Leasburg Dam State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Explore a section of the mighty Rio Grande at Leasburg Dam State Park, about a half-hour drive up from Las Cruces, New Mexico. Take your canoe or kayak out on the river, bring your binoculars to spot the many bird species that frequent the area, and take a walk through the cactus garden. The park also offers hiking, stargazing, fishing, and swimming. Leasburg Dam State Park has warm daytime temperatures all year long, although summers can get very hot, making fall through early spring an ideal time to visit.
Nearby Cities
Las Cruces, NM
Mesilla, NM
Truth or Consequences, NM
Alamogordo, NM
Spring 50–87 F
Summer 63–92 F
Fall 33–67 F
Winter 27–64 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Leasburg Dam State Park
Campground Accommodations
Leasburg Dam State Park Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 40 feet
Other amenities: Both 30- and 50-amp sites, two handicap-accessible sites, dump station, drinking water, vault and flush toilets, restrooms with showers, picnic shelter, fire rings, playground, amphitheater
Leasburg Dam State Park Campground
Almost 25 campsites are available at Leasburg Dam State Park, and some can be reserved ahead of time. Rates start at about $8 per night.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Hiking trails, fishing nearby
Hacienda RV Resort
You will love the club room where you can do craft projects or play games at Hacienda RV Resort. Your dog will love the enclosed dog run. Rates start at $32 per night at this campground that offers many pull-through sites.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Las Cruces KOA
Used as a setting for the movie Captain Fantastic, Las Cruces KOA offers stunning valley views. You can swim in the pool, take hikes, and enjoy other activities. Rates start at about $40 per night.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Store, pool
Dalmonts RV & Trailer Corral
Dalmonts RV & Trailer Corral is a basic campground offering wide camping spots with electric and water hookups. Call them about the rates. Dalmonts even offers cable TV at some sites.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Dog park
Sunny Acres RV Park
This campground for those ages 55 and older is located within walking distance of many attractions, and it's on the city’s bus route. Rates start at about $40 per night at Sunny Acres RV Park. They also offer RV storage.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Bus route nearby, dog run
What to Do at
Leasburg Dam State Park
Leasburg Dam State Park has a garden with a short trail where you can view native plants like cacti. You can also sign up for educational programs like monthly star shows at the on-site observatory and monthly guided bird tours. The park offers 2.25 miles' worth of hiking trails, consisting of short, easy paths around and through the campground as well as right by the river. Take a non-motorized boat out on the Rio Grande, or go fishing or swimming. Learn more about the history of the dam at the Historic Dam Keeper’s House at the far north end of the park.
Take advantage of the warm weather and sunny skies by enjoying any number of outdoor activities at Leasburg Dam State Park.
Inside Leasburg Dam State Park
Many people come to this park for fishing fun while others come to go swimming. You can also hike on short paths with many that lead to a xeriscape garden. Participate in the monthly stargazing events at the observatory. You can also just sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Fishing
The park allows fishing only at the south day-use and trail areas. Cast your rod, and try to catch bass or channel catfish.
Nature Watching
Bird-watching is a popular activity at the park. Spot gulls, ducks, rock wrens, woodpeckers, thrashers, orioles, sparrows, warblers, raptors, and hawks.
Stargazing
The park has its own observatory, where you can get great views of the night sky through the 16-inch telescope. It does get cold here at night during the winter, so bring layers, and dress warmly.
Flora and Fauna
Check out the various cacti at the native plant garden. Animals you could see in the area include coyotes, foxes, rabbits, and squirrels.
Hiking
Take any of several short hiking trails in the park. Some of these trails connect with each other to offer longer hiking opportunities. The Lower Mogollon Trail takes you to and from the north and south picnic and beach areas right along the Rio Grande.
Boating
The park allows boating only with non-motorized craft, such as kayaks and canoes. You must wear a life jacket while out on the water.
Swimming
You can go swimming at the park, but in the north day-use area only. You are not allowed to swim within 150 feet of the dam.
How to Get to
Leasburg Dam State Park
Directions from Las Cruces: From the intersection of US-70 and Interstate 25, get on I-25 and head north out of town for 13 miles. Get off the interstate at exit 19 for Radium Springs. At the exit, make a left onto Fort Selden Road, and drive for 0.9 miles. Make a right onto Leasburg Park Rd/State Park Rd, and continue for 0.6 miles to the park's entrance.
Directions from Truth or Consequences: From S Pershing Street and Austin Avenue, head west on Austin for 0.4 miles. Turn left on Broadway Street, then drive for 2.3 miles. Make a left onto NM-187 S, and drive for 4.1 miles. Make a right onto Las Palomas Canyon Road, then drive for 0.7 miles. Make a left onto the ramp to Las Palmos, then get on Interstate 25. Drive south on I-25 for 52.5 miles. Take exit 19 for Radium Springs, and go for 0.2 miles. Make a right onto Fort Selden Road, and continue for 0.8 miles. Turn right onto Leasburg Park Road/State Park Road, and drive 0.6 miles to the park's entrance.
Entering Leasburg Dam State Park
The daily entrance fee is $5. If you enter the park at night for a star party, you must also pay this fee. There's parking at the visitor center, at the north picnic area and beach, and at the south picnic area and beach.
Leasburg Dam State Park is a wonderful place to visit. You will love fishing here and hiking along the park’s paths. If you have spent time in Leasburg Dam State Park, then let us hear from you. Post your memories to your social media account. Be sure to tag RVshare.com as we want to hear what you have to say. You can also send your memories and photos to [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions About Leasburg Dam State Park
Visit the park anytime from fall through early spring for warm days and cool nights. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, so dress appropriately.
Spot birds such as raptors, eagles, hawks, ducks, herons, owls, turkey vultures, and snow geese. Mammals at the park include chipmunks, foxes, squirrels, and coyotes.
The park has 24 total campsites. Twelve of these sites have water hookups and 30-amp electrical hookups, and four sites have 50-amp electrical hookups and water hookups. There are two handicapped-accessible spots, both with water hookups; one has 30-amp power, and the other has 50-amp power. There are also five developed sites with no hookups, although you can find drinking water nearby.
Yes, you do need to reserve your camping spot. The cost is $10 per night. Leasburg Dam State Park stays open year-round.
Yes, the park allows pets. Keep your pet on a leash of no more than 10 feet when outside your RV. You're responsible for cleaning up after your pet and keeping them quiet so as to not disturb other campers.