Bluewater Lake State Park RV & Campground Guide
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You can explore over 3,000 acres when you visit this stunning state park close to the Zuni Mountains near the towns of Prewitt and Grants in the state of New Mexico. Because the park sits at a high altitude of around 7,400 feet, the lake freezes over, making it an excellent destination for ice fishing in the wintertime. Many people enjoy horseback riding at this park, and it's also well-known as a great spot to enjoy overnight camping, birdwatching, and fishing.
Spring 30 - 63 F
Summer 51 - 83 F
Fall 44 - 78 F
Winter 12 - 45 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Bluewater Lake State Park
The three different campgrounds at Bluewater Lake State Park offer a total of 149 developed sites to choose from. Some of these sites have electric hookups. Restrooms with flush toilets, showers, and additional vault toilets are also available, and RV campers will appreciate the convenience of having a dump station. Choose a site at the Lakefront Campground to be close to the waterfront. Alternatively, the Canyonside Campground is next to Bluewater Creek, offering the option to sleep to the sound of gurgling water. In addition, two group campgrounds are available at the Bluewater Lake Loop.
What to Do at
Bluewater Lake State Park
Enjoy picturesque views of the surrounding Zuni Mountains and enjoy the lake's 1,200 acres during your visit. Stop by the park's visitor center if you need help planning your activities. Enjoy a peaceful waterfront picnic in one of the park's picnic shelters, or bring the kids to play on the park's playground while you enjoy the stunning mountain and lakeside views.
Fishing
The park is stocked with fish, making it an excellent spot to go fishing for people of all experience levels. Bait your line for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish. In addition, the park is known for having some of the best opportunities in the state to catch tiger muskies. You will need your New Mexico fishing license to get in on the action, and you can get one online before you arrive.
Geocaching
You'll find a geocache at all state parks in New Mexico, including Bluewater Lake. Bring along your geocaching app and a pen so you can sign the log book once you find it.
Stargazing
Bluewater Lake is known for its dark skies, offering optimal stargazing conditions. The New Mexico Tourism Department lists Bluewater Lake State Park as one of the best spots for stargazing in the entire state.
Flora and Fauna
Pinyon and juniper trees create a forest that surrounds the lake. Some of the most commonly spotted birds at the park include great blue herons, western meadowlarks, red-tailed hawks, mallards, and turkey vultures. Keep an eye out for prairie dogs and burrowing owls, too. Squirrels are common, and visitors often spot deer as well. Additionally, larger mammals such as bears, mountain lions, and elk make their home in the surrounding Zuni Mountains.
Hiking
Hikers will find four different trails to choose from at Bluewater Lake State Park. You can hike each of these individually or combine them to make a longer loop. The Dam Overlook Trail offers a view of the Bluewater Dam at the lake's southern end. Alternatively, the Pinon Cliffs Trail connects to the Canyonside Trail if you want an uphill climb.
Swimming
Although there are no lifeguards on duty, you can enjoy swimming at any access point along Bluewater Lake.
Boating
Kayaking and canoeing are popular activities to enjoy on Bluewater Lake, and there are even some boat-in campsites. Both motorized and non-motorized boats are welcome at this state park. Launch your boat from the ramp or the boat dock in the park to enjoy a day on the lake. Paddlecraft rentals are available from concessionaires just outside of the park.
Biking
Many overnight campers like to bring their bikes to get around the park from the trailheads to the campgrounds. Some of the roads in the park are paved, but there are also a few dirt roads connecting the campgrounds to the main road.
How to Get to
Bluewater Lake State Park
If you're coming from Albuquerque, take Interstate 40 west for about 109 miles. Exit the interstate at Exit 63 and head south on NM 412. After about 7 miles, you'll see a sign directing you to the park's main entrance.
Entering Bluewater Lake State Park
After entering the park, you can take a right on a dirt road to head to the Northpoint Campground. Just past that dirt road, you'll see the Visitor's Center on your left, which has a parking lot with accessible spots. Head a little further down the road to find the day-use area on the right or the Dam Overlook Trail at the end of the road. Although the main park road is paved, the campground access roads are not. Navigating them after a good rain or as the snow melts can be a bit tricky, even if you have a 4 x 4 vehicle.
Bluewater Lake State Park Entry Fee : $15.0
Bluewater Lake State Park Entry Fee (with overnight stay) : $5.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Bluewater Lake State Park
The park is open year-round, so it depends on what you are interested in. Summer is the best for watersports, while hikers and anglers may want to arrive in the fall or spring for cooler temperatures. Ice fishing enthusiasts will want to visit when the lake is frozen in winter.
Just a few of the birds you might spot during your visit include great blue herons, owls, turkey vultures, hawks, ravens, sparrows, and ash-throated flycatchers. The park is also home to large mammals such as deer, elk, and mountain lions.
RVs are welcome in any of the developed campgrounds, which have some sites with electrical hookups. Boat-in campsites are also available. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring.
Reservations are required during the peak season. However, some sites are available on arrival during the non-peak season from September to May. Nightly camping rates vary but start at $10 per night.
Yes, pets are welcome to join you at Bluewater Lake State Park, including in the campgrounds. Be sure to clean up after your pet and keep them on a leash.