Fenton Lake State Park
00 review455 FENTON LAKE ROAD, Jemez Springs, New Mexico, 87025, United States
Quick Facts
Price
$10 - $18/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectric
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$10 - $18/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectric
Get DirectionsFenton 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...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Reserve America
Provider5758293630
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 0 reviews
971 Google reviews
Most mentioned
well-maintained
Some mention
crowded
"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."
Fees & Passes at Fenton Lake State Park
$10 - $18/night
Campsite fees
Cancellation: No cancellation policies explicitly provided.
Prices verified August 10, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Direct Line website.
Best Time to Camp at Fenton Lake State Park
Experience the dramatic beauty of four distinct seasons at Fenton Lake. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, with light to moderate snowfall creating picture-perfect scenes and temperatures that invite cozy campfires. As summer arrives, the park becomes a coveted retreat from desert heat, offering refreshingly cool mountain air and comfortable temperatures punctuated by afternoon thundershowers that roll through the peaks. Locals and seasoned visitors alike treasure these cooler mountain temperatures, especially during New Mexico's warmest months.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
About Fenton Lake State Park
Nestled in the heart of the Jemez Mountains, Fenton Lake State Park beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its pristine alpine lake and peaceful mountain setting. This hidden gem draws anglers seeking trophy trout, families craving cool mountain escapes, and hikers eager to explore pine-scented trails. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, setting up camp beneath towering ponderosas, or wandering forest paths, Fenton Lake delivers an authentic New Mexico mountain experience.
The campground accommodates primitive, tent, and RV camping. It also offers group sites and accommodates electric hookups.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this tranquil mountain lake remains quietly tucked away, the land itself tells stories through its ancient pines and pristine waters, serving as a timeless sanctuary in the Jemez Mountains.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of four distinct seasons at Fenton Lake. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, with light to moderate snowfall creating picture-perfect scenes and temperatures that invite cozy campfires. As summer arrives, the park becomes a coveted retreat from desert heat, offering refreshingly cool mountain air and comfortable temperatures punctuated by afternoon thundershowers that roll through the peaks. Locals and seasoned visitors alike treasure these cooler mountain temperatures, especially during New Mexico's warmest months.
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 SceneryPicture yourself beside a mirror-like mountain lake, its surface reflecting towering pines and endless sky. The surrounding forest teems with life – from elk grazing in meadows to hawks circling overhead. Bird enthusiasts delight in the diverse avian population, while wildlife watchers might spot deer at water's edge during golden hour. The interplay of water, forest, and mountain creates a photographer's dream and a naturalist's playground.
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.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityFenton Lake has amenities for handicap access, as explicitly stated in the authoritative source.
Sites 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.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews like Devorah Wolf describe the campsites as 'privately spaced' and 'clean and well kept.'
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 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 Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Groups
No specific details are available about the number of people or vehicles allowed at group sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground includes loops and areas for reserved camping.
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.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
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
The park features a trail around the lake and a longer hiking trail into the surrounding forest, as noted by Karin Ward. Additionally, Adrienne Boggs highlighted the proximity to many other hiking trails.Fishing
Fishing is a major draw, with the lake regularly stocked with trout, including 10-12 inch fish and some larger ones. Multiple users recommend early fishing due to crowding, especially during summer. Dwight stated, 'They stock the lake regularly.'Boating
Boating activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing tubes, and canoes are permitted. Dwight remarked, 'They allow boats, paddleboards, kayaks, fishing tubes, and canoes.'Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as elk and deer can be observed in the area. Shea Isles noted, 'Deer and elk walk through camp late night early morning.'Winter Activities
Winter recreation includes cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, as noted by Karin Ward.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports, such as canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, are available.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed in designated fire rings; no other details provided.
- Quiet hours enforced as mentioned by user reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include bears and mountain lions (mentioned by a user); icy winters may affect camping. Swimming is prohibited in the lake.
Weather at Fenton Lake State Park
40
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 30%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 13.2 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Emergency Services
Ranger Station contact available. No explicit mention of hospitals or full emergency services nearby.
Good to know
Trash and 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.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Fenton Lake, ideal for fishing and water-based recreation, with trails around the lake.
Common complaintsUser complaints include unclear fee instructions, overcrowded campsites during peak season, and rude rangers.
HostRangers patrol frequently and live on-site, contributing to park enforcement and cleanliness.
Campground Map
455 FENTON LAKE ROAD, Jemez Springs, New Mexico, 87025, United States
Driving directionsFROM INTERSTATE 25 TAKE HWY 550 (EXIT 242) TO STATE ROAD 4 IN SAN YSIDRO, THEN PROCEED 7 MILES PAST JEMEZ SPRINGS AND TURN ON STATE ROAD 126. FENTON LAKE IS 8 MILES FURTHER FROM THAT TURNOFF.
State Road 126 provides access to the park; however, some user reviews note potential challenges with unpaved roads and advise vehicles with ground clearance for smoother navigation.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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
0 reviews
Fenton Lake State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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
What Campers Love
Many users highlight the park's serene beauty, great fishing opportunities, and the well-maintained campground. Adrienne Boggs called it 'a gorgeous state park,' while Dwight has been visiting for 20...
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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...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Plan ahead and make reservations early, as noted by Brittany Martinez: 'Talking to the ranger revealed absolutely NO openings the rest of the summer.' Arrive early for fishing or day use, as...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Accessibility Features
The park is noted for handicap access, but no specific reviews from users with disabilities are available.
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.
Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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