Santa Rosa Lake
00 reviewPO BOX 384, Santa Rosa, New Mexico, 88435, United States
Santa Rosa Lake
$10.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$14.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $10 for primitive sites to less than $20 for sites with water and electric hookups, as noted in various user reviews.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of New Mexico's high desert, Santa Rosa Lake Campground beckons adventurers seeking solitude under vast southwestern skies. This State Park gem seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern convenience, offering everything from primitive tent spots for purists to full-hookup sites for RV travelers. Here, the rhythms of desert life replace urban chaos, creating an ideal basecamp for those ready to disconnect and explore.
Camping options include primitive sites, tent sites, RV sites with electric and water hookups, and group camping areas.
Historical SignificanceThis landscape tells stories spanning generations. The US Army Corps of Engineers left their mark here, engineering the impressive dam that created this desert oasis. Visitors can explore the observation concourse, a testament to mid-century infrastructure that transformed the region. Just beyond the park boundaries, the legendary Route 66 winds through the desert, its ghost towns and vintage motels whispering tales of America's golden age of road trips. This convergence of engineering marvel and highway history creates a uniquely American camping experience.
Weather and SeasonsThe desert's dramatic personality shines through its ever-changing seasons. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched canvas where temperatures soar near 100°F, making early morning and evening adventures essential. Wise travelers favor spring's gentle warmth and autumn's crisp air, when comfortable days invite endless exploration and bug-free nights promise peaceful slumber under star-studded skies. The exposed terrain offers little shade, reminding visitors they're truly immersed in authentic high desert country.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare for landscapes that defy expectations. Desert mesas rise like ancient sentinels above the shimmering waters of Santa Rosa Lake, creating a striking contrast of earth and water that photographers dream about. Morning light paints the rocky shores in shades of gold and rust, while evening brings alpenglow to distant ridgelines. Hardy desert vegetation—resilient scrub brush and aromatic cedar—dots the terrain, providing habitat for the area's surprising wildlife. Lucky campers might spot graceful deer browsing at dawn or catch glimpses of foxes conducting their twilight hunts across this gorgeously austere mesa land.
Geological RegionSituated in New Mexico's captivating Southeast region, the campground showcases classic high desert geology at its finest. Ancient forces sculpted these mesas and carved the basin that now cradles Santa Rosa Lake. The rocky shores tell a million-year story written in stone, while the fluctuating water levels reveal and conceal different chapters of the landscape throughout the seasons. This is quintessential New Mexico—where sparse beauty meets geological drama, creating an outdoor classroom for curious minds and a playground for desert enthusiasts.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe park offers handicap access, and reviewers noted heated bathrooms and warm showers which may enhance accessibility. Some reviewers suggested adding benches or seating in the handicap shower area.
Sites SizeCampsites are reported to vary, with some being spacious and others uneven or small. Pull-through and back-in options are available.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are generally good with covered picnic tables at most sites. However, some areas are more clustered than others.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites in Loop A offer water and electric hookups, while Loop B is described as dry camping. Primitive camping is farther from water but offers solitude.
Best CampsitesSome reviewers recommend specific sites, such as Juniper space 12 for its proximity to restrooms and lake views or site A21 for its pull-through access and hookups.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
16:00
Check-out
14:00
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes loops (e.g., Rocky Point Loop A and Loop B) and primitive camping areas with covered picnic tables and paved pads.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are available through Reserve America, which adds a $4 per day service fee.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome users report the availability of first-come-first-served sites even during high demand. For example, one reviewer mentioned securing a spot without a reservation during a busy weekend.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors to Santa Rosa Lake State Park have access to a variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and wildlife viewing. The park also offers interpretive programs and opportunities for water skiing and jet skiing during appropriate seasons.
Hiking
Hiking trails, including the popular Shoreline Trail, cater to a range of skill levels and offer scenic views. One reviewer noted, 'Wonderful hike on Shoreline Trail.'Fishing
Fishing is available, with some reviewers specifically mentioning catfish as a common catch. However, the low water levels may impact fishing conditions.Swimming
Swimming is allowed, but low water levels and rocky shorelines can make access challenging. One user commented, 'The water level looked a little low, like most of the southwest.'Boating
Boating is a popular activity, with facilities for kayaking, jet skiing, and water skiing. Some visitors noted the boat launch was easy to use.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings, including deer, foxes, and various birds, are common. One camper mentioned seeing 'deer and a falcon.'Cultural and Educational Programs
Interpretive programs are available, although specific details were not provided in the reviews.Winter Activities
The park offers opportunities for winter hikes and observing the snow-covered landscape. Bathrooms and showers remain heated during winter months.Water Sports
Water sports such as jet skiing, water skiing, and kayaking are available, although opportunities may be affected by water levels.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No campfires allowed during certain periods due to fire restrictions, as noted by user reviews.
- Quiet hours are Noise levels are generally low, and 'quiet hours' compliance is highlighted by multiple reviewers.
Hazards
General hazardsLow water levels in the lake reduce recreational options, and reviewers mention 'biting bugs,' including ants and gnats.
Active alertsNo specific active alerts are mentioned.
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Moderate rain
Precipitation: 5.5%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 92%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 11.9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Very Light Rain - (5.50% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Moderate rain
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are not explicitly mentioned in the source material.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash bins are plentiful and easily accessible. However, some reviewers mentioned that trash pickup is only weekly, which occasionally results in overflowing bins.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is near Santa Rosa Lake, though water levels are often described as very low.
Common complaintsSeveral users note issues such as uneven campsites, cold showers, and limited water and electric availability at certain sites.
HostMixed reviews on campground hosts. Some describe them as 'friendly and helpful,' while one user had a negative interaction involving a perceived misuse of authority.
Campground Map
PO BOX 384, Santa Rosa, New Mexico, 88435, United States
Driving directionsFROM HISTORICAL ROUTE 66 IN SANTA ROSA, NM, TURN NORTH ON 2ND ST. GO APPROXIMATELY 1/2 MILE TO EDDY AVE, AND TURN RIGHT(EAST). GO APPROXIMATELY 1 MILE AND TURN LEFT(NORTH) ON 8TH ST. 8TH ST WILL EVENTUALLY BECOME NM HWY 91. TAKE NM HWY 91 NORTH 7 MILES TO THE PARK.
The access roads are described using historical route details and local streets transitioning into NM HWY 91 for the last 7 miles. User review by Jason Collin notes that portions of the park are accessible by 'rough dirt roads.' Seasonal closures or specific issues with road quality are not explicitly mentioned.Nearby places
Conchas, NM - 40 miles
Vaughn, NM - 40 miles
Ft. Sumner, NM - 45 miles
Tucumcari, NM - 60 miles
Santa Fe, NM - 100 miles
Albuquerque, NM - 120 miles.
Nearby supplies
'There are no big grocery stores close by,' according to a user review. Ice is available at T&D's, but drinking water may be unavailable. Restaurants and other supply points are noted as scarce.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Santa Rosa Lake has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Santa Rosa Lake State Park is highly regarded for its cleanliness, tranquility, and variety of activities. However, issues such as low water levels, inconsistent hot water in showers, and limited hookups at some sites were commonly noted.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Clean bathrooms and showers, scenic hiking trails, spacious sites with covered picnic tables, and friendly camp hosts were frequently praised. Visitors also appreciated the quiet and peaceful...
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Common Concerns
Low water levels in the lake, inconsistent hot water in showers, uneven campsites, and overflowing trash bins were recurring issues. Some users also mentioned bugs and challenging reservation systems.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring plenty of water and shade if visiting in the summer. Be prepared for uneven campsites and verify site amenities during booking. Early arrivals are recommended for the best spots.
Seasonal Insights
Spring and fall are the most favorable seasons, with mild weather and fewer bugs. Summer can be very hot, and water levels may be low. Winter visitors appreciated the heated bathrooms.
Camper Quotes
1. 'This camp was the best $10 ever spent!' 2. 'Beautiful recreational area created by the Corp of Engineers.' 3. 'Wonderful State Park to stay for a few days. Not a whole lot to do but be with...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site A21 was noted for water and electric hookups and a nice view. Site B4 was mentioned as suitable for a 40' rig, though the turn was tight. Juniper space 12 overlooks the lake and is close to...
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Accessibility Features
Heated bathrooms and warm showers enhance accessibility, though some users suggested adding benches in handicap shower areas.
Pet-Friendly Features
The park is pet-friendly, but goathead stickers in off-pavement areas may be challenging for pets. One user mentioned, 'Our pet kids loved it. Lots of walking and some hiking.'
Last updated August 10, 2025