Brantley Lake State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Brantley Lake State Park encompasses 3,000 acres of New Mexico’s desert and oasis near the city of Carlsbad. The centerpiece of this beautiful park is Brantley Lake, where guests can enjoy hours of fun while boating, fishing, and swimming. RV camping can be found in the park’s Limestone Campground, and tent camping is allowed at Rocky Bay. While visiting the area, you can hike along the 2.6 miles of trails, go horseback riding, and participate in seasonal events like kite flying or the annual Desert Starlight Astronomy Weekend. There are also several excellent spots for picnicking throughout the park. If you want to learn more about the history of the area, stop by the visitor center, where you’ll find exhibits on the Wild West Town of Seven Rivers.
Nearby Cities
Roswell, NM
Artesia, NM
Carlsbad, NM
Atoka, NM
Spring 47-79 F
Summer 66-95 F
Fall 54-84 F
Winter 30-63 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Brantley Lake State Park
Campground Accommodations
Limestone Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 50 feet
Other amenities: Restroom, showers, playground, picnic area, a dump station, a soda machine, and drinking water
Brantley Lake State Park Campground
The Brantley Lake State Park campground offers primitive sites, spots with water and electricity, and three full-hookup sites. Rates start at about $8 per night.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Lake, hiking trails
Carlsbad RV Park
Carlsbad RV Park is a gated campground with a laundry room, restrooms, pool, and community room. There are also three off-leash pet areas. Rates start at about $52 a night.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Pool, gated security, community room, laundry
Carlsbad KOA Holiday
Your dog will love the fenced dog run, your kids will adore the pool, and you will love the store when you choose to stay at Carlsbad KOA Holiday. Rates start at about $47 per night.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Convenience store, pool, dog run, cable TV
RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks & Campgrounds
What to Do at
Brantley Lake State Park
Brantley Lake State Park is a wonderful place for swimming, fishing, and hiking in southeastern New Mexico. Bird watching is a popular pastime here, especially on the 2.6 miles of trails. Camping opportunities abound with many beautiful picnic spots nearby the numerous RV and tent campsites. The fun continues throughout the night with this being a great place for stargazing.
If you love spending time outdoors, you’ll enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding in Brantley Lake State Park. Water sports include boating, fishing, and swimming.
Inside Brantley Lake State Park
This state park is one of the newest in New Mexico, which is great if you're looking for a fresh spot to go hiking, fishing, and birding. If you are thinking about boating in December or January, however, be sure to call ahead to see about the lake conditions as the water level sometimes gets too shallow to boat safely during these two months. Special events occur throughout the year, including kite-flying and fishing contests. Head to this state park’s group day-use area for family reunions and other celebrations. School children often visit this park to learn more about nature.
Fishing
Brantley Lake is home to several species of fish such as largemouth bass, bluegill, white bass, walleye, catfish, carp, and crappie. You’re welcome to cast off from the park’s fishing pier or from your boat. Be aware that fishing is for sport only. You can’t eat what you catch because of the high levels of DDT.
Geocaching
If you enjoy treasure hunting with your GPS, Brantley Lake State Park is your destination for playing this hide-and-seek game. Use your sleuthing skills to find tiny treasures and be sure to bring something to leave behind for the next geocaching visitor to find.
Nature Watching
Brantley Lake State Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise with pelicans, roadrunners, buffleheads, shorebirds, doves, gulls, and yellowlegs frequently being spotted. The Pecos River is a critical waterfowl migratory route, so you’ll see plenty of species passing through this area at certain times of the year. On land, watch for cottontail rabbits, and be aware of the snakes.
Stargazing
Brantley Lake State Park’s remote location makes it ideal for stargazing. Located away from large cities, highways, and pollution, it’s easy to see the constellations from here. The park is especially beautiful during a full moon.
Hiking
The 2.6-mile hiking trail in Brantley Lake State Park is beautiful and scenic with the desert oasis nearby and the desert terrain in the distance. With only one trail in the park, it can be a little crowded during the summer, but it provides visitors with peace and quiet during the off-season.
Boating
Brantley Lake is perfect for canoeing, kayaking, boating, and sailing. There are two ramps available for visitors to use, and jet skiing is permitted.
Swimming
Brantley Lake provides you with the perfect place to swim with a sandy beach at the shoreline, where you can relax under the sun. Showers and restrooms are nearby for your convenience.
How to Get to
Brantley Lake State Park
Brantley Lake State Park can be accessed from Carlsbad, NM by following US-285 north for 12 miles. Roads may be closed during the winter because of snow. Check local weather conditions before heading into the park.
Entering Brantley Lake State Park
Once you arrive, you’ll need a parking permit. Daily entrance fees are $5, and camping fees start at $8 per night. Parking lots can be found at the Visitor Center, the park office, the day-use areas, and at designated campsites.
Brantley Lake State Park Per Vehicle : $5.0
Brantley Lake State Park is a wonderful place to stop and play for a while. Of course, there's also lots to explore in the surrounding area. If you have visited this state park, then post about your visit on your social media accounts. Include tips that others might want to know when visiting the area. Be sure to tag RVshare.com in your posts. You can also send your comments, stories, and photos to [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions About Brantley Lake State Park
Summer is one of the best times of the year to visit Brantley Lake State Park. In addition to the perfect weather for outdoor activities, you’ll be able to enjoy Saturday campground festivities and interpretative programming.
The majority of the wildlife you’ll find in Brantley Lake State Park are birds and fish. You’ll find several species of birds, including waterfowl and migratory birds. The lake is home to catfish, crappie, and white bass, to name only a few. Cottontail rabbits are often spotted along the trails, and you’ll want to watch for snakes as you explore the area.
There are designated campsites in Brantley Lake State Park. There are 38 partial hookup sites that include 30-amp electric and water hookups. Ten partial hookup sites are available with 50-amp electric and water hookups. Three full hookup sites feature 50-amp electric, water, and sewer hookups.
Reservations are recommended for campsites in Brantley Lake State Park, especially during the summer when the park is busy. Campsite fees range from $8 to $18. Reservations can be made online by visiting the park’s website and clicking on the reservation link.
Pets are welcome at Brantley Lake State Park at the campsites and on the hiking trail. Pets must be on a leash at all times.
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