Outdoor activities in the Land of Enchantment are always plentiful and swimming at Heron Lake State Park is one of the best ways to cool down in the desert heat. While some may think that New Mexico doesn’t have lakes, let alone lakes to swim in, that’s simply untrue. Our Southwest state is home to plenty of beautiful lakes, but you might be quick to think that these lakes are full of murky waters. Heron Lake New Mexico isn’t only one of the cleanest lakes in the state, it’s also a reservoir that’s fed by the Rio Chema, which is part of the Rio Grande watershed, so it’s constantly being flushed out. Besides swimming, there are so many activities at this lake found within a beautiful New Mexico state park. So whether you want to swim, fish, camp, or boat, consider a visit to this clean lake on your next trip.
Welcome to Heron Lake! This beautiful lake is located in Heron Lake State Park in Los Ojos, New Mexico.
Mc 326/Google
This clear lake is set upon the pines in northern New Mexico and is the perfect place to take a dip in the hot desert heat.
OGZ/Google
Heron Lake is actually a reservoir that’s part of the San Juan-Chama Project that transfers water all the way from the San Juan River throughout many lakes and rivers including the Rio Grande. Part of the reason this lake is so clean is due to its constant filtration.
domYe/Google
The lake is impounded by the Heron Dam, which keeps this little oasis free and clear of pollution.
Claudia Dunitz/Flickr
Heron Lake is a no-wake lake, meaning boats must stay at a low speed. This allows for perfect swimming conditions. Besides swimming, Heron Lake State Park is the perfect area for fishing, sailing, and camping.
Jerrald Glaser/Google
If you’re looking for a place to take a dip that’s clear and clean, Heron Lake is the best place to swim, along with dozens of other outdoor activities. This underrated lake needs to be your next go-to.
dg48/TripAdvisor Address: 640 New Mexico 95, Los Ojos, NM, 87575
For more information about Heron Lake and all of the activities within Heron Lake State Park, you can visit the New Mexico State Parks website.
Have you ever gone swimming in this lake? Was the water clear as day? We’d love to hear all about your outdoor experiences in the comments, and don’t forget to then go share photos from your adventures with us in our New Mexico Nature Lovers Facebook group, or tag us on Instagram by tagging #onlyinnewmexico for a chance to be featured.
Mc 326/Google
OGZ/Google
domYe/Google
Claudia Dunitz/Flickr
Jerrald Glaser/Google
dg48/TripAdvisor
Address: 640 New Mexico 95, Los Ojos, NM, 87575
For more information about Heron Lake and all of the activities within Heron Lake State Park, you can visit the New Mexico State Parks website.
If you’re looking for another natural oasis in the Land of Enchantment, this little-known spring in Carlsbad is the perfect escape.
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Address: Heron Lake State Park, Los Ojos, NM 87551, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Heron Lake State Park July 07, 2022 Katie Lawrence Are there any Heron Lake camping sites? If one day isn’t enough to experience all that Heron Lake has to offer, we don’t blame you! There’s so much to see and do in the park. Luckily, there are several Heron Lake camping sites that allow you to keep the fun going into the next day — and perhaps for several more after that! Nearly 200 campsites are available in total. Some offer electricity, while others are non-electric, and the maximum number of campers allowed varies from site to site. The driveway length also varies. If you are visiting with a large group, there are a handful of sites designed specifically for that purpose. Feel free to reserve a campsite online! Which state parks should I visit in New Mexico? One of the best state parks in New Mexico is definitely City of Rocks State Park. Located in Faywood, this incredible place showcases unique rock formations created millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions. You’ll also see fascinating evidence of habitation by early humans in the form of Indian Wells or holes carved into the rocks to grind corn and collect rainwater. With hiking and biking trails, a botanical garden, and a campground with 52 sites (including full RV hookups), the park is a nature lover’s paradise. It also boasts some of the darkest skies in New Mexico! What are the most beautiful hikes in New Mexico? The Land of Enchantment has no shortage of scenic trails to embark on. One of the most beautiful hikes in New Mexico is easily the Crater Rim Trail, located near Capulin. An easy 1.1-mile loop, the trail skirts around the rim of an extinct volcano, offering one of the most unique hiking experiences in the state. The path is a bit steep at times, but it’s still considered kid-friendly.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Heron Lake State Park
July 07, 2022
Katie Lawrence
Are there any Heron Lake camping sites? If one day isn’t enough to experience all that Heron Lake has to offer, we don’t blame you! There’s so much to see and do in the park. Luckily, there are several Heron Lake camping sites that allow you to keep the fun going into the next day — and perhaps for several more after that! Nearly 200 campsites are available in total. Some offer electricity, while others are non-electric, and the maximum number of campers allowed varies from site to site. The driveway length also varies. If you are visiting with a large group, there are a handful of sites designed specifically for that purpose. Feel free to reserve a campsite online! Which state parks should I visit in New Mexico? One of the best state parks in New Mexico is definitely City of Rocks State Park. Located in Faywood, this incredible place showcases unique rock formations created millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions. You’ll also see fascinating evidence of habitation by early humans in the form of Indian Wells or holes carved into the rocks to grind corn and collect rainwater. With hiking and biking trails, a botanical garden, and a campground with 52 sites (including full RV hookups), the park is a nature lover’s paradise. It also boasts some of the darkest skies in New Mexico! What are the most beautiful hikes in New Mexico? The Land of Enchantment has no shortage of scenic trails to embark on. One of the most beautiful hikes in New Mexico is easily the Crater Rim Trail, located near Capulin. An easy 1.1-mile loop, the trail skirts around the rim of an extinct volcano, offering one of the most unique hiking experiences in the state. The path is a bit steep at times, but it’s still considered kid-friendly.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If one day isn’t enough to experience all that Heron Lake has to offer, we don’t blame you! There’s so much to see and do in the park. Luckily, there are several Heron Lake camping sites that allow you to keep the fun going into the next day — and perhaps for several more after that! Nearly 200 campsites are available in total. Some offer electricity, while others are non-electric, and the maximum number of campers allowed varies from site to site. The driveway length also varies. If you are visiting with a large group, there are a handful of sites designed specifically for that purpose. Feel free to reserve a campsite online!
Which state parks should I visit in New Mexico?
One of the best state parks in New Mexico is definitely City of Rocks State Park. Located in Faywood, this incredible place showcases unique rock formations created millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions. You’ll also see fascinating evidence of habitation by early humans in the form of Indian Wells or holes carved into the rocks to grind corn and collect rainwater. With hiking and biking trails, a botanical garden, and a campground with 52 sites (including full RV hookups), the park is a nature lover’s paradise. It also boasts some of the darkest skies in New Mexico!
What are the most beautiful hikes in New Mexico?
The Land of Enchantment has no shortage of scenic trails to embark on. One of the most beautiful hikes in New Mexico is easily the Crater Rim Trail, located near Capulin. An easy 1.1-mile loop, the trail skirts around the rim of an extinct volcano, offering one of the most unique hiking experiences in the state. The path is a bit steep at times, but it’s still considered kid-friendly.
