New Mexico may not have a coastline, but we can still enjoy waterfront views. What better way to wake up than next to the clear water of one of the most beautiful lakes in New Mexico? Looking for lake camping in New Mexico? These eight wonderful campgrounds in New Mexico offer affordability and great water views.

1. Cochiti Recreation Area (Cochiti)
Cochiti Lake Recreation Area, Cochiti Lake Rd, Cochiti Lake, NM 87083, USA
Tripadvisor/ketah777
There are 80 campsites at this small lake, which is known for windsurfing. The spots on Ringtail Cat Loop (which don't have electricity) are closest to the lake. In addition to the water vistas, you'll also enjoy mountain views at this scenic spot.
2. Caballo Lake State Park (Caballo)
Caballo Lake State Park, New Mexico 87931, USA
Tripadvisor/Karina E
This state park offers 170 camping spots and you can even camp on the beach – the reservoir has 50 miles of shoreline. In terms of official campgrounds, the Palomino Campground (sites 4, 5, 6, and 7) are closest to the lake and Stallion also gets you pretty close (sites 32, and 33). If you’re concerned about the algae at Elephant Butte, this is a good alternative.

3. Clayton Lake State Park (Clayton)
Clayton Lake State Park, US-271, Clayton, OK 74536, USA
Flickr/Cherie Ve Ard
For a quieter, more low-key camping experience, check out Clayton Lake. The handful of campsites here offer pleasant lake views and, in addition to doing a little fishing, you can also walk over to the collection of 500 plus fossilized dinosaur tracks within the park.
4. Seeping Springs Trout Lakes and RV Park (Ruidoso Downs)
Seeping Springs Trout Lakes and RV Park, 110 Seeping Springs Rd, Ruidoso Downs, NM 88346, USA
Tripadvisor/5SRanch
Several of the campsites at this private RV park back up to a pond - the park offers pondside views rather than lakeside ones). There is an on-site, stocked trout pond that is almost overflowing with fish and another pond where you can go pedal boating.

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5. Abiquiu Dam and Lake Recreation Area (Abiquiu)
Abiquiu Dam, Gallina, NM 87017, USA
Tripadvisor/Denise F
Imagine unzipping your tent and being able to survey the waters of Abiquiu Lake and panoramic views of the staggering scenery around it. The Riana Campground sits above the lake – providing perfect vistas, although admittedly less convenient water access. Still, the views…there are 52 sites available, with 15 spaces offering hookups.
6. Ute Lake State Park (Logan)
Ute Lake State Park Road, Ute Lake State Pk Rd, Logan, NM 88426, USA
Tripadvisor/Lookin_for_Stuff
There are 140 campsites at Ute Lake offering amenities like grills, picnic tables, and showers. Both the Yucca and Zia Campgrounds are close to this lake, which is popular with swimmers, boaters, kayakers and fishermen.

7. Vado Lake State Park (Tierra Amarilla)
El Vado Reservoir, New Mexico, USA
Flickr/Bill L
Water views abound at this tranquil lake, whether you stay at Grassy Point or Pinion Beach Campground. If you’re into fishing, birding, or hiking, then this is the place for you. The trail that connects El Vado and Heron Lakes is especially pretty.
8. Bottomless Lakes State Park (Roswell)
Bottomless Lakes State Park, 545A Bottomless Lakes Rd, Roswell, NM 88201, USA
Tripadvisor/dolomoto
Several of the campsites at Lea Lake Recreation Area, within this state park, are near the water. Lea Lake is the biggest of the lakes – technically it’s made up of three sinkholes.This is an ideal place to spend long summer days. There’s a sandy beach, a volleyball court, and endless water activities like paddle boarding and even scuba diving!

Have you camped at any of New Mexico’s lakes this summer? Let us know on the Only In New Mexico Facebook page.

It’s worth noting that many New Mexico state parks offer “first come/first serve” campsites that you cannot book in advance so, even if your desired date appears unavailable, you might still be able to score a spot.

If lakeside camping appeals, you should also check out this waterfall campground in New Mexico!

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Lake Camping in New Mexico

Tori Jane | May 15, 2022

Where can I go camping and fishing in New Mexico?  

New Mexico is a beautiful state with lots of places just perfect for camping and fishing. Outdoorsy folks will love the Land of Enchantment for sure! Some of our favorite places for camping and fishing in New Mexico include El Vado Lake State Campground, which is 100 miles south of Santa Fe and absolutely beautiful. It’s located on the eastern shore of El Vado Lake, and it’s a wonderful place to go camping in New Mexico. Another is the Elephant Butte Lake State Park, which has a wonderful campground as well as excellent fishing. Be sure to also check out Bottomless Lakes State Park, which is an amazing cluster of nine lakes perfect for the ultimate camping and fishing adventure! 

What are some of the best campgrounds in New Mexico?  

You mean other than the ones we mentioned above? Well, lucky for the lover of camping, there are literally hundreds more choices. Other favorite campgrounds in New Mexico we love include Aguirre Spring Campground, which is nestled within the Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks National Monument. With an elevation of 5,700 feet, it’s cooler than the surrounding desert, which is delightfully refreshing. Other places to go camping in New Mexico that we are totally obsessed with include Jack’s Creek Campground, White Sands National Park, and, of course, Carlsbad Caverns National Park.  

What are the best New Mexico camping lakes? 

We have several lakes in New Mexico perfect for camping either for a weekend or longer (but no longer than 14 days at a time). We love places like Heron Lake State Park, and Navajo Lake State Park is wonderful as well. The Wild Rivers Recreation Area is also wonderful for camping, as, much like Heron Lake State Park and Navajo Lake State Park, it’s outrageously beautiful – easily one of the most scenic places in New Mexico, and the perfect place for an overnight adventure.  

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