Percha Dam State Park

Percha Dam State Park is a hidden gem located in the southwestern region of New Mexico. The park is situated near the Rio Grande River and Caballo Lake State Park, offering visitors a range of recreational activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, kayaking, and more. The park’s natural environment is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and reptiles.

History and Overview
Percha Dam State Park was established in 1957 and covers an area of approximately 264 acres. The park is named after the Percha Dam, which was built in the early 1900s to provide water for the agricultural lands in the region. Today, the park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers who want to experience the beauty of New Mexico’s natural landscape.

Recreational Activities
Visitors to Percha Dam State Park can enjoy a range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, picnicking, and fishing. The park has 30 developed campsites with water, electric, fire ring, and grate. The park also has pull-through sites to accommodate motorhomes, travel trailers, 5th wheels, or tent camping. The park’s location near the Rio Grande River and Caballo Lake State Park makes it an ideal spot for fishing and boating.

Main Points

• Percha Dam State Park offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, picnicking, and fishing.
• The park is named after the Percha Dam, which was built in the early 1900s to provide water for the agricultural lands in the region.
• The park’s natural environment is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and reptiles.

History and Overview

Percha Dam State Park is a state park located in New Mexico, United States, approximately 21 miles south of Truth or Consequences. The park covers an area of about 80 acres and is situated on the Rio Grande. The park is named after the Percha Dam, which was built in 1916 to irrigate the surrounding farmlands.

Establishment of Percha Dam State Park

Percha Dam State Park was established in 1955, and it is one of the oldest state parks in New Mexico. The park was created to provide recreational opportunities for visitors to the area. The park offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and camping. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and other small mammals.

Significance of Percha Dam

The Percha Dam is an important part of the history of New Mexico. The dam was built in 1916 to provide irrigation water for the surrounding farmlands. The dam is less than 2 miles downstream of the much larger Caballo Dam, and therefore Percha Dam’s reservoir is relatively small. However, the reservoir is still an important source of water for the area.

Percha Dam is also significant because of its engineering. The dam is a concrete gravity dam, which means that it relies on its own weight to hold back the water. The dam is about 100 feet high and 500 feet long, and it has a capacity of about 4,000 acre-feet of water.

Overall, Percha Dam State Park is a beautiful and historic destination for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors. Visitors to the park can learn about the significance of the dam and its role in the history of New Mexico while enjoying a range of outdoor activities.

Recreational Activities

Percha Dam State Park offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the activities available at the park:

Fishing Opportunities

Percha Dam State Park is known for its excellent fishing opportunities. Visitors can cast their lines into the Rio Grande River, which is home to a variety of fish species, including trout, bass, and catfish. The park also has a fishing dock and a boat ramp for easy access to the river.

Camping and Picnicking

Percha Dam State Park has a campground with 50 developed sites, 30 of which have electrical hookups. The campground is located within walking distance of the Rio Grande River and offers easy access to fishing and water activities. The park also has a group picnic shelter and several picnic areas with tables and grills.

Hiking and Trails

Percha Dam State Park has several hiking trails that offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The trails range in difficulty from easy to moderate and are suitable for hikers of all skill levels. Visitors can also explore the interpretive exhibits on the property to learn more about the park’s history and wildlife.

Wildlife Viewing and Bird Watching

Percha Dam State Park is home to a variety of wildlife species, including mule deer, coyotes, and rabbits. Visitors can also spot a variety of bird species, including bald eagles, great blue herons, and sandhill cranes. The park’s location along the Rio Grande River makes it an ideal spot for bird watching.

Water Activities

Percha Dam State Park offers a variety of water activities for visitors to enjoy, including kayaking, rafting, and swimming. The park’s location along the Rio Grande River provides easy access to these activities. Visitors can also enjoy walking paths down to the river for some bird-watching and fishing.

Amenities and Facilities

Campsites and RV Accommodations

Percha Dam State Park offers 29 developed campsites and 23 electric sites that can accommodate motorhomes, travel trailers, 5th wheels or tent camping. Each site has water and electric hookups, a table, and a fire ring. The campsites are spacious and shady, and some are located within short walking distance of Rio Grande River.

Restrooms and Showers

The park has vault toilets available for visitors to use. Additionally, there are restrooms and showers available in the campground area. These facilities are well-maintained and clean, providing visitors with a comfortable experience.

Visitor Center and Exhibits

Percha Dam State Park has a visitor center that provides information about the park’s history, wildlife, and recreational opportunities. The center has exhibits that showcase the park’s natural and cultural resources. Visitors can learn about the park’s unique features and activities available in the area.

Group Facilities

The park offers a group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 50 people. The shelter provides a great location for family reunions, group outings, and other events. Additionally, the park has group camping available, which can accommodate up to 20 people. The group camping area has a fire ring and picnic table.

Playground and Shade Structures

Percha Dam State Park has a playground area that provides children with a safe and fun place to play. The playground has various structures that include swings, slides, and climbing structures. The park also has cottonwood trees that provide shade for visitors during hot summer days. Additionally, there are shade structures available in the campground area that visitors can use to escape the sun.

Overall, Percha Dam State Park provides visitors with a range of amenities and facilities that make their visit comfortable and enjoyable. Whether visitors are camping, picnicking, or simply enjoying the park’s natural beauty, they will find everything they need to have a great time.

Natural Environment

Flora and Fauna

Percha Dam State Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The park is situated along the Rio Grande, which provides a habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. The area is characterized by cottonwood trees, which are native to the region and provide a vital habitat for many bird species. Visitors to the park can enjoy birdwatching and wildlife viewing opportunities, as the park is home to a variety of bird species, including the northern flicker, the belted kingfisher, and the American goldfinch.

Geography of the Area

The park is situated in a desert region, which is characterized by rocky terrain and sparse vegetation. The Rio Grande runs through the park, creating a reservoir that provides a habitat for a variety of fish species, including bass and catfish. The park is also home to a variety of reptile species, including lizards and snakes.

Overall, Percha Dam State Park is a unique and beautiful natural environment that offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty and diversity of the New Mexico landscape. Whether you are interested in birdwatching, wildlife viewing, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the area, Percha Dam State Park is a must-visit destination.

Accessibility and Contact Information

Making Reservations

Visitors who wish to camp at Percha Dam State Park can make reservations by calling 575-743-3942 or by visiting the official website. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season, to ensure availability of campsites. The park offers a range of camping options, including electric and water sites for RVs, as well as tent camping sites.

Park Location and Directions

Percha Dam State Park is located at Percha Dam Canal Road, Caballo, NM 87931. The park can be accessed via Highway 187, which runs along the Rio Grande River. Visitors traveling from the north can take I-25 South to Exit 59, then follow the signs to Caballo Lake State Park. From there, follow the signs to Percha Dam State Park. Visitors traveling from the south can take I-10 West to Exit 63, then follow the signs to Caballo Lake State Park. From there, follow the signs to Percha Dam State Park.

The park is open year-round, and the park office is open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm daily. For questions or additional information, visitors can contact the park office at 575-743-3942. Showers are available near the campsites, and the park offers picnic areas, fishing, and outstanding bird watching opportunities.

Nearby Attractions

Caballo Lake State Park

Caballo Lake State Park is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and swimming. It is located just a few miles from Percha Dam State Park and offers a variety of recreational activities. The park has a marina, boat ramps, and fishing docks. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and birdwatching on the park’s trails. Caballo Lake State Park is a great place to spend a day or a weekend.

Local Farms and Agriculture

The area around Percha Dam State Park is known for its agriculture. Visitors can find several local farms that offer fresh produce, including fruits and vegetables. Some of the popular farms in the area include the Hatch Chile Company and the Stahmann Farms Pecan Store. These farms offer a unique opportunity to experience the local culture and taste some of the freshest produce around.

Truth or Consequences

Truth or Consequences is a small town located about 30 miles from Percha Dam State Park. The town is known for its hot springs and is a popular destination for tourists. Visitors can enjoy soaking in the hot springs, exploring the local shops and restaurants, and taking in the beautiful scenery. Truth or Consequences is a great place to visit for a day trip or an overnight stay.

Overall, there are many nearby attractions to explore when visiting Percha Dam State Park. From outdoor activities to local culture, visitors can find something to suit their interests.

Conservation and Ecology

Water Management

Percha Dam State Park plays an important role in water management in the region. The park’s namesake, the Percha Dam, was built in 1916 to irrigate the surrounding farmlands. The dam is located on the Rio Grande and is less than 2 miles downstream of the much larger Caballo Dam. Percha Dam’s reservoir is used for irrigation and recreation purposes.

Water management in the park is carefully monitored to ensure that the needs of both wildlife and humans are met. The park’s staff closely monitor water levels in the reservoir and the surrounding canal system to ensure that there is enough water for irrigation and recreation activities. The park also works closely with local farmers to ensure that water is used efficiently and sustainably.

Habitat Preservation

Percha Dam State Park is home to a variety of wildlife species, including birds, fish, and mammals. The park’s staff work hard to preserve and protect the park’s natural habitats and ecosystems. The park’s central area is an open bosque which attracts phainopepla, woodpeckers, flycatchers, and vireos. The willow and cottonwood habitat boasts some of the best warbler watching during spring and fall migrations.

The park’s staff also work to preserve the Rio Grande and its surrounding habitats. The river is an important source of water for the park and the surrounding area, as well as a crucial habitat for a variety of wildlife species. The park’s staff work to prevent erosion and protect the river’s banks, as well as to keep the river clean and free of pollutants.

Overall, Percha Dam State Park is an important part of the region’s ecosystem and plays a crucial role in water management and habitat preservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at the campsites within the park?

Percha Dam State Park offers a variety of amenities for campers, including pull-through sites with electric and water hookups for motorhomes, travel trailers, 5th wheels, or tent camping. The park also features picnic tables, fire pits, and restrooms with showers.

Are there any cabins for rent, and what are their rates?

No, there are no cabins for rent at Percha Dam State Park. However, visitors can reserve campsites for their stay.

How can one make a camping reservation at the park?

Camping reservations can be made online through the New Mexico State Parks website or by calling the reservation center at 1-877-664-7787. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.

What are the fishing regulations within the park?

Percha Dam State Park is a popular spot for fishing, with the Rio Grande providing an excellent opportunity to catch a variety of fish species. Fishing is allowed year-round, and visitors must have a valid New Mexico fishing license to fish within the park. There are also specific regulations regarding bag and possession limits, so visitors are encouraged to review the state’s fishing regulations before fishing in the park.

Is alcohol permitted on the premises of the state park?

While alcohol is permitted within the park, visitors are reminded to drink responsibly and to comply with all state laws regarding the consumption of alcohol.

Are there any specific park hours or times for check-in and check-out?

Percha Dam State Park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. Check-in time is 2:00 PM, and check-out time is 12:00 PM. Visitors are reminded to check with park staff for any specific rules or regulations regarding their stay.

 

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