Santa Rosa Lake State Park

Santa Rosa Lake State Park: A Guide to Camping, Fishing, and Boating

Santa Rosa Lake State Park, located in eastern New Mexico, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a variety of recreational activities. The park offers opportunities for fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and bird watching. Visitors can also enjoy equestrian trails and wildlife viewing blinds. The park is open year-round, and online reservation sites are available for campers.

The park covers a large area and is situated around the Santa Rosa Lake, which is a reservoir that was created by damming the Pecos River. The park is located approximately 7 miles north of the town of Santa Rosa and can be accessed via New Mexico Route 91. The park’s elevation is 4,800 feet above sea level, providing visitors with stunning views of the surrounding plains.

Visitors to Santa Rosa Lake State Park can enjoy a wide range of amenities and facilities, including picnic areas, playgrounds, and group facilities. The park also offers boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, and a marina. In addition, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, coyotes, and a variety of bird species. Park rangers are available to provide information and answer questions about the park and its conservation efforts.

• Santa Rosa Lake State Park offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and bird watching.
• The park is home to a variety of amenities and facilities, including picnic areas, playgrounds, and a marina.
• Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding plains and learn about the park’s conservation efforts from knowledgeable park rangers.

Park Overview

Santa Rosa Lake State Park is a beautiful park located in Guadalupe County, New Mexico. The park is situated just 7 miles north of the town of Santa Rosa and covers an area of 3,800 acres. The park is famous for its reservoir, which offers a wide range of water-related activities, including boating, fishing, and swimming.

Geography and Climate

The park is located in the plains region of New Mexico and has an elevation of 4,800 feet above sea level. The park is surrounded by beautiful and rugged terrain, which is perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. The climate in the park is semi-arid, which means that it is generally dry and sunny. The park experiences hot summers and mild winters, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities all year round.

History and Significance

The Santa Rosa Lake was created in 1980 when a dam was constructed on the Pecos River. The dam was built to control the flow of the river and to provide water for irrigation and other purposes. The Santa Rosa Lake State Park was established the following year and has since become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The park is significant as it provides a habitat for many species of wildlife, including mule deer, coyotes, and bobcats. The park is also an important stopover for migratory birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. The park is also home to several archaeological sites, which provide insights into the ancient cultures that once inhabited the area.

In conclusion, Santa Rosa Lake State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of New Mexico’s plains region. With its stunning reservoir, rugged terrain, and rich history, the park offers something for everyone.

Recreational Activities

Santa Rosa Lake State Park offers a wide range of recreational activities to suit the interests of every visitor. Here are some of the most popular activities:

Water Sports

With over 3,000 acres of water, Santa Rosa Lake State Park is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy swimming, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, jet skiing, and sailing on the lake. The Water Park is also a popular spot for families with children. It includes monkey bars, rope and “rock” climbing, slides, raceway obstacle, and other fun stuff.

Fishing

Santa Rosa Lake is a popular destination for anglers. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish species, including bass, catfish, walleye, and crappie. Visitors can fish from the shore or from a boat. The park offers boat rentals, and there are several boat ramps around the lake.

Camping and Picnicking

Santa Rosa Lake State Park has several campgrounds that offer a range of facilities to suit different camping styles. The campgrounds have tent and RV sites, showers, flush toilets, and picnic tables. Visitors can choose from primitive sites to sites with electric and water hookups. The park also has several picnic areas with tables and grills.

Hiking and Wildlife Viewing

Santa Rosa Lake State Park has several hiking trails that offer scenic views of the lake and the surrounding landscape. The trails range from easy to moderate, and visitors can choose from short walks to longer hikes. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife species, including deer, coyotes, rabbits, and a variety of birds. Visitors can enjoy bird watching and wildlife viewing throughout the park.

Overall, Santa Rosa Lake State Park is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy fishing, boating, camping, hiking, or wildlife viewing, there is something for everyone at this beautiful park.

Amenities and Facilities

Campsites and Accommodations

Santa Rosa Lake State Park offers a variety of camping options for visitors. The park has a total of 105 developed campsites, which include water and electrical hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. The campsites are available for reservation, and visitors can book their spot online. There are also six walk-in sites available for those who prefer a more secluded camping experience.

The park’s campground features modern amenities such as showers, restrooms, and a dump station. Drinking water is available throughout the park, and there are both vault and flush toilets available. The park also has a playground for children, making it an ideal destination for families.

Park Accessibility

Santa Rosa Lake State Park is accessible for visitors with disabilities. The park has several accessible campsites, restrooms, and trails. The boat ramp is also accessible, making it easy for visitors to launch their boats.

The park has several trails for visitors to explore, including the 5.5-mile Equestrian Trail, which is open to hikers and horseback riders. The park also has a boat ramp available for visitors who wish to enjoy the lake’s waters. RVs are welcome at the park, with several sites available for larger vehicles.

In summary, Santa Rosa Lake State Park offers a variety of amenities and facilities for visitors to enjoy. The park’s developed campsites feature modern amenities such as showers, restrooms, and electrical hookups. The park is also accessible for visitors with disabilities, with several accessible campsites, restrooms, and trails available.

Conservation and Wildlife

Flora and Fauna

Santa Rosa Lake State Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with a diverse range of flora and fauna to explore. The park is home to a variety of animals, including deer, elk, and coyotes, as well as numerous bird species, such as bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons. Visitors can also enjoy the park’s many plant species, including juniper and pinyon trees.

Environmental Stewardship

Santa Rosa Lake State Park is committed to preserving the natural beauty of the area and protecting its wildlife. The park’s environmental stewardship program includes efforts to reduce waste, conserve water, and minimize the impact of human activity on the local ecosystem. Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles and to respect the park’s wildlife and natural resources.

The park’s efforts to protect its wildlife are evident in its management of the Santa Rosa Reservoir. The reservoir is home to a variety of fish species, including catfish, walleye, and bass. The park works to maintain healthy fish populations by implementing fishing regulations and monitoring water quality. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports, including boating and water skiing, while still respecting the park’s efforts to protect its natural resources.

Overall, Santa Rosa Lake State Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience outdoor adventure while also learning about and appreciating the park’s diverse flora and fauna. Whether hiking, camping, or wildlife watching, visitors can enjoy the park’s many offerings while also contributing to its efforts to protect the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the camping options available at Santa Rosa Lake State Park?

Santa Rosa Lake State Park offers a variety of camping options for visitors. There are three campgrounds within the park: the Los Tanos Campground, the Rocky Point Campground, and the Juniper Campground. The Los Tanos Campground is the largest and offers 54 campsites, while the Rocky Point Campground has 13 campsites and the Juniper Campground has 4 campsites. All three campgrounds have picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restroom and shower facilities.

Are there cabins for rent at Santa Rosa Lake State Park, and how can they be booked?

There are no cabins for rent at Santa Rosa Lake State Park. However, visitors can stay in one of the park’s four yurts. These circular, tent-like structures are equipped with a queen-size bed and a futon, and can accommodate up to four people. Reservations for the yurts can be made online through the New Mexico State Parks website.

Where can I find a map of Santa Rosa Lake State Park?

A map of Santa Rosa Lake State Park can be found on the park’s website or at the park’s visitor center. The map shows the location of the campgrounds, boat ramps, hiking trails, and other points of interest within the park.

How can I make camping reservations at Santa Rosa Lake State Park?

Camping reservations can be made online through the New Mexico State Parks website. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance, and reservations are recommended, especially during peak season.

Is swimming allowed in Santa Rosa Lake?

Swimming is allowed in Santa Rosa Lake, but there are no designated swimming areas within the park. Visitors swim at their own risk, and there are no lifeguards on duty.

What types of fish can be caught in Santa Rosa Lake?

Santa Rosa Lake is a popular fishing destination, and anglers can catch a variety of fish, including bass, catfish, crappie, and walleye. A valid New Mexico fishing license is required to fish in the lake.

Are there other campgrounds near Santa Rosa NM?

Yes check out the other campgrounds near Santa Rosa here.

 

Interested in other New Mexico State Parks? See all 34 New Mexico State Parks