How much does camping cost at Fenton Lake State Park?

Camping fees at Fenton Lake State Park range from $10-$18/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Fenton Lake State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Fenton Lake State Park 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 Fenton Lake State Park before I book?

Yes! Fenton Lake State Park has 13 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 Fenton Lake State Park?

Fenton Lake State Park does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Fenton Lake State Park?

Fire policies at Fenton Lake State Park: Campfires allowed in designated fire rings; no other details provided.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Fenton Lake State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Fenton Lake State Park. 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 Fenton Lake State Park?

Fenton Lake State Park offers: Restrooms, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Fenton Lake State Park?

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

Fenton Lake State Park

4.17

69 reviews

455 FENTON LAKE ROAD, Jemez Springs, New Mexico, 87025, United States

Top 10% in NMWinter

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

7,661 ft

Price

$10 - $18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Direct Line Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,661 ft

Price

$10 - $18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Direct Line Official Website

Get Directions

Fenton Lake State Park

$10.00 - $18.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day-use fees are $10, while camping fees are $18 if booked online. Some user reviews complain about unclear signage regarding payment and booking...

No paid fee categories listed.

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5758293630

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Campground Map

455 FENTON LAKE ROAD, Jemez Springs, New Mexico, 87025, United States

Fenton Lake State Park

455 FENTON LAKE ROAD, Jemez Springs, New Mexico, 87025, United States

Nearby places

San Ysidro (approx. 18 miles) and Jemez Springs (approx. 8 miles). Exact travel times are not available.

Nearby supplies

No specific details provided

the area is rural and visitors may need to stock up before entering the park. Some reviewers mention lack of cell service for up to 25 minutes from the park.

Weather at Fenton Lake State Park

Best Time to Camp at Fenton Lake State Park

Fall delivers the most comfortable conditions. Late September through October brings peak aspen color, daytime highs around 50-70°F, and nighttime lows in the 20s-30s. Trout remain active in cooling waters, and trails see lighter traffic than summer weekends. Winter blankets the park in snow, with temperatures inviting campfires but requiring cold-weather gear. Summer offers escape from desert heat with refreshing mountain air, though afternoon thunderstorms roll through the peaks regularly. Crowds peak mid-summer, when campsite availability drops to near zero.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall brings comfortable temps, peak aspen color and active trout—highlight season.

Planning Tips

About Fenton Lake State Park

Fenton Lake State Park sits at 7,661 feet in the Jemez Mountains near Jemez Springs. The campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites ranging from $10-$18 per night. Anglers prize the regularly stocked trout fishing, and campers return for the cool mountain air and quiet forest setting. Reserve early: rangers report zero openings for much of summer.

The campground accommodates primitive, tent, and RV camping. It also offers group sites and accommodates electric hookups.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the most comfortable conditions. Late September through October brings peak aspen color, daytime highs around 50-70°F, and nighttime lows in the 20s-30s. Trout remain active in cooling waters, and trails see lighter traffic than summer weekends. Winter blankets the park in snow, with temperatures inviting campfires but requiring cold-weather gear. Summer offers escape from desert heat with refreshing mountain air, though afternoon thunderstorms roll through the peaks regularly. Crowds peak mid-summer, when campsite availability drops to near zero.

ElevationPerched high in the Jemez Mountains, Fenton Lake sits at an elevation that gifts visitors with naturally air-conditioned summers and crisp, invigorating mountain air year-round. This elevated paradise offers a refreshing escape from the lower desert valleys.

Natural Features and SceneryNestled at 7,900 feet elevation in the Jemez Mountains among beautiful ponderosa pine forests, with the 37-acre Fenton Lake fed by the Rio Cebolla.[1][4]

Geological RegionThe Jemez Mountains cradle Fenton Lake in a landscape shaped by ancient volcanic forces and millennia of natural sculpting. This geological wonderland showcases dramatic rock formations, volcanic remnants, and lush coniferous forests that paint the mountainsides in various shades of green. The unique geology creates diverse ecosystems and stunning vistas that remind visitors why the Jemez range stands as one of New Mexico's most treasured landscapes.

Scenic ViewsMany user reviews mention beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo cabins or lodges are explicitly mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no mention of cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is organized into loops with a mix of reserved and first-come sites. Spacing between sites provides privacy. Expect no cell service for the 25-minute drive into the park and throughout your stay.

Reservation PlatformsOnline reservations required; specific platform not mentioned.

Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is by reservation only; no walk-up availability mentioned explicitly.

Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policies explicitly provided.

AccessibilityFenton Lake has amenities for handicap access, as explicitly stated in the authoritative source.

Site SizeSite descriptions vary. M.A. Nelson mentioned site #5 as having two parking spots, a grill, a fire ring, and space for tents, but noted it was small and sooty.

PrivacyUser reviews like Devorah Wolf describe the campsites as 'privately spaced' and 'clean and well kept.

Recommended SitesSite 25 is appreciated for its quiet surroundings; Site 5 offers parking and amenities but is described as sooty and ashy. Creek-side sites are recommended for better conditions.

Best CampsitesLoop D sites closest to the lake with electric and water hookups; RV pull-through sites available; accommodates RVs up to 60 feet in electric sites.[1][7]

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Booking tips & windows

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The campground at Fenton Lake State Park offers a variety of amenities. These include boating, canoeing, fire rings, fishing, handicap access, hiking, modern restrooms, a park office, parking, picnic tables, a playground, sail boating, vault toilets, and wildlife viewing.

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Fenton Lake State Park offers a range of activities that cater to outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, fishing, birding, canoeing, and cross-country skiing in winter.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bears and mountain lions (mentioned by a user); icy winters may affect camping. Swimming is prohibited in the lake.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed in designated fire rings; no other details provided.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours enforced as mentioned by user reviews.

Emergency ServicesRanger Station contact available. No explicit mention of hospitals or full emergency services nearby.

Trash & RecyclingThere is no explicit information about trash and recycling facilities. However, Gina Ortiz mentioned that 'trash was around the lake,' indicating a possible lack of adequate trash management.

Water FeaturesThe campground is adjacent to Fenton Lake, ideal for fishing and water-based recreation, with trails around the lake.

Camp HostRangers patrol frequently and live on-site, contributing to park enforcement and cleanliness.

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

4.2

69 reviews

Satisfactory

Fenton Lake State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Fenton Lake State Park is popular among campers and anglers, but experiences vary widely. While some users praise the park's beauty, fishing, and camping facilities, others express dissatisfaction with the reservation system, overcrowding, and the conduct of park rangers.

Review Summaries

Based on 69 reviews

What Campers Love

Excellent fishing especially flyfishing and ice fishing; mellow mountain escape; playground for kids; variety of activities year-round.[1][4][7]

Based on 69 reviews

Common Concerns

Users frequently complain about the reservation system, with several noting the difficulty of securing a site. Lauren Vanderburg described rangers as 'rude and unhelpful.' Overcrowding at the lake...

Based on 69 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #5 was reviewed as 'non-electric' with two parking spots, a grill, a fire ring, and space for tents. However, it was described as 'sooty and ashy' by M.A. Nelson. Site F loop 25 was praised for...

Based on 69 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Fires only in provided grills and fire rings; extinguish campfires completely; pack in and pack out for nearby dispersed areas.[1][5]

Based on 69 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During summer, the park is crowded, and campsites fill quickly, leading to complaints about overcrowding. In winter, facilities are limited, but the park is less crowded and offers unique activities...

Based on 69 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The campground is absolutely lovely!' - Adrienne Boggs 2. 'Plan accordingly if you're going for the day, be there when it opens.' - Mellia N. Walker 3. 'The lake is pristine, has some great views...

Based on 69 reviews

Accessibility Features

The park is noted for handicap access, but no specific reviews from users with disabilities are available.

Based on 69 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, as noted by M.A. Nelson, who visited with two dogs. They mentioned that the dogs were friendly and accepted in the campground.

Based on 69 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Anglers and paddlers who book early in fall will find the sweet spot: cooler temps, active trout, lighter crowds, and elk wandering through camp at dawn. Site F-25 gets repeat praise for its position. Tent or RV both work here.

Skip if

Rangers have drawn sharp complaints from several reviewers, including accounts of dismissive treatment, and a subset of past visitors describe experiences that felt unwelcoming to those outside the area's cultural mainstream. If that's a concern, the drive in is long and cell ser

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San Antonio Campground sits in the high-elevation alpine terrain of Santa Fe National Forest near Jemez Springs, operated by the National Forest Service. Electric and water hookups serve tent and RV campers who come for trout fishing in the nearby river, hiking mountain trails, and soaking in Spence Hot Springs. The campground offers group sites and welcomes pets, with vault toilets and potable water on-site.