Sumner Lake State Park RV & Campground Guide
New Mexico
Explore the rolling plains of eastern New Mexico on an RV trip to Sumner Lake State Park. With its wide-open spaces and sprawling reservoir, this park is made for relaxation. Drift across the far reaches of the lake in a canoe, or explore the shoreline trails with birdwatching binoculars in hand. If you’re in the mood for a thrill, launch from the boat ramp, and spend the day water skiing and fishing. Fort Sumner is 19 miles south, and Santa Rosa lies 44 miles north, so you’re never far from a delicious dinner or a quick shopping trip.
Spring 35-80 F
Summer 60-93 F
Fall 35-85 F
Winter 25-55 F
Fort Sumner, NM
RV Resorts & Campsites in Sumner Lake State Park
Take your vacation to the next level by camping in an RV during your stay at Sumner Lake State Park. If you don't own one, a great solution is an RV rental from RVshare; you can pick a model that fits your group perfectly and comes with the perfect amenities.
Sumner Lake State Park Campground
Wake up close to the water at the Sumner Lake State Park campground. With 50 campsites, many with water and electric hookups, this campground is an ideal spot for both RVs and tents. There’s also an RV dump station for your convenience. Enjoy the extra space to spread out in the campground’s bathrooms and shower room, and cook a classic camping meal on the park’s grills. Both the Mesquite and Pecos areas have playgrounds, making them a fun option for kids. Campsites start at $8 for a primitive site and run up to $14 per night for a developed site with electricity.
Valley View RV Park
Located in Fort Sumner, Valley View RV Park is the closest camping option to Sumner Lake State Park. This park is a great option if you’re looking to use all of the features of your motorhome as it offers full hookups with 30- or 50-amp service. Plus, since sites are 45 feet wide by 90 feet long, there’s room for big rigs and slide-outs. With the campground’s wireless internet service, you can get online easily after a day in the sun. Rates start at just $20 per night with discounts for weekly or monthly stays.
Ramblin’ Rose RV Park
Ramblin’ Rose RV Park is located about 40 miles from Sumner Lake State Park in Santa Rosa. It’s a simple, budget-friendly option that’s ideal if you’re planning to spend time exploring the local area. Big-rig owners love the large pull-through sites, and there’s also space for tent camping. Each site comes with full hookups as well as access to the park’s internet network. You’ll also enjoy the on-site showers and proximity to I-40. RV sites start at $25 per night.
Santa Rosa Campground & RV Park
Situated next to I-40 and close to the road to Sumner Lake State Park, Santa Rosa Campground & RV Park enables you to get off the road and set up in minutes. With 90-foot sites, this campground is ideal for RVs of all sizes. The many amenities include full hookups, free wireless internet, a laundry room, a playground, and a sparkling swimming pool. There’s also a gift shop on-site that’s perfect for souvenirs and Route 66 memorabilia. A barbecue restaurant is located within walking distance of your campsite.
What to Do at
Sumner Lake State Park
Inside Sumner Lake State Park
Many visitors come to Sumner Lake State Park for one thing: the enormous reservoir that was formed from the Pecos River. With 4,500 acres of surface area, this branching lake is ideal for boating and water skiing. Bring your fishing pole, and try to catch some bass, walleye, and catfish.
Outside Sumner Lake State Park
Sumner Lake State Park sits in an area that’s long been used as a stopping point for travelers on their way across the United States. Native American people, settlers, military members, and Route 66 travelers have all passed through. As a result, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to delve into the unique local history during your trip.
Restaurants
Sadie's Frontier Restaurant
Get ready for big flavors and generous servings at Sadie's Frontier Restaurant. Don’t let the low-key diner decor fool you. The food is excellent, and the service is friendly.
Type: Mexican
Location: 1112 Sumner Ave., Fort Sumner, NM 88119
Outlaw Meats
Stop in for breakfast or lunch at tiny Outlaw Meats, which is decorated with a collection of fascinating memorabilia. Locals love the breakfast options. Don’t miss the burritos.
Type: Diner
Location: 731 4th St., Fort Sumner, NM 88119
Dariland
Affordable and relaxed, Dariland is ideal for quick dinners or family meals. Try the hot sandwiches, and finish your meal with a soft-serve cone.
Type: American
Location: 1304 Sumner Ave., Fort Sumner, NM 88119
Rodeo Grill
Known for its exceptional home cooking, the Rodeo Grill draws rave reviews across the board. Expect a classic menu packed with favorites like fried chicken, burgers, and breakfast scramble all served in a charmingly rustic space.
Type: American
Location: 451 E. Sumner Ave., Fort Sumner, NM 88119
Annie’s Restaurant
There’s something for everyone in the family at Annie’s Restaurant, which cooks up dishes ranging from burgers to fresh salads. Be sure to end your meal with a slice of the chef’s delicious pie.
Type: American
Location: 2483 Historic U.S. Route 66, Santa Rosa, NM 88435
Shopping
Allsup's Convenience Store
Small and well-stocked, this convenience store is a good place for a quick snack on the go.
Location: 327 E. Sumner Ave., Fort Sumner, NM 88119
Dave's Grocery
This is the closest grocery store to Sumner Lake State Park. Stop in for groceries on your way to the park.
Location: 4th & Ave. B, Fort Sumner, NM 88119
T & D Food Market
If you’re coming in from the north, T & D Food Market is your last option for groceries before you head to the park.
Location: 1489 Historic Route 66, Santa Rosa, NM 88435
Sightseeing
The Bosque Redondo Memorial
This place marks the spot of historic Fort Sumner, an 1800s-era military installation with a tragic and storied past. This site explores the history of the area, which was used as an internment camp for the Navajo and Mescalero people.
Location: 3467 Billy the Kid Road, Fort Sumner, NM 88119
Billy the Kid Museum
Get a peek into the past at the Billy the Kid Museum. Packed with items related to the famous outlaw Billy the Kid, as well as the other inhabitants of the region, this small museum is a fascinating spot to visit. Be sure to leave some time to chat with the friendly family that owns and operates the museum.
Location: 1435 East Sumner Avenue, Fort Sumner, NM 88119
Route 66 Auto Museum
Enjoy a fun look at the history of Route 66 at this museum. With more than 30 different vintage cars, this is an auto enthusiast's dream. Allow plenty of time to examine each of the vehicles and browse the gift shop for themed souvenirs.
Location: 2436 Route 66, Santa Rosa, NM 88435
Santa Rosa Blue Hole
One of the most unexpected local attractions is the Santa Rosa Blue Hole, a brilliant blue swimming hole to the north of the park. This unique body of water is linked to seven other local lakes by a series of underground tunnels. Swim or scuba dive in the crystal-clear water, which offers perfect visibility for up to 100 feet. Stop for a dip on a hot day, or come to marvel at the remarkable color in cooler weather.
Location: 1085 Blue Hole Road, Santa Rosa, NM 88435
Park Lake
If you have kids, head straight for Park Lake. With paddleboards, pedal boats, water slides, and a thrilling inflatable water playground, this is a fun spot for the entire family. The water playground is open only in the summer, but the park is open all year.
Location: 913 Blue Hole Road, Santa Rosa, NM 88435
How to Get to
Sumner Lake State Park
Sumner Lake State Park is located between I-40 and Highway 60 in eastern New Mexico. To get there, take Highway 84 South from Santa Rosa or North from Fort Sumner and turn west on NM-203 until you reach the park.
Entering Sumner Lake State Park
The park is currently open on Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The hours are subject to change, so check before you go.
Per vehicle : $5
Whether you’re looking forward to high-speed water sports or relaxed days filled with birdwatching, Sumner Lake State Park has you covered. If this spot is in your future camping plans, the team at RVshare would be delighted to follow along. If you post about the trip on Instagram or Facebook, tag RVshare when sharing your photos. Alternatively, you can send an email to [email protected]