Your Ultimate Guide To State Parks In New Mexico
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
The Land of Enchantment is home to countless enchanting natural wonders, diverse landscapes, historic and cultural sites, landmarks, hiking trails, and more. And many of these remarkable attributes that make New Mexico so special can be found within its state parks. So, how many state parks are in New Mexico? In total, there are 35 New Mexico state parks that protect both natural resources and cultural landmarks, and each one is ripe for exploration. If you are undecided as to which state parks to explore first, we have selected a list for you to start with. Whether you want to visit the most popular or little-known state park, you’re up for a hiking adventure, or you’re interested in camping, here are some of the best state parks in New Mexico:
Most Popular State Parks In New Mexico
Certain state parks happen to be better known and, therefore, more popular. While the trails or other parts of these parks can experience more crowds than others, there are certain times of the day or certain seasons where you may have more solitude. Regardless, there are also plenty of reasons why several state parks around New Mexico draw in the crowds.
1. City of Rocks State Park
327 NM-61, Faywood, NM 88034, USA
Just looking at this aerial shot, you can see how City of Rocks State Park got its name. It certainly looks like a city of rocks from this vantage point! These volcanic rocks are known as pinnacles, and each one is remarkably unique. Wouldn't you love to walk around this natural city? I sure would! Take a look at some of the best things to do in City of Rocks State Park.
2. Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, 2901 Candelaria Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107, USA
With its visitor center, gardens, wildlife viewing areas, and trails, this small state park is a wonderful family-friendly destination. View the informative displays at the nature center before taking a stroll. A pair of binoculars may be necessary to carry with you if you're a birder as this park is located along the Rio Grande flyway. Birds are abundant around here! Find out more things to do in Rio Grande Nature Center State Park.
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3. Bottomless Lakes State Park
545 Bottomless Lakes Rd, Roswell, NM 88203, USA
Located in a city best known for aliens than anything else, Bottomless Lakes State Park fits in well in Roswell with its otherworldly appeal. This incredible New Mexico state park is home to several sinkholes (the "lakes") that range in depth from 17 to 90 feet. Although not exactly bottomless, they at least seem to be. Come and explore the eight sinkholes and enjoy other things to do in Bottomless Lakes State Park like non-motorized boating, scuba diving, camping, hiking the 4.5 miles of trails, education programs, swimming, and picnicking.
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Best State Parks In New Mexico To Camp
Camping offers quite an adventure but, of course, it’s not for everyone. However, if you are someone who doesn’t mind sleeping in the great outdoors, several New Mexico state parks offer camping. So, pitch a tent, immerse yourself in the scenic beauty that surrounds you, and enjoy all that the following state park campgrounds have to offer!
4. Bluewater Lake State Park
Bluewater Lake State Park, 30 Bluewater State Park Road, Prewitt, NM 87045, USA
If you're looking for a place to camp that feels completely off the grid, Bluewater State Park is the remote escape you need. In the campground, there are 149 developed campsites and 14 electric sites as well as beach camping and boat-in camping. The campground has an RV dump station for your convenience. You'll love the scenery and the peace you'll feel camping here. Other things to do in Bluewater Lake State Park include boating, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and picnicking.
5. Morphy Lake State Park
Morphy Lake State Park, Murphy Lake Rd, Mora, NM 87732, USA
No reservations are available at this New Mexico state park; instead, it's first-come, first-serve. The campground offers 26 developed campsites, however, there is no water, electric, or a dump station. Despite the lack of amenities, you can't beat the peaceful feeling you'll get from camping here! Aside from camping, other things to do in Morphy Lake State Park include fishing for rainbow trout, canoeing, non-motorized boating, and birdwatching.
6. Cimmaron Canyon State Park
28869 US-64, Eagle Nest, NM 87718, USA
Did someone say "waterfront camping?" Well, in that case, I'm in! Several campsites sit very close to the river where you can enjoy the scenery and even go fishing if you'd like. In fact, fly fishing is quite popular here. A few other things to do in Cimmaron Canyon State Park include horseback riding, hunting, and birding.
7. Fenton Lake State Park
Fenton Lake State Park, New Mexico 87025, USA
Escape to the mountains! Nothing seems more relaxing than breathing in fresh mountain air during a camping trip. There are several developed campsites with water and electric along with group campsites. The campground includes a vault toilet and a playground, so if you have kids, bring them along! If you're wondering about more things to do in Fenton Lake State Park, there are plenty! Aside from camping, you can go boating, horseback riding, trout fishing, hiking, and mountain biking. This is also one of the best state parks in New Mexico in winter during which you can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing.
Best State Parks In New Mexico To RV
RV camping is a preferred way to camp for many, and it’s easy to see why. The mobility of an RV makes road-tripping a breeze as well as an epic adventure! Take your recreational vehicle through the desert and mountainous landscapes on long open roads, and stop to explore some of the state’s most remarkable parks.
8. Villanueva State Park
135 Dodge Dr, Villanueva, NM 87583, USA
The campground here is hard to beat at this 1,600-acre New Mexico state park. Not only are there developed campsites but group and equestrian campsites as well. In addition, there's a visitor center with exhibits, restrooms with showers, and a playground. Looking for more things to do in Villanueva State Park? Well, there's plenty! Visitors and campers alike can go canoeing, kayaking, tubing, hiking, swimming, fishing, birdwatching, and more. Come and see why this is a favorite state park in NM.
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9. Oasis State Park
Oasis State Park, 1891 Base Line, Portales, NM 88130, USA
The campground at Oasis State Park has 7 developed campsites with water, 17 sites with 30 or 50-amp hookups, and 1 (50-amp) handicap site, all of which can be booked online. For sites where no reservation is required, there are 3 developed campsites with water, 1 (50-amp) handicap site, and 2 sites with 30/50-amp hookups. The campground is both clean and quiet. What could be better?
So, what are some other things to do in Oasis State Park? Well, you can also go fishing, picnicking, hiking, and mountain biking. Sounds like a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors!
10. Pancho Villa State Park
400 NM-9, Columbus, NM 88029, USA
Pancho Villa State Park observes the history of Pancho Villa Raid and Camp Furlong. Here, you'll find exhibits and artifacts along with educational programs. In addition to the historical elements, a fantastic campground awaits. Here you'll find 53 electric campsites (30 amp), 8 electric campsites (50 amp), and 5 non-electric campsites. Reservations must be made for these. However, there are a few no-reservation sites that include one primitive campsite and six electric sites. Boondocking is also allowed here.
Best State Parks In New Mexico For Hiking
Lace up your hiking boots, pack your backpack, download the AllTrails+ app, and hit the picturesque and awe-inspiring trails that can only be found within the Land of Enchantment. Some of the best hiking trails in New Mexico can be found within our state park system, and if you’re a hiker, you’ll love exploring the following parks on foot!
11. Sugarite Canyon State Park
160 NM-526, Raton, NM 87740, USA
Featuring 20 miles of trails, opportunities to explore are certainly abundant here. With its variety of trails, you may be able to find one that suits your fitness level. You could try the 5.8-mile Opportunity Trail, a moderately-rated trek that's popular for both hiking and mountain biking. Leading through the forest to a lake and by a river, the views seem endless. For something easier, there's the 2.7-mile Lake Alice Trail. Rated easy, you can bring the kids along on this hike. And if you want more things to do in Sugarite Canyon State Park, well, there's plenty! In addition to hiking and mountain biking, there are opportunities for both motorized and non-motorized boating, hunting, fishing, camping, horseback riding, and more. In winter, visitors can go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding. This is the ultimate year-round state park in New Mexico!
12. Hyde Memorial State Park
740 Hyde Park Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
Located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains by the Little Tesuque Creek is Hyde Memorial State Park. If you're keen on exploring this park's trails, there are a few to consider. For something easy, take the half-mile Piggyback Trail that leads along the shores of Little Tesuque Creek and has four footbridges along the way. If you want to take a longer route, try the 1-mile East Circle Trail that leads above the campground. Check out more things to do in Hyde Memorial State Park. This is another one of the best state parks in New Mexico as well as you can go sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
13. Elephant Butte Lake State Park
101 NM-195, Elephant Butte, NM 87935, USA
The West Lakeshore Trail at Elephant Butte State Park is approximately 6 feet wide and is considered easy. It's 10.5 miles one way, so if you want to trek the entire route, make sure you come prepared with extra water and safety gear. This trail meanders through the desert landscape providing the opportunity to spot birds and other wildlife along the way.
, There are many more things to do in Elephant Butte Lake State Park aside from hiking. Other activities include boating (motorized and non-motorized), water skiing, camping, fishing, hunting, swimming, scuba diving, and more! This is one of the best state parks in New Mexico in summer.
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Little-Known State Parks In New Mexico
Serene, peaceful, calm, and uncrowded — these are some of the attributes you can enjoy by visiting one of the little-known state parks in New Mexico. Although not as popular as some, these state parks still offer wonderful ways to escape and connect with nature for a while.
14. Oliver Lee Memorial State Park
Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, 409 Dog Canyon Rd, Alamogordo, NM 88310, USA
Tucked away in Alamogordo is a 640-acre historical state park that's worth visiting. While small in size, Oliver Lee Memorial State Park holds a fascinating slice of New Mexico history. Within the park is Dog Canyon where the historic Oliver Lee Ranch House was built. Oliver Lee was a U.S. Marshal and rancher who built his home here, and the home still stands today. Tours of the house are offered, if that's something you're interested in. Otherwise, there are plenty more things to do in Oliver Lee Memorial State Park like hiking and camping.
15. Leasburg Dam State Park
12712 State Park Rd, Las Cruces, NM 88007, USA
Leasburg Dam State Park is a quiet and unique park that features the historic Leasburg Dam. Constructed in 1908, its purpose was to provide irrigation for nearby farms. After taking a look at the dam, feel free to go for a hike -- there are over two miles of trails. Among other things to do in Leasburg Dam State Park are boating, camping, fishing, and swimming (in the day-use area only).
16. Cerrillos Hills State Park
County Road 59, Co Rd 59, Los Cerrillos, NM, USA
How about the perfect day trip -- a scenic drive and one of New Mexico's hidden gem state parks? Cerillos Hills State Park is located along the utterly stunning Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. This area has a mining history that dates back 1,100 years and you'll be able to see several historic mines.
With views of the Sangre de Cristo, Sandia, Jemez, and Ortiz mountain ranges, you better bring your camera to capture all the beauty here. This is 34th park to join the New Mexico state parks system, and it's a worthy addition.
From Santa Fe to Albuquerque, from Roswell to Alamagordo, and everywhere in between, the state’s parks are always worth exploring. The question is, which of the best state parks in New Mexico will you visit first?
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