How much does camping cost at Bottomless Lakes?

Camping fees at Bottomless Lakes range from $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Bottomless Lakes first-come first-served or reservation?

Bottomless Lakes accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Bottomless Lakes before I book?

Yes! Bottomless Lakes has 15 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Bottomless Lakes?

Bottomless Lakes is open null. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Bottomless Lakes?

Yes, Bottomless Lakes has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Bottomless Lakes?

Fire policies at Bottomless Lakes: Ground fires are prohibited due to dry conditions; grills are available.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Bottomless Lakes?

Yes, pets are allowed at Bottomless Lakes. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Bottomless Lakes?

Bottomless Lakes offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bottomless Lakes?

Popular activities at Bottomless Lakes include Hiking, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bottomless Lakes

4.43

505 reviews

HC 12, BOX 1200, Roswell, New Mexico, 88201, United States

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping New Mexico#1 Family-Friendly Campgrounds New Mexico#2 Boating Camping New Mexico#2 +3 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,442 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowersWiFi

Book on Direct Line Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,442 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowersWiFi

Book on Direct Line Official Website

Get Directions

Bottomless Lakes

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Lea Lake campsite fee is $10 per night as stated in user reviews.

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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5759883638

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Campground Map

HC 12, BOX 1200, Roswell, New Mexico, 88201, United States

Bottomless Lakes

HC 12, BOX 1200, Roswell, New Mexico, 88201, United States

Nearby places

Roswell - 18 miles, Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge - 14 miles, Ski Apache - 100 miles, Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino - 87 miles, Carlsbad Caverns National Park - 90 miles, Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park - 72 miles, Brantley Lake State Park - 62 miles, Historic Lincoln County - 70 miles.

Nearby supplies

Supplies can be obtained from Roswell, approximately 18 miles away.

Weather at Bottomless Lakes

Best Time to Camp at Bottomless Lakes

Fall delivers the sweet spot. Daytime temperatures run 65–80°F, evenings drop to 35–50°F, and the lake water is still warm enough for swimming or boating. Migratory birds pass through, visibility improves for photography, and the summer crowds thin out after Labor Day. Summer gets blazing hot, which makes the lake essential rather than optional. Winter brings cold winds and occasional frost. Spring can be pleasant but unpredictable. Pack layers year-round, the high desert swings between extremes.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season for swimming and boating; lake activities widely available in summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: null

About Bottomless Lakes

Bottomless Lakes State Park Campground sits near Roswell at 3,442 feet, where a chain of sinkhole lakes rises from the desert floor. The campground offers both tent sites and RV spots with full hookups for $10/night. It's one of southeastern New Mexico's stranger landscapes: deep blue pools carved by collapsed limestone caverns, surrounded by high desert mesas and arroyos.

The campground accommodates various camping styles, including primitive, tent, RV, and group camping.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the sweet spot. Daytime temperatures run 65–80°F, evenings drop to 35–50°F, and the lake water is still warm enough for swimming or boating. Migratory birds pass through, visibility improves for photography, and the summer crowds thin out after Labor Day. Summer gets blazing hot, which makes the lake essential rather than optional. Winter brings cold winds and occasional frost. Spring can be pleasant but unpredictable. Pack layers year-round, the high desert swings between extremes.

ElevationPerched at the characteristic elevation of southeastern New Mexico's high desert country, the campground offers that perfect balance of mountain proximity and desert expanse. Here, the thin, dry air carries the scent of sage and creates those impossibly clear nights that make the Milky Way seem close enough to touch. The elevation provides just enough relief from the lower desert's extreme heat while maintaining the dramatic, wide-open vistas that define this enchanting region.

Natural Features and SceneryThe park features nine sinkholes ranging from 17 to 90 feet deep, appearing bottomless due to their greenish-blue color from aquatic plants, surrounded by high red bluffs and striking red rocks.[1][2][4][5][6]

Geological RegionWelcome to southeastern New Mexico's geological wonderland, where millennia of patient erosion have carved one of the state's most intriguing natural attractions. This remarkable region tells a story of ancient seas, underground rivers, and the slow collapse of limestone caverns that created today's chain of sinkhole lakes. The desert landscape here is far from monotonous – it's a dynamic canvas of mesas, arroyos, and these unexpected aquatic oases that seem to defy the arid climate. Each lake in the chain represents a window into the earth's hidden architecture, where groundwater springs eternal from depths that earned these formations their 'bottomless' moniker.

Scenic ViewsUser reviews describe breathtaking views, especially of Lea Lake and the surrounding desert.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo cabins or hotel-style lodging descriptions were provided in the source data.

Programs & ActivitiesNo details on cultural or educational programs were found.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutTent sites lack vegetation for privacy. RV sites are more spacious, some with full hookups. The campground accommodates both small and large rigs.

Reservation PlatformsOnline reservation system as mentioned in user reviews. Specific platform name not provided.

Walk-in AvailabilityUser reviews indicate there may be a first-come, first-served system for certain areas, but the campground prioritizes reservations.

Cancellation PolicyReservations must be made online. Cancellation policies are not explicitly mentioned.

AccessibilityThe park includes a boardwalk over the wetlands that is considered to be more accessible. However, additional accessibility details are lacking.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, accommodating both small and large rigs, including spacious sites with full hookups.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary, with some users noting that tent sites lack vegetation for separation while others appreciated the quieter, more spacious RV areas.

Recommended SitesChoose sites with full hookups for convenience; sites near Lea Lake are ideal for swimming access.

Best CampsitesLea Lake Campground sites with lake views recommended; spacious sites with privacy in four lakeside campgrounds.[4][6][7]

Need help booking Bottomless Lakes?

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Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The Bottomless Lakes State Park offers a variety of amenities geared towards enhancing the camping experience. It features bathhouses, BBQ grills, a dump station, fishing opportunities, hiking trails, ice sales, paddleboard and paddle boat rentals, parking, picnic areas, a playground, swimming facilities, a swimming beach, flush toilets, and volleyball courts. However, reviews indicate mixed satisfaction with these amenities. Some campers appreciated facilities such as clean bathrooms and showers, while others noted issues with cleanliness and maintenance.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

WiFi

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Bottomless Lakes State Park include swimming, hiking, fishing, paddleboarding, and pedal boating. Many visitors enjoy the unique geological features and the clarity of the lake water, which is often described as refreshing and ideal for family activities.

Hiking

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRaccoon and fly infestations are commonly mentioned in user reviews; some reviews also describe narrow roads and wind hazards.

Fire PolicyGround fires are prohibited due to dry conditions; grills are available.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned in authoritative or user reviews.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are likely located in Roswell, about 18 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash cans are available for camper use, though issues with full bins and lack of timely emptying were noted in some reviews.

Water FeaturesClose to Lea Lake with a designated swimming area and rental options for paddleboards and pedal boats.

Camp HostSome user reviews praise the campground hosts for being friendly and helpful, while others criticize a lack of maintenance oversight.

Cell CoverageVaries by carrier.[4]

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

505 reviews

Recommended

Bottomless Lakes is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews present a mixed perspective on the campground. Many visitors praise the natural beauty, recreational activities, and friendly staff, while others note issues with maintenance, cleanliness, and pest control.

Review Summaries

Based on 505 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 505 reviews.

Site #22Loved
Site #22: Partial lake view, electric and water hookups, clean and spacious.
Site #2Loved
Site #2: Good for overnight stays, spacious and clean.
Site #5Mentioned
Site #5: One of six full hookup sites with a large, gravel base and concrete picnic table.

What Campers Love

Unique sinkhole lakes for swimming, scuba diving, non-motorized boating; clean facilities, lake views, family-friendly with playground and volleyball; good visibility for diving.[2][3][4][7]

Based on 505 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include dirty bathrooms and showers, pest issues such as raccoons and flies, noisy neighbors, and inconsistent maintenance. A user summarized, 'The restroom might be closed during...

Based on 505 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own scuba gear; note fishing restrictions (not at Lea Lake); hot in summer; pet-friendly; $5 entry fee per car.[1][7]

Based on 505 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is more popular in summer and fall due to favorable weather and open lake activities. Winter stays are quieter but colder, with closed amenities like outdoor showers.

Based on 505 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Lea Lake is awesome, perfect for swimming.' 2. 'The trails in the park are good, the “skid mark” mountain bike trail is also great for hiking.' 3. 'Clean wide lots, picnic tables and grills,...

Based on 505 reviews

Accessibility Features

The boardwalk over the wetlands is highlighted as being more accessible, but additional accessibility features and reviews are limited.

Based on 505 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, but campers warn about grass spurs and pest issues like raccoons. One reviewer said, 'Want to take your dogs out? Be prepared to be picking grass spurs out of their paws.'

Based on 505 reviews

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Go if

Families and swimmers get the best of it. Lea Lake's roped beach is cold and clear, paddle boats run $5-10/hour, and fall temps hit 65-80°F with warm enough water to swim. Site #22 offers a partial lake view with electric and water hookups. Scuba divers bring their own gear.

Skip if

Raccoons are aggressive and persistent around food, flies are a recurring complaint, and tent sites have almost no vegetation between neighbors. If a private, shaded tent site matters, this desert layout won't deliver it.

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