow trout, walleye, largemouth bass, and catfish. Not to mention, the 170-acre reservoir is great for kayaking, boating, and swimming (in designated areas).     

Hiking is also a popular activity here, with easy trails like Clayton Lake State Park Nature Trail that are both dog- and kid-friendly. Just remember to keep the pups on their leash. While hiking through the park, expect pretty views of the glistening lake, and the picnic benches are good spots to rest and soak up the nature scenes. It’s not a bad idea to pack a lunch and enjoy a waterfront picnic here. 

By far, the best reason to visit Clayton Lake State Park is to gaze at the glowing celestial skies. With minimal light pollution, stargazing here is on another level. I’d recommend bringing your binoculars, or better yet, stop by the observatory, which has its own telescope, and enjoy an intimate connection with the stars. On a clear night, be prepared to be mesmerized by unobstructed views of the breathtaking Milky Way. Fun fact: The park is New Mexico’s first designated International Dark Sky Park, earning its gold-level status in 2010. So, you’ll have one of the best seats in the house if stargazing is your thing.    

Of course, you’ll need to spend the night at the campground for the full experience. You can choose from 27 sites, including one group spot, tent, and RV spots, some offering water and electric hookups. Many of the campsites even feature views of Clayton Lake. The best part? Roasting marshmallows by a campfire, overlooking glistening water, while gazing into the sparkling nighttime skies. This sounds like a dreamy night to me.  

Don’t skip over the visitor center and be on the lookout for wildlife like deer, coyotes, and migratory birds. This family-friendly park is wonderful no matter the time of year, but most folks visit from March to October. But don’t worry, you can still find peace and solitude since it’s one of the lesser-known state parks in New Mexico. 

Between the dinosaur tracks, fishing, hiking, camping, and stargazing opportunities, it’s easy to see why this outdoor playground is one of my favorite low-key destinations in the state. Chances are, it will be your new go-to spot too. 

Have you ever been to Clayton Lake State Park? If not, what are you waiting for? It’s the perfect time to plan a trip! Learn more about this New Mexico hidden gem by visiting the New Mexico State Parks Division website. Can’t make it to Clayton, but enjoy stargazing? Take a look at our top dark sky destinations in New Mexico.