Bottomless Lakes State Park RV & Campground Guide
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In southwestern New Mexico, Bottomless Lakes State Park is a 1,400-acre oasis, complete with shimmering blue-green lakes and rusty red rock cliffs surrounded by dry sandy desert. Opened in 1933, Bottomless Lakes State Park was the first state park in New Mexico, named after the nine seemingly ‘bottomless’ lakes found around the park. These lakes are actually sinkholes, formed when the Pecos River caused underwater caverns to collapse and fill with water. Aquatic plants give the lakes their unique color, creating the illusion of great depth — even though they are only 17 to 90 feet deep!
Bottomless Lakes State Park is the perfect place to enjoy water sports and explore the areas along the Pecos River. Lea Lake is open for swimming and kayaking, as well as scuba diving. Divers can get close up views of the lake’s underwater geology, including a large cluster of freshwater springs known as the ‘Mecca.’ There’s also prime fishing spots at Devil’s Inkwell and Cottonwood Lake, which are stocked with rainbow trout each winter. On land, visitors can hike trails, spot birds and other wildlife, and photograph the beautiful lakes and surrounding landscape.
If you’re seeking recreation against the backdrop of tall cliffs, sandy shores, and blue-green lakes, then head to Bottomless Lakes State Park for your next getaway! Read further for what to do in and around the park as you plan your trip.
Spring 42-77 F
Summer 63-92 F
Fall 44=75 F
Winter 23-57 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Bottomless Lakes State Park
With glimmering lakes and tall rock cliffs, Bottomless Lakes State Park is simply stunning. But if you check into a hotel or motel, you’ll likely stay far away from these natural wonders. Consider another option: renting an RV!
RVs let you enjoy the beauty of a state park without giving up amenities like A/C and comfortable beds. RVshare makes it easy to rent an RV near your home or travel destination. Close to Bottomless Lakes State Park, you can find RVs in Roswell and stay in campgrounds nearby, including:
Bottom Lakes State Park Campground
The park’s Lea Lake Campground offers 32 RV campsites with partial and full hook-ups — all within sight of the beautiful Lea Lake. With modern restrooms, WiFi, and a snack bar, you will have all you need to recharge after a full day exploring the park. Sites are popular, so reserve in advance! Rates are $14-18 per night.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wifi: Yes
Pet friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Restrooms, showers, playground, volleyball courts, nature trails, swimming, hiking, biking, fishing, boating, dumping station
Red Barn RV Park
Surrounded by alfalfa fields and farmlands, the park has a country feel despite its proximity to Roswell. These well-maintained grounds have 14 RV campsites with full hookups, plus friendly customer service. Go for a walk in the fields, play dominoes in the rec room, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet. Rates are $30 per night.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wifi: Yes
Pet friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Restrooms, showers, laundromat, cable TV, recreation room, camp store, pool
What to Do at
Bottomless Lakes State Park
Inside Bottomless Lakes State Park
Thousands of visitors come to Bottomless Lakes State Park each year, attracted by the shimmering blue-green lakes and rocky desert landscape. Visitors enjoy playing on the beach, lounging in the sun, and swimming and boating on Lea Lake. From November to March, anglers can fish for rainbow trout at Devil’s Inkwell and Cottonwood Lake. Around the lakes, visitors can also hike and mountain bike along the desert trails and watch for different species of native and migratory birds.
Here are more details on the park’s most popular activities:
Hiking and Mountain Biking - Skidmarks Trial is a popular 3-mile trail for mountain biking featuring well-planned drops and twisting turns. The shorter Bluff Trail and Wetlands Trail are ideal for quick hikes that showcase the park’s unique geology. With over 500 species of birds, the park has some of the state’s best birdwatching, so try to spot roadrunners, pelicans, and other birds while on the trails!
Boating and Swimming - Lea Lake is the only lake that allows swimming and boating at the park. Splash around the lake’s stunning blue waters or lounge on the sandy beachfront. During the summer, lifeguards are on duty and rentals are available for paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats.
Scuba Diving - Plummeting to depths of 90 feet, Lea Lake offers excellent scuba diving opportunities. Divers can spot endangered fish like the Pecos pupfish and Mexican Tetra or see ‘Mecca,’ a series of freshwater springs that produce over 9 million gallons of water each day, creating near perfect visibility for underwater exploration.
Tetra or see ‘Mecca,’ a series of freshwater springs that produce over 9 million gallons of water each day, creating near perfect visibility for underwater exploration.
How to Get to
Bottomless Lakes State Park
The park is 15 miles southeast of Roswell and easily accessible from US-380.
From Albuquerque, take I-40 east for about 55 miles to exit 218. Take US-285 south for 140 miles to Roswell. From Roswell, turn east on US-380 for 12 miles, then turn onto NM-409 south for 3 miles to reach the park’s entrance.
Address : 545 Bottomless Lakes Rd, Roswell, NM 88203
Entering Bottomless Lakes State Park
Admission is $5 per vehicle. The park is open everyday from 7am until 9pm.
Ready to explore the unparalleled beauty of Bottomless Lakes State Park? Take us along by tagging us on social media or sending your photos to [email protected]. We might even spotlight you on our blog or social media. Happy (RV) camping!
Frequently Asked Questions About Bottomless Lakes State Park
This state park is known for its exceptional water-based recreational activities. Plan your RV camping adventure in the warm summer months to enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, and scuba diving.
Bottomless Lakes State Park is in the southeastern region of New Mexico and has a dry, mild climate with little annual rainfall. The minimal human population near the park guarantees frequent clear skies and low pollution levels.
Bottomless Lakes State Park is home to the endangered barking frog and cricket frog, which can be heard in the evening near the water. Visitors also often come across raccoons, roadrunners, ducks, white-tailed deer, and foxes.
The Lea Lake Campground at Bottomless Lakes State Park has six RV sites with full hookups and 26 sites with only water and electricity. There's also an on-site dump station and bathrooms with modern showers.
All New Mexico state parks allow pets as long as they're always leashed. Make sure your dog is fully vaccinated and trained to avoid disturbing other guests or the local wildlife. Book a pet-friendly camping spot when making your reservation.
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