Santa Rosa Lake State Park

Introduction of Santa Rosa Lake State Park

Just seven miles to the north of the city of Santa Rosa sits the New Mexico plains’ Santa Rosa Lake State Park. The park is located at a height of around 4,800 feet. It is an excellent place to stay in for a night or a weekend while on a road trip because it is only a short distance from the famous Route 66. Numerous activities, including hiking, birding, and fishing, may be done within the state park. 3,500 acres of Santa Rosa Lake provide countless opportunities for boating, swimming, and other water sports. The Rocky Point camping area has access to scenic pathways that lead to and around the lake.
The dam and Santa Rosa Lake were allowed to be built thanks to the flood control statute of 1954. In 1981, the project was finished. Santa Rosa Lake serves as the first significant dam along the Pecos River and offers storage for irrigation, flood control, and sediment retention. The New Mexico State Parks Agency is in charge of overseeing and maintaining the region. During your visit, stop by the visitor centre to learn more about the history of the region and the building of the reservoir and dam.
The state park has two campgrounds: Rocky Point and Juniper Park. For RVers, Rocky Point Campground is more well-liked. Although some campsites in Rocky Point and the Juniper Park Campground are dry, many of them have water and electricity hookups. While some venues accept reservations, others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The months of late spring and summer are the busiest travel times. Be mindful of seasonal closures that may affect some campsites or camping loops if you visit in the winter.

Campsites in Santa Rosa Lake State Park

Rocky Point Campground

On the southwest corner of Santa Rosa Lake, there is a multi-looped, pet-friendly campsite called Rocky Point Campground. Sites are available for both first-come, first-served camping and reservations on both loops. 13 reservable sites with 30- and 50-amp electrical connections are available on Loop A. RVs up to 50 feet in length can park at these locations. Four dry camping spots on Loop B are big enough to fit RVs and trailers up to 50 feet in length. Each picnic location in both loops has a fire ring with a grill and a picnic table. Campers may find water spigots, ADA-accessible contemporary facilities with showers, and vault toilets inside the campsite. Kids will like this campsite, and parents will appreciate how close the playground is. Generators are OK as long as they are not used between the hours of 10 PM and 7 AM, when it is calm.

First-come first-served

Primitive and Equestrian Camping

Don’t panic if you missed your chance to reserve a spot and it’s already full. In addition to the two primary campgrounds, the park provides a variety of undeveloped camping locations. There are 17 places along the beach where you may pitch a tent and spend the night beneath the stars. With lots of room and two 10-foot corrals to house your four-legged pals overnight, the Los Tanos Campground is an equestrian’s paradise. There are 15 different tent sites with picnic tables, campfire rings, and plenty of space for lounging by the fire.
A potable water spigot and a vault toilet are available nearby. If you want a place, come early because all of these locations are first-come, first-served. Other canine companions are also welcome, but you must keep an eye on them and make sure they are leashed at all times while you are there. The Los Tanos Equestrian Trail begins at the campground; consider taking a stroll there. Views of the Sandia Mountains, an abandoned windmill, and a portion of an ancient cabin are just a few of the popular sites.

Juniper Park Campground

There are 26 unhooked, shaded RV sites at Juniper Park Campground. The campsite welcomes pets and is first-come, first-served. There are various potable water spigots located throughout the campground in case you need drinking water while you’re there. Each of these roomy campsites features a large space for playing and lounging, a campfire grill or BBQ pit, and a covered picnic table. There are showers and running water in the bathroom, which is in the centre of the campsite. Near the water’s edge, there are a few of restrooms.
The campsite is a short stroll from several park services. Go to the picnic pavilion or the beachfront picnic tables if you’d like to dine outside. The boat ramp is a short stroll from the Juniper Campground, which is situated closer to the lake than Rocky Point Campground. The views from this campsite are breathtaking. To get to the Overlook Trail, go down the camp road. From there, you may enjoy some stunning views of the lake, the dam, and the neighbourhood.

Rocky Point Campground

The Rocky Point Campground has areas set aside for first-come, first-served camping inside its two loops. For walk-up camping, Loop A offers 12 water and power sites, while Loop B offers 23 dry camping spots. Considering the size of both loop sites, RVs and trailers up to 50 feet in length are welcome. All of the services that Rocky Point Campground offers its reservation campers are available to campers staying in the non-reservable spots since they share the same space as the first-come, first-served sites.

Santa Rosa Lake State Park Activities

Picnicking

There are grills and tables that are completely accessible.

Horseback Riding

A well-liked equestrian track is the Los Tanos Trail in Santa Rosa State Park. The park’s equestrian camping area, which has two corrals and water provided for your horse, is where the trailhead is situated. Ride the path all day to enjoy the breathtaking vistas, then cool yourself in the lake later. This trek, which is slightly over eight miles long, usually takes three hours to complete with a few breaks to take in the beauty. It might become really dry out there, so bring extra water for you and your horse.

Hiking

There are two quick, simple routes that are both paved and open to everybody. The Scenic Trail is a half-mile circle that provides lovely views of the lake and charming rock outcroppings. A three-quarters-mile loop across comparable terrain makes up the accessible path. Additionally, there are pathways that go from Steep Point Campground to the lake by descending a rocky incline. Mule deer, racoons, skunks, squirrels, foxes, and coyotes may be seen in this region as they approach water sources.

Transportation

Driving

In the eastern part of New Mexico, Santa Rosa Lake State Park lies about seven miles north of the city of Santa Rosa. Take Highway 91 straight into the park from I-40. Due to the park’s proximity to Santa Rosa, supplies are easily accessible should you forget something or simply wish to go exploring. Santa Fe and Albuquerque will be accessible in less than two hours as well.
Even though Highway 91 has several turns and curves, getting to the state park should be a very straightforward journey. If you see that traffic is backing up behind you, you can stop driving at any of the turnouts that are located along the route. Since the state park’s entrance gate is open around-the-clock, you shouldn’t have any problem finding a campground even if you are running late.
You’ll discover that the camping spaces provide both pull-through and back-in spots. The sites are typically level, although at some of the gravel sites, levelling your rig may still be necessary. Although the park’s roads are suitable for cars, you might want to stroll or use the trails because of the landscape and animals.

Parking

Parking is available.

Public Transport

Public Transport is available.