How much does camping cost at El Vado Lake?

Camping fees at El Vado Lake 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 El Vado Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

El Vado Lake 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 El Vado Lake before I book?

Yes! El Vado Lake has 2 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.

Are there showers at El Vado Lake?

Yes, El Vado Lake has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Are dogs allowed at El Vado Lake?

Pets are not allowed at El Vado Lake. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at El Vado Lake?

El Vado Lake offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at El Vado Lake?

Popular activities at El Vado Lake include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

El Vado Lake

3.90

31 reviews

P.O. BOX 367, Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico, 87575, United States

Stargazing

Featured in:Boating Camping New Mexico

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

7,195 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,195 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Direct Line Official Website

Get Directions

El Vado Lake

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Dry camping is $10 as per user reviews. No other fee structures or additional costs were explicitly provided.

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

5755887247

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

P.O. BOX 367, Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico, 87575, United States

El Vado Lake

P.O. BOX 367, Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico, 87575, United States

Nearby supplies

Nearest town with groceries (Lowe's in Chromo) as noted by a user review

distances or travel times were not provided.

Driving directionsFROM THE INTERSECTION OF US 64/84 AND STATE ROAD 112 TURN LEFT ON SR 112 AND GO 13 MILES UNTIL YOU REACH THE EL VADO STATE PARK ROAD AND TURN RIGHT AND TRAVEL 4 MILES TO THE ENTRANCE OF THE PARK.

Users noted that traveling from the south with a camper may be tough and recommended coming from the north. Roads to the site need repairs according to one review. Seasonal closures or terrain challenges are not explicitly mentioned, except the drainage maintenance on the dam affecting lake usability.

Weather at El Vado Lake

Current alert: Active dam repairs causing lake drainage, water availability issues, and restrictions on when showers and water spigots can be used.

Best Time to Camp at El Vado Lake

Summer brings the most comfortable conditions: daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F, with nights dropping to 35–50°F. Early summer delivers peak wildflowers and green meadows, while July and August bring afternoon monsoon thunderstorms. Trails stay accessible and wildlife viewing peaks during these months. The elevation keeps things cool even in summer. Expect moderate crowds that spike on holiday weekends. Winter visits are possible but require preparation for snow and cold.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Comfortable summer temps, wildflowers and open trails; reviewers praise summer visits.

Planning Tips

About El Vado Lake

El Vado Lake sits at 7,195 feet in Northwest New Mexico's high country, near Tierra Amarilla. The lake currently rests empty during dam repairs, but the campground remains open with sites ranging from $10 per night. Clean facilities, attentive hosts, and private campsites draw visitors who come for wildlife and stargazing rather than water recreation.

The campground offers a combination of camping options, including primitive and RV-friendly sites. Tent camping and group camping are also supported.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most comfortable conditions: daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F, with nights dropping to 35–50°F. Early summer delivers peak wildflowers and green meadows, while July and August bring afternoon monsoon thunderstorms. Trails stay accessible and wildlife viewing peaks during these months. The elevation keeps things cool even in summer. Expect moderate crowds that spike on holiday weekends. Winter visits are possible but require preparation for snow and cold.

Natural Features and ScenerySituated in northern New Mexico mountains at 7,209 ft elevation, featuring a lake with quiet coves, surrounding mountains offering 360-degree views, lush grassy fields, and connection to Rio Chama river.[1][2][4][5]

Geological RegionCarved into the dramatic terrain of Northwest New Mexico, this high-country retreat showcases the region's diverse ecosystems. Though the lake currently rests empty during critical dam repairs, the surrounding landscape tells a richer story—one of ancient geological forces that created these sweeping valleys and mesas. Majestic elk roam the hillsides while prairie dogs maintain their underground cities, and iridescent hummingbirds add splashes of color to the earth-toned palette of this remarkable wilderness sanctuary.

Scenic Views'Great views!' as noted by one user. Another mentioned waking up to elk bugling nearby.

Lodging & AccommodationsLodging facilities such as cabins or glamping options are not mentioned in the materials provided.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are noted in the source materials.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsUsers mention reserving online, but specific platforms or websites are not provided.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit data about walk-up availability, but user reviews suggest campsites can be empty during certain periods.

Cancellation PolicyOne review mentions no refunds for cancellations.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with at least one user describing a campsite as 'very large.

PrivacySeveral reviews emphasize privacy, with specific mention of 'very private' campsites such as site 32.

Recommended SitesRecommendations include campsite 32 for privacy. Users also appreciate large campsites with scenic views.

Best CampsitesGrassy Point #17 (favorite for views and boat ramp access); Pinon Beach #62 (recommended); Grassy Point, Elk Run, and Pinon Beach campgrounds overall.[2][3][10]

Need help booking El Vado Lake?

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Amenities available

El Vado Lake State Park offers a variety of amenities catering to outdoor enthusiasts. Key facilities include a boat launch ramp, park office, parking, playground, modern restrooms, hiking trails, and areas for wildlife viewing. According to user reviews, the campground provides showers and flush toilets, although their availability can be limited to specific hours (4 PM to 6 PM) due to ongoing maintenance. Vault toilets are also present for other times. Water for drinking is clean and accessible during specific hours. A playground for children and opportunities for wildlife viewing, including elk and small mammals, are additional highlights.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

El Vado Lake offers multiple recreational activities, such as boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. However, some activities are impacted by ongoing maintenance and the low water level of the lake.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsOne review mentions an infestation of black fleas in electric campsites, presumably stemming from a broken waterline.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Users mention campers controlling louder noise but no specific quiet hours are provided.

Emergency ServicesRanger station on-site (contact number unavailable), no explicit mention of proximity to hospitals or police stations.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.

Water FeaturesLake is mostly drained due to dam repairs, with water far from campsites according to reviews.

Camp HostHosts are described as 'extremely helpful and attentive,' providing campfires and Sunday morning breakfasts.

Cell CoverageAT&T: Yes; Verizon: Yes; T-Mobile: None.[2]

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

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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

3.9

31 reviews

Mixed Reviews

El Vado Lake has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

The reviews for El Vado Lake are mixed, with many users appreciating the campground's scenic views, cleanliness, and privacy. However, ongoing dam repairs and lake maintenance have significantly impacted water availability and activities.

Review Summaries

Based on 31 reviews

What Campers Love

Stunning mountain and lake views; excellent fishing for trout and kokanee salmon; quiet off-season beauty; convenient amenities like showers and boat ramps; family-friendly with...

Based on 31 reviews

Common Concerns

Ongoing dam repairs and low water levels have disrupted several activities. Additional complaints include limited water availability (restricted to specific hours), flea infestations at electric...

Based on 31 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Campsite 32: Described as 'very large and very private.' - Electric sites: Several complaints about flea infestations. - General: Some sites are noted for being large, secluded, and offering great...

Based on 31 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visit off-season for fewer crowds and beautiful quiet areas; campfires only in provided grills/stoves due to fire restrictions; showers open 8am-8pm, vault toilets 24 hours; OHV use prohibited; book...

Based on 31 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During the summer, visitors praise the clean facilities and large campsites despite the lake being drained. Winter visits are less common, with fewer comments available. Seasonal maintenance affects...

Based on 31 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The beauty here is amazing! I stayed at campsite 32. It was very large and very private.' - Daniel Lambert 2. 'El Vado was great... the campground and the hosts more than made up for it.' -...

Based on 31 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are available.

Based on 31 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews explicitly discuss pet policies or experiences with pets.

Based on 31 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Wildlife watchers and hikers get the best of this place: the Rio Chama Trail is open, elk are active near camp (site 32 is large and genuinely secluded), and at 7,195 ft the summer temps stay manageable even in August.

Skip if

Boaters and anglers should wait, the lake is empty and the boat ramp is closed due to active dam repairs. Also skip the electric sites until the flea infestation from the broken waterline is resolved.

Nearby Campgrounds

640 State Road 95, LOS OJOS, New Mexico, 87551, United States

Heron Lake sits at 7,152 feet in northern New Mexico's high desert, where a reservoir meets mesa country near Los Ojos. The campground offers tent and RV sites with amenities including showers, flush toilets, and a dump station. Water levels fluctuate, and recent years have seen the lake lower than usual, but the scenery and variety of activities keep visitors coming back.