Fenton Lake State Park

4.19

52 reviews

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

FishingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

7,661 ft

Price

$10 - $18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,661 ft

Price

$10 - $18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Direct Line site

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...

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

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What Campers Say

4.19

Satisfactory

Based on 52 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."

Read all reviews

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

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.

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Great activities but summer is crowded and sites fill quickly; reservation frustrations reported.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall offers scenic beauty, milder crowds and good hiking/fishing conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring has fishing and budding scenery; variable weather and access may affect experience.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 13% in NM

Winter brings snow, ice fishing and cross-country skiing; fewer visitors though some facilities limited.

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is 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.

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.

Amenities available

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

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.

HikingThe 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.

FishingFishing 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.'

BoatingBoating activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing tubes, and canoes are permitted. Dwight remarked, 'They allow boats, paddleboards, kayaks, fishing tubes, and canoes.'

Wildlife viewingWildlife 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

Water Sports

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.

Weather at Fenton Lake State Park

Reviews

4.2

52 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 52 reviews

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...

Based on 52 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 52 reviews

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...

Based on 52 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 52 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 52 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 52 reviews