Clayton Lake State Park And Dinosaur Trackways

4.30

96 reviews

141 CLAYTON LAKE ROAD, Clayton, New Mexico, 88415, United States

StargazingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$10 - $14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

No specific details ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens New Mexico State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$10 - $14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

No specific details ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens New Mexico State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Clayton Lake State Park And Dinosaur Trackways

$10.00 - $14.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary depending on the site type. Water/electric sites are priced at $14 per night, while dry camping sites can be as low as $10 per night.

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

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What Campers Say

4.30

Satisfactory

Based on 96 reviews

471 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersrestrooms

Some mention

unlevel

"Reviews are generally positive, with campers praising the park's clean facilities, stunning night skies, and unique dinosaur trackways. Negative feedback often revolves around sloped campsites and limited Wi-Fi and cell service."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

141 CLAYTON LAKE ROAD, Clayton, New Mexico, 88415, United States

Clayton Lake State Park And Dinosaur Trackways

141 CLAYTON LAKE ROAD, Clayton, New Mexico, 88415, United States

Driving directionsFrom US 64, travel north on Highway 370 for approximately eleven miles. Turn west on Highway 455 and travel one mile to the entrance of the park. Distance from urban areas: Albuquerque: 273 miles, Amarillo: 135 miles, Dallas: 497 miles, Denver: 310 miles, Oklahoma City: 364 miles.

Road access quality is not explicitly mentioned, but reviews indicate that the roads to the park may be steep and curvy. For example, one reviewer noted, 'At first on the way there, I didn’t think I was on the right road. Very few signs.' Another mentioned, 'The road to the lake is in rough condition, hilly, and winds its way out into very rural country.'

Nearby places

Clayton (11 miles, approximately 20-25 minutes)

Amarillo (135 miles)

Albuquerque (273 miles)

Denver (310 miles)

Oklahoma City (364 miles)

Dallas (497 miles)

Nearby supplies

Supplies are likely available in Clayton, which is approximately 11 miles away. A reviewer highlighted, 'The water is at the main visitor center and the group picnic area,' and another stated, 'Very curvy and slow 12-mile trip back to town for supplies.'

Best Time to Camp at Clayton Lake State Park And Dinosaur Trackways

Experience the dramatic beauty of high desert seasons at Clayton Lake, where summer days bring warmth perfect for water activities, while crisp autumn nights invite cozy campfires. Winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland, occasionally dusted with snow, while spring awakens the desert with wildflowers. Be prepared for the region's characteristic winds that sweep across the lake, and note that water levels fluctuate seasonally - in late September 2019, visitors found the lake 14 feet below its typical level, revealing interesting shoreline features normally hidden beneath the waves.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Warm summers suit water activities and wildlife viewing; some heat and insects noted.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 13% in NM

Fall highlighted for quietude and vibrant foliage; reviewers recommend autumn visits.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring offers pleasant weather and wildlife sightings; good time for hiking and viewing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Winters are peaceful but chilly; precipitation can obscure tracks and limit activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No specific peak season dates are provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: No specific details about open or closed seasons are provided.
Current Alerts: No active alerts or advisories are currently mentioned.

About Clayton Lake State Park And Dinosaur Trackways

Escape to Clayton Lake State Park, where ancient history meets modern adventure in New Mexico's remote northeastern wilderness. This hidden gem combines the tranquility of a pristine man-made lake with the thrill of walking among actual dinosaur footprints preserved in stone. Whether you're pitching a tent under star-filled skies or settling your RV into a spacious site, you'll discover why visitors rave about the spotlessly clean facilities and the warm welcome from knowledgeable staff who make every stay memorable.

Clayton Lake State Park offers camping options such as tent sites, RV sites, and primitive sites. A few spots have water and electrical hookups, while others are more rustic.

Historical SignificanceStep back 100 million years at one of North America's most remarkable paleontological treasures. During the dam's construction, workers uncovered an extraordinary collection of dinosaur tracks that now form one of the park's crown jewels. A short, accessible walk leads you to these prehistoric footprints, where you can literally follow in the steps of creatures that roamed this land when it was a muddy shoreline. These fossil remains offer a tangible connection to Earth's distant past, making every visit an educational adventure.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of high desert seasons at Clayton Lake, where summer days bring warmth perfect for water activities, while crisp autumn nights invite cozy campfires. Winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland, occasionally dusted with snow, while spring awakens the desert with wildflowers. Be prepared for the region's characteristic winds that sweep across the lake, and note that water levels fluctuate seasonally - in late September 2019, visitors found the lake 14 feet below its typical level, revealing interesting shoreline features normally hidden beneath the waves.

ElevationPerched at 5,000 feet above sea level, Clayton Lake State Park offers a refreshing retreat from lower elevation heat. This mile-high setting creates an ideal climate where cool mountain breezes sweep across the water, providing natural air conditioning on summer days and crisp, invigorating mornings that make that first cup of camp coffee taste even better.

Natural Features and SceneryPrepare for sensory overload as Clayton Lake reveals its stunning contrasts - dramatic rocky cliffs plunge toward shimmering waters while high desert vistas stretch endlessly toward the horizon. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in frequent encounters with deer grazing at dawn, rabbits darting between desert shrubs, and diverse bird species that call this oasis home. But perhaps the park's most breathtaking feature appears after sunset, when one visitor's words ring true: 'Amazing night sky, just absolutely breathtaking' - the absence of light pollution reveals a celestial showcase that will leave you speechless.

Geological RegionNestled in New Mexico's captivating Northeast region, Clayton Lake State Park showcases the diverse geology that makes this corner of the state so special. The landscape tells a story written in stone - from the ancient seabed that preserved dinosaur tracks to the volcanic formations and sedimentary layers that create the park's dramatic backdrop. This high desert environment, sculpted by wind and water over millennia, offers a unique blend of aquatic recreation amid classic southwestern terrain.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Unspecified.

Check-out

Unspecified.

Stay Limit

Information about stay limits is not explicitly stated.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No information about the maximum number of guests per site has been mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground features 26 campsites, including loops such as the South Loop and Rock Garden area. Campsites offer varying levels of privacy and amenities.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online, but campers must print their camping permits. One reviewer pointed out, 'You need to PRINT your camping permit purchased online in order to walk down to the dinosaur tracks.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up/first-come-first-served season is mentioned in reviews, such as 'We camped at Clayton during FCFS season and managed to snag one of the 7 water/30 amp electric sites.' No further details are provided.

Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy is mentioned.

AccessibilityOne user notes that the dinosaur trackway is not accessible for individuals with disabilities, providing room for improvement in accessibility features.

Site SizeThe campground provides a range of site sizes, accommodating tents, RVs, and pop-up trailers. Sites with hookups are described as being sufficiently large for larger RVs, although maneuvering to certain sites may be challenging due to narrow roads and steep terrain.

PrivacySites are generally well-spaced, offering privacy. However, some reviews mention sloped and unlevel spots, particularly in non-electric loops.

Total Campsites26 campsites

Recommended SitesCampers recommend choosing sites carefully due to the uneven terrain. For RVs, the electric/water spots may be ideal, while the South Loop and Rock Garden areas are better for tent campers.

Amenities available

Showers

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a diverse range of activities, supported by facilities like hiking trails, fishing areas, and wildlife viewing spots. User reviews highlight the mesmerizing dinosaur tracks, scenic hikes, and stunning stargazing opportunities.

HikingThe park features several hiking trails, including a short, family-friendly trail leading to the dinosaur trackway. Trails vary in difficulty and offer unique views of the lake and preserved fossil footprints.

FishingFishing opportunities are available at the lake, with species such as walleye and bass reported. However, some reviews express dissatisfaction with fishing experiences, particularly during low water levels.

BikingOne reviewer expressed a desire to bring a mountain bike for exploring the park’s rocky terrain, suggesting biking may be a feasible activity.

BoatingBoating is supported, with a boat ramp available. However, boat access may be restricted during periods of low water levels.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities abound, with reports of deer, rabbits, bald eagles, and pronghorn antelope frequently observed in the park.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsInterpretive programs and walks are available, emphasizing the park's unique dinosaur tracks and geological history.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe park's steep and winding access roads may pose challenges for larger vehicles. Some campsites are on uneven terrain, making them unsuitable for larger RVs.

Active AlertsNo active alerts or advisories are currently mentioned.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyNo specific fire policies are mentioned, but fire rings are available at campsites.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No specific quiet hours are mentioned.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are not specifically mentioned. Clayton, the nearest city (11 miles away), is likely to have a hospital and other emergency facilities.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials, and user reviews do not provide additional insights.

Water FeaturesThe campground is adjacent to a man-made lake, offering fishing, boating, and opportunities to observe wildlife.

Camp HostThe park staff and hosts receive praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. 'The ranger was very friendly,' one reviewer noted.

Weather at Clayton Lake State Park And Dinosaur Trackways

Reviews

4.3

96 reviews

Satisfactory

Clayton Lake State Park And Dinosaur Trackways is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are generally positive, with campers praising the park's clean facilities, stunning night skies, and unique dinosaur trackways. Negative feedback often revolves around sloped campsites and limited Wi-Fi and cell service.

Review Summaries

Based on 96 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviewers praise the clean restrooms, hot showers, breathtaking starry skies, and the dinosaur tracks as standout features. The park's serene, secluded atmosphere is noted as ideal for...

Based on 96 reviews

Common Concerns

Common concerns include sloped and unlevel campsites, poor cell phone reception, and outdated bathroom facilities. Some campers also mention rough roads and limited signage leading to the park.

Based on 96 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend visiting the dinosaur tracks early in the day for optimal visibility and printing camping permits online before arrival.

Based on 96 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is highlighted for its quietude and vibrant foliage, while summer offers warm weather and wildlife sightings but may also bring heat and insects. Winter visits are peaceful but can be chilly.

Based on 96 reviews

Camper Quotes

"I don't think I've ever seen so many stars in my life." "The dinosaur tracks were pretty cool as well, they are a 1/4+ mile hike to get to." "Bathrooms were clean, showers were hot." "Definitely...

Based on 96 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites R3 and R4 receive positive mentions for their proximity to the lake and scenic views. The South Loop is noted for nesting birds in shelters and uneven terrain.

Based on 96 reviews

Accessibility Features

One review notes limited accessibility for disabled individuals, particularly for accessing the dinosaur trackway.

Based on 96 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed and several users enjoyed bringing their dogs, emphasizing friendly policies and the spaciousness for pets to roam.

Based on 96 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026

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Clayton Lake State Park And Dinosaur Trackways