When you think about New Mexico, lakes are probably not the first thing you think of. However, there are many great lakes in New Mexico to visit. From lakes in New Mexico that have beautiful beaches to lakes for catching the big one, there’s a lake here for you. If you’re looking for lakes with activities like fishing, boating, and swimming, then look no further. In this article, I’ll show you some of the best lakes in New Mexico that are great for a weekend getaway or longer vacation.
If you want to beat the heat, we can help you figure out the ideal destination for your next New Mexico lake vacation. Our listings can help you find:
- A beautiful beach on the best New Mexico lakes for swimming. Grab your trunks and some suntan lotion!
- The best lakes for boating in New Mexico. Fishermen and watersports aficionados have all kinds of opportunities to pursue their passions.
- Or maybe you just want a getaway with a view. If you want to go hiking at a state park and spend your evenings relaxing with a cold beverage and a view of the clearest lake in New Mexico.
Find New Mexico Lakes Near You
Navajo Lake, Cochiti Lake, Lea Lake, and Abiquiu Lake are some of the more popular spots in New Mexico, and they’re all great. However,t we’ve got some other lakes to check out for folks interested in everything from sandy beaches to scuba diving.
The best lakes to visit in New Mexico
Start your list with Elephant Butte Lake located near Truth or Consequences, NM. Elephant Butte Reservoir is located on the Rio Grande River and is named after a small island in middle of the lake which resembles an elephant’s trunk from afar. There is also a dam located on this reservoir known as Elephant Butte Dam built by the Bureau of Reclamation between 1914 and 1919. The lake is popular for its great fishing, boating, water sports, camping, dining, lodging, events, hiking trails, biking trails, shopping, and of course swimming! You can find more information about Elephant Butte Lake on their official website.
Next stop on your list should be Ute Lake located near Logan, NM. Nearby to Las Vegas New Mexico, this lake is named after the Native American Tribe who was known as Utes. This lake is also a reservoir on the Rio Grande River built between 1916 and 1921 by the Bureau of Reclamation just like Elephant Butte Reservoir. Potential activities include perch fishing, boating, dining, camping, lodging, events, hiking trails, biking trails, and of course swimming! You can find more information about Ute Lake on their official website.
The 3rd lake you should put on your list is Conchas Lake located near San Antonio, NM. This lake is also a reservoir built by the Bureau of Reclamation between 1913 and 1916. Only 30 miles from Tucumcari New Mexico, this lake is sure to be a small getaway for anyone looking for some outdoor activity! Activities include fishing, boating, dining, camping, lodging, events, hiking trails, biking trails, shopping, and of course swimming! You can find more information about Conchas Lake on their official website.
Lake Roberts is the 4th lake you should put on your list. The town of Hobbs, New Mexico sits right next to this man-made reservoir built by the Bureau of Reclamation between 1914 and 1917. This lake provides a location for various outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, dining, camping, lodging, events, hiking trails, biking trails, shopping, and of course swimming! You can find more information about Lake Roberts on their official website.
The 5th lake you should put on your list is Heron Lake located near Mountainair, NM. This small reservoir was built by the Bureau of Reclamation between 1914 and 1916 as a source of irrigation for agriculture in the Mountainair area. The lake is popular for its great fishing, camping, events, hiking trails, biking trails, shopping, and of course swimming! You can find more information about Heron Lake on their official website.
The lakes of New Mexico offer a variety of activities and recreational opportunities. Whether you’re looking for camping, dining or fishing, there’s something here to suit your needs.