Summer’s here and you’re probably dreaming of slipping into the clear waters of New Mexico’s lakes and rivers. We’ve already featured lots of wonderful New Mexico swimming holes, but why stop there? Here are seven more swimming holes in New Mexico perfect for a hot summer day:

1. Caballo Lake State Park (Caballo)
Caballo Lake State Park, New Mexico 87931, USA
Tripadvisor/KIMBERLY277
Caballo Lake in New Mexico is often overshadowed by nearby Elephant Butte Lake. Although Caballo’s smaller, it doesn’t attract the same number of crowds, which allows you to swim or try any other water activity in relative peace. This state park is located on Highway 187 in Caballo.
2. Farmington Lake (Farmington)
The Beach At Farmington Lake, 8000 E Main St, Farmington, NM 87402, USA
Facebook/Visit Farmington
This year, the Beach at Farmington Lake is bigger and you’ll find more inflatable play equipment available. Splashing around in the water here is great because motorized boats aren’t allowed on Lake Farmington so the waters are calmer for swimming. It's one of the best New Mexico swimming holes.

Check out this video by @chriscook1278:
3. Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area (Carlsbad)
Lake Carlsbad, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA
Tripadvisor/Jaurdin S
Enjoy a dip in the clear waters of the Pecos River, at the designated swimming area inside this recreation area. The setting is pretty and this park is nicely set up for all types of summer fun. Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area is located at Riverside Drive and Park Drive in Carlsbad.

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4. Navajo Lake State Park (Navajo Dam)
Navajo Lake State Park, 1448 NM-511 #1, Navajo Dam, NM 87419, USA
Flickr/Morgain Bailey
The second largest reservoir in the state (after Elephant Butte) is well worth a visit. Although there’s no official swimming area, the lake is huge at 15,000 acres so there’s no shortage of options for swimmers. You can even go scuba diving here! It's one of the best lakes for swimming in New Mexico. This lake is located off Highway 511 (or Highway 539) in Navajo Dam.

Take a look at this video by @javiemontoy1:
5. Park Lake (Santa Rosa)
Park Lake, Santa Rosa, NM 88435, USA
Facebook/ WIBIT Santa Rosa, NM
The Santa Rosa Water Park at Park Lake in New Mexico offers a wealth of water activities, including swimming. There’s even an inflatable water park! You’ll find Park Lake on Blue Hole Road in Santa Rosa. Visit the Santa Rosa Blue Hole website for more information.
6. Cochiti Lake Recreation Area (Cochiti)
Facebook/Cochiti Lake - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque District
Although Cochiti Lake has a good reputation among windsurfers, it’s also a great place to take a dip. There’s a designated swimming beach, at this no-wake lake, which is usually well-maintained. Cochiti Lake is on Cochiti Lake Road in Peña Blanca. This is one of the most ideal lakes in New Mexico for swimming.
7. Ute Lake State Park (Logan)
Ute Lake State Park Road, Ute Lake State Pk Rd, Logan, NM 88426, USA
Tripadvisor/samhett
This reservoir on the Canadian River is a popular swimming spot. At almost 13-miles long, there is plenty of room for all manner of water activities. Many New Mexico lakes lack shade and Ute Lake is no exception, so bring some type of sun shade with you.

Check out this drone footage by @JasonCollin:

Have you been to any of these swimming holes in New Mexico? Where do you go to cool off when the temperature rises? What are your favorite things to do during summertime in New Mexico? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

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More to Explore

Swimming Holes in New Mexico

Tori Jane | May 15, 2022

Where are the best places to swim in New Mexico?  

The best places to swim in New Mexico include:

  • The stunningly beautiful Blue Hole, in Santa Rosa is a seemingly bottomless, dark blue “hole” filled with crystal-clear water perfect for a summer splash.
  • There are also numerous lakes in New Mexico for swimming, like Abiquiu Lake, which might just be our favorite thanks to its stunning beauty.
  • Santa Cruz Lake is another favorite.  

 

Check out these places to swim in New Mexico.

What are the best New Mexico swimming holes? 

The best New Mexico swimming holes include:

  • Heron Lake is north of Santa Fe and nestled nearby the Colorado state line. It’s crisp, clear, cool, and absolutely perfect for a hot summer day.
  • Eagle Nest Lake
  • Lake Katherine.
  • There are also plenty of hot springs in New Mexico just waiting for you to come to take a dip. It might be hot, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a nice dip in a hot – or warm – spring.  

 

Check out these Incredible places to go swimming in New Mexico that feel like something out of a fairy tale more than a lake in New Mexico.

What are the best places to swim in New Mexico? 

Some of the best places to swim in New Mexico include:

  • The State and National Parks: There are 35 to choose from – many of which are home to lakes and/or rivers.
  • Be sure to check local parks, too, and some city parks even offer swimming holes or pools for the whole family to enjoy.

 

As long as you know where to look, you can find all kinds of amazing places to swim in New Mexico.   

 

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