Swimming Campgrounds in New Mexico

Swimming Campgrounds in New Mexico

Discover the best swimming campgrounds across New Mexico. Beat the heat at campgrounds with pristine swimming spots. Lakes, rivers, beaches, and swimming holes just steps from your campsite.

10+ Campgrounds4.4★ AverageBest: Summer (June-September)
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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

1
Bottomless Lakes
Star
4.5
(505)
Bottomless Lakes
Roswell

Exceptional swimming destination with crystal-clear sinkhole lakes described as 'refreshing and ideal for family activities.' High sentiment (4.45) with 505 reviews praising the unique geological features and pristine lake water. Offers paddleboarding and pedal boating alongside swimming.

Tents
RVs
2
Elephant Butte Lake
Star
4.9
(25)
Elephant Butte Lake
Elephant Butte

Outstanding sentiment score (4.88) at New Mexico's largest reservoir with explicit swimming activities listed. Clean facilities and scenic desert-meets-water setting. Offers comprehensive water recreation including swimming, boating, and fishing at a premier lake destination.

3
Cochiti Campground
Star
4.2
(458)
Cochiti Campground
Pena BlancaCochiti Lake

Features dedicated swim beach open seasonally (April 15-October 15) with family-friendly lake access. Solid sentiment (4.22) with 458 reviews praising scenic lake views and cleanliness. Located in north-central New Mexico providing geographic diversity from southern lake campgrounds.

Tents
RVs

About Swimming Campgrounds in New Mexico

Swimming camping in New Mexico offers a refreshing escape into desert oases, crystal-clear sinkhole lakes, and expansive reservoirs that transform the arid landscape into aquatic playgrounds. From the geological wonders of Bottomless Lakes State Park near Roswell to the vast waters of Elephant Butte Lake in the southwest, New Mexico's swimming destinations provide unique opportunities to cool off while surrounded by dramatic desert scenery and mountain vistas.

Best Time

The prime swimming camping season in New Mexico runs from late May through early September, with July and August offering the warmest water temperatures and most reliable weather. Lake campgrounds like Cochiti open their designated swim beaches seasonally from mid-April through mid-October, though water temperatures remain chilly until June.

Activity Highlights

  • Lake and river swimming access
  • Natural swimming holes
  • Beach and waterfront sites
  • Family-friendly swimming areas
Staunton River Campground
Asher Creek Campground
San Elijo State Beach Campground

Explore Swimming Campgrounds in New Mexico

Browse 17 campgrounds on our interactive map. Filter by amenities, price, ratings, and more.

Interactive MapAdvanced Filters17+ swimming campgrounds

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Swimming in crystal-clear sinkhole lakes and reservoirsPaddleboarding on calm lake watersKayaking and canoeing explorationBeach volleyball and shoreline gamesFishing from boats and shorelinesWater skiing and tubing at larger reservoirs

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve campsites early for summer weekends at popular lake destinations, as places like Elephant Butte and Bottomless Lakes fill quickly during peak season.
  • 2Bring sun protection essentials including high-SPF sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-protective swim shirts, as New Mexico's high elevation and intense sun can cause rapid sunburn even on cloudy days.
  • 3Pack plenty of water for drinking and consider bringing a canopy or shade structure, as many swimming beaches offer limited natural shade.
  • 4Water shoes are highly recommended for rocky lake bottoms and river swimming areas where submerged stones and sharp edges are common.
10 campgrounds ranked
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Curated for Swimming Campgrounds in New Mexico

Swimming Campgrounds in New Mexico FAQ

We've ranked 10+ swimming campgrounds in New Mexico based on water access, swimming areas, safety, and user reviews. Top options include campgrounds on lakes, rivers, and beaches with designated swimming areas.
Swimming safety varies by location. Many campgrounds have designated swimming areas with lifeguards during peak season. Always check for posted warnings, water conditions, and currents before swimming. Never swim alone.
Summer (June-September) is the best time for swimming camping in New Mexico. Water temperatures are warmest and swimming areas are typically staffed. Some mountain lakes may be too cold for swimming even in summer.
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