Santa Rosa Lake

Star4.13
144 reviews
PO BOX 384, Santa Rosa, New Mexico, 88435, United States

Quick Facts

4,747 ft

Price

$10 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Santa Rosa Lake State Park site

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Santa Rosa Lake
$10.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $10 for primitive sites to less than $20 for sites with water and electric hookups, as noted in various user reviews.
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

4.13

Satisfactory

Based on 144 reviews

935 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulcleanshowers

"Overall, Santa Rosa Lake State Park is highly regarded for its cleanliness, tranquility, and variety of activities. However, issues such as low water levels, inconsistent hot water in showers, and limited hookups at some sites were commonly noted."

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Campground Map

PO BOX 384, Santa Rosa, New Mexico, 88435, United States

Santa Rosa Lake

PO BOX 384, Santa Rosa, New Mexico, 88435, United States

Driving directionsFROM HISTORICAL ROUTE 66 IN SANTA ROSA, NM, TURN NORTH ON 2ND ST. GO APPROXIMATELY 1/2 MILE TO EDDY AVE, AND TURN RIGHT(EAST). GO APPROXIMATELY 1 MILE AND TURN LEFT(NORTH) ON 8TH ST. 8TH ST WILL EVENTUALLY BECOME NM HWY 91. TAKE NM HWY 91 NORTH 7 MILES TO THE PARK.
The access roads are described using historical route details and local streets transitioning into NM HWY 91 for the last 7 miles. User review by Jason Collin notes that portions of the park are accessible by 'rough dirt roads.' Seasonal closures or specific issues with road quality are not explicitly mentioned.
Nearby places
Conchas, NM - 40 miles
Vaughn, NM - 40 miles
Ft. Sumner, NM - 45 miles
Tucumcari, NM - 60 miles
Santa Fe, NM - 100 miles
Albuquerque, NM - 120 miles.
Nearby supplies
'There are no big grocery stores close by,' according to a user review. Ice is available at T&D's, but drinking water may be unavailable. Restaurants and other supply points are noted as scarce.

Best Time to Camp at Santa Rosa Lake

The desert's dramatic personality shines through its ever-changing seasons. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched canvas where temperatures soar near 100°F, making early morning and evening adventures essential. Wise travelers favor spring's gentle warmth and autumn's crisp air, when comfortable days invite endless exploration and bug-free nights promise peaceful slumber under star-studded skies. The exposed terrain offers little shade, reminding visitors they're truly immersed in authentic high desert country.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.5 / 5

Summers can reach ~100°F and low lake levels commonly reduce water-based activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall called one of the most favorable seasons with mild weather and good conditions.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring listed as a favorable season with mild weather and fewer bugs.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Winter use noted; heated bathrooms appreciated though cold and fewer water activities.

Planning Tips
  • Current Alerts: No specific active alerts are mentioned.

About Santa Rosa Lake

Nestled in the heart of New Mexico's high desert, Santa Rosa Lake Campground beckons adventurers seeking solitude under vast southwestern skies. This State Park gem seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern convenience, offering everything from primitive tent spots for purists to full-hookup sites for RV travelers. Here, the rhythms of desert life replace urban chaos, creating an ideal basecamp for those ready to disconnect and explore.
Camping options include primitive sites, tent sites, RV sites with electric and water hookups, and group camping areas.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
16:00
Check-out
14:00

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Santa Rosa Lake State Park have access to a variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and wildlife viewing. The park also offers interpretive programs and opportunities for water skiing and jet skiing during appropriate seasons.
HikingHiking trails, including the popular Shoreline Trail, cater to a range of skill levels and offer scenic views. One reviewer noted, 'Wonderful hike on Shoreline Trail.'
FishingFishing is available, with some reviewers specifically mentioning catfish as a common catch. However, the low water levels may impact fishing conditions.
SwimmingSwimming is allowed, but low water levels and rocky shorelines can make access challenging. One user commented, 'The water level looked a little low, like most of the southwest.'
BoatingBoating is a popular activity, with facilities for kayaking, jet skiing, and water skiing. Some visitors noted the boat launch was easy to use.
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings, including deer, foxes, and various birds, are common. One camper mentioned seeing 'deer and a falcon.'
Cultural and Educational ProgramsInterpretive programs are available, although specific details were not provided in the reviews.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsLow water levels in the lake reduce recreational options, and reviewers mention 'biting bugs,' including ants and gnats.
Active AlertsNo specific active alerts are mentioned.

Weather at Santa Rosa Lake

Reviews

4.1
144 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Santa Rosa Lake is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Santa Rosa Lake State Park is highly regarded for its cleanliness, tranquility, and variety of activities. However, issues such as low water levels, inconsistent hot water in showers, and limited hookups at some sites were commonly noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 144 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean bathrooms and showers, scenic hiking trails, spacious sites with covered picnic tables, and friendly camp hosts were frequently praised. Visitors also appreciated the quiet and peaceful...
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Based on 144 reviews

Common Concerns

Low water levels in the lake, inconsistent hot water in showers, uneven campsites, and overflowing trash bins were recurring issues. Some users also mentioned bugs and challenging reservation systems.
Based on 144 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring plenty of water and shade if visiting in the summer. Be prepared for uneven campsites and verify site amenities during booking. Early arrivals are recommended for the best spots.
Based on 144 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are the most favorable seasons, with mild weather and fewer bugs. Summer can be very hot, and water levels may be low. Winter visitors appreciated the heated bathrooms.
Based on 144 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This camp was the best $10 ever spent!' 2. 'Beautiful recreational area created by the Corp of Engineers.' 3. 'Wonderful State Park to stay for a few days. Not a whole lot to do but be with...
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Based on 144 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site A21 was noted for water and electric hookups and a nice view. Site B4 was mentioned as suitable for a 40' rig, though the turn was tight. Juniper space 12 overlooks the lake and is close to...
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Based on 144 reviews

Accessibility Features

Heated bathrooms and warm showers enhance accessibility, though some users suggested adding benches in handicap shower areas.
Based on 144 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The park is pet-friendly, but goathead stickers in off-pavement areas may be challenging for pets. One user mentioned, 'Our pet kids loved it. Lots of walking and some hiking.'
Based on 144 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026
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