During the heat of summer, New Mexico’s lakes and reservoirs are even more appealing than usual. Whether you’re into fishing, swimming, or other water activities, these are some of the best lakes in New Mexico to cool down on those hot summer days.
- Heron Lake, near Tierra Amarilla
Flickr/Ben Byrne Heron Lake is actually a reservoir, but it still holds a place in our hearts for being one of the most beautiful lakes in New Mexico. Since no motorized boats are allowed, it’s ideal for kayaking, fishing, and swimming since you won’t have to worry about boats speeding through or the wake they create. Heron Lake, New Mexico 87551, USA
- Bill Evans Lake, near Bayard
Flickr/Tom Blackwell This lake is a fishing paradise, with great mountain views. Bizarrely, its water is pumped up from the Gila River, which is below the actual lake. Bill Evans Lake, New Mexico 88061, USA
- Fenton Lake, near Jemez Springs
Flickr/julie francois Fenton Lake is a small lake, tucked into the Jemez Mountains. It’s a gorgeous spot for a summer picnic and soaking up some rays, and might just be in the running for the most beautiful lake in New Mexico. Just look at that view! Fenton Lake, New Mexico 87025, USA
- Navajo Lake, near Bloomfield
Flickr/DragonFly24 Navajo Lake. which is technically a reservoir, extends for more than 25 miles. There’s a swimming beach and also some interesting interpretative exhibits. It’s the second largest lake in New Mexico, with plenty of secluded spots to spend the day. Navajo Lake, New Mexico 87419, USA
- Lea Lake, near Roswell
Flickr/Joel Deluxe Lea Lake is one of several bodies of water in Bottomless Lakes State Park. In addition to swimming, you can also scuba dive here! Lea Lake, New Mexico 88203, USA
- Abiquiú Lake, near Abiquiú
Flickr/Jared Tarbell You can go waterskiing, jet skiing and even windsurfing on this 4000-acre lake in New Mexico, which is encircled by vermilion rocks. Speaking of rocks, the lake is a popular spot for cliff jumping, just be careful! Abiquiu Lake, New Mexico 87017, USA
- Elephant Butte Reservoir, Elephant Butte
Flickr/Summer Foovay The Elephant Butte Reservoir is the largest man-made lake in New Mexico. With over 200 miles of shoreline, you can bet you’ll get your steps in for the day strolling along the shore.
- Bluewater Lake, near Grants
Flickr/Jocelyn Catterson Located in the Bluewater Lake State Park, this tranquil lake nestled in the Zuni Mountains is known for birding and fishing. Grab your rod and reel and see if you can catch yourself some dinner. Bluewater Lake, New Mexico, USA
- Conchas Lake, near Tucumcari
Flickr/Susan Batterman New Mexico may be a landlocked state, but you can almost forget that when you dig your toes into the sandy beaches at this reservoir, one of the biggest lakes in New Mexico. Conchas, NM 88416, USA
- Lake Roberts, near Mimbres
Flickr/Chris Dodson Surrounded by the Gila National Forest, Lake Roberts is a pretty camping spot and is especially convenient for its proximity to the Gila Cliff Dwellings.
- Santa Rosa Lake, Santa Rosa
Mark Snyder/Google This reservoir provides a welcome oasis in the eastern part of New Mexico. It attracts both boaters and birders and of course, a few beach bums looking to soak up that summer sun. That blue water will have you thinking you’ve been transported to the Caribbean! Santa Rosa Lake, New Mexico 88435, USA
- Lake Katherine, near Pecos
Flickr/Over The Arroyo Gang The 7-mile trail to reach Lake Katherine, but we promise, it’s worth it.
Did your favorite New Mexico lake make the list? If not, let us know what your favorite lake is in the comments below!
Flickr/Ben Byrne
Heron Lake is actually a reservoir, but it still holds a place in our hearts for being one of the most beautiful lakes in New Mexico. Since no motorized boats are allowed, it’s ideal for kayaking, fishing, and swimming since you won’t have to worry about boats speeding through or the wake they create.
Heron Lake, New Mexico 87551, USA
Flickr/Tom Blackwell
This lake is a fishing paradise, with great mountain views. Bizarrely, its water is pumped up from the Gila River, which is below the actual lake.
Bill Evans Lake, New Mexico 88061, USA
Flickr/julie francois
Fenton Lake is a small lake, tucked into the Jemez Mountains. It’s a gorgeous spot for a summer picnic and soaking up some rays, and might just be in the running for the most beautiful lake in New Mexico. Just look at that view!
Fenton Lake, New Mexico 87025, USA
Flickr/DragonFly24
Navajo Lake. which is technically a reservoir, extends for more than 25 miles. There’s a swimming beach and also some interesting interpretative exhibits. It’s the second largest lake in New Mexico, with plenty of secluded spots to spend the day.
Navajo Lake, New Mexico 87419, USA
Flickr/Joel Deluxe
Lea Lake is one of several bodies of water in Bottomless Lakes State Park. In addition to swimming, you can also scuba dive here!
Lea Lake, New Mexico 88203, USA
Flickr/Jared Tarbell
You can go waterskiing, jet skiing and even windsurfing on this 4000-acre lake in New Mexico, which is encircled by vermilion rocks. Speaking of rocks, the lake is a popular spot for cliff jumping, just be careful!
Abiquiu Lake, New Mexico 87017, USA
Flickr/Summer Foovay
The Elephant Butte Reservoir is the largest man-made lake in New Mexico. With over 200 miles of shoreline, you can bet you’ll get your steps in for the day strolling along the shore.
Flickr/Jocelyn Catterson
Located in the Bluewater Lake State Park, this tranquil lake nestled in the Zuni Mountains is known for birding and fishing. Grab your rod and reel and see if you can catch yourself some dinner.
Bluewater Lake, New Mexico, USA
Flickr/Susan Batterman
New Mexico may be a landlocked state, but you can almost forget that when you dig your toes into the sandy beaches at this reservoir, one of the biggest lakes in New Mexico.
Conchas, NM 88416, USA
Flickr/Chris Dodson
Surrounded by the Gila National Forest, Lake Roberts is a pretty camping spot and is especially convenient for its proximity to the Gila Cliff Dwellings.
Mark Snyder/Google
This reservoir provides a welcome oasis in the eastern part of New Mexico. It attracts both boaters and birders and of course, a few beach bums looking to soak up that summer sun. That blue water will have you thinking you’ve been transported to the Caribbean!
Santa Rosa Lake, New Mexico 88435, USA
Flickr/Over The Arroyo Gang
The 7-mile trail to reach Lake Katherine, but we promise, it’s worth it.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
best lakes in New Mexico May 15, 2022 Jackie Ann Can I go scuba diving in New Mexico? New Mexico is actually a popular destination for scuba divers of all skill levels. The Blue Hole in Santa Rosa is fed by a natural spring underground that’s constantly moving new water through the hole, creating spectacular clarity in the water. How many state parks are in New Mexico? There are 35 state parks in Mexico, each one offering a chance to see The Land Of Enchantment in its natural glory. With over 24,000 acres to explore, Elephant Butte Lake State Park is the largest state park in New Mexico, and the man-made reservoir by the same name is a popular summer spot for swimming, fishing, and boating. What is there for kids to do in summer in New Mexico? There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in New Mexico that are short and sweet but don’t compromise scenery. The Dune Life Nature Trail is a great example. It’s a one-mile loop that’s filled with informative signs, beautiful scenery, and at one mile in length, it’s easy enough for even the tiniest of nature lovers to enjoy. Waterparks are a great family-friendly attraction that kids of all ages can enjoy, and the dinosaur-themed waterpark Bisti Bay is one of the most unique waterparks in New Mexico.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best lakes in New Mexico
May 15, 2022
Jackie Ann
Can I go scuba diving in New Mexico? New Mexico is actually a popular destination for scuba divers of all skill levels. The Blue Hole in Santa Rosa is fed by a natural spring underground that’s constantly moving new water through the hole, creating spectacular clarity in the water. How many state parks are in New Mexico? There are 35 state parks in Mexico, each one offering a chance to see The Land Of Enchantment in its natural glory. With over 24,000 acres to explore, Elephant Butte Lake State Park is the largest state park in New Mexico, and the man-made reservoir by the same name is a popular summer spot for swimming, fishing, and boating. What is there for kids to do in summer in New Mexico? There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in New Mexico that are short and sweet but don’t compromise scenery. The Dune Life Nature Trail is a great example. It’s a one-mile loop that’s filled with informative signs, beautiful scenery, and at one mile in length, it’s easy enough for even the tiniest of nature lovers to enjoy. Waterparks are a great family-friendly attraction that kids of all ages can enjoy, and the dinosaur-themed waterpark Bisti Bay is one of the most unique waterparks in New Mexico.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
New Mexico is actually a popular destination for scuba divers of all skill levels. The Blue Hole in Santa Rosa is fed by a natural spring underground that’s constantly moving new water through the hole, creating spectacular clarity in the water.
How many state parks are in New Mexico?
There are 35 state parks in Mexico, each one offering a chance to see The Land Of Enchantment in its natural glory. With over 24,000 acres to explore, Elephant Butte Lake State Park is the largest state park in New Mexico, and the man-made reservoir by the same name is a popular summer spot for swimming, fishing, and boating.
What is there for kids to do in summer in New Mexico?
There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in New Mexico that are short and sweet but don’t compromise scenery. The Dune Life Nature Trail is a great example. It’s a one-mile loop that’s filled with informative signs, beautiful scenery, and at one mile in length, it’s easy enough for even the tiniest of nature lovers to enjoy.
Waterparks are a great family-friendly attraction that kids of all ages can enjoy, and the dinosaur-themed waterpark Bisti Bay is one of the most unique waterparks in New Mexico.
