Brantley Lake State Park RV & Campground Guide
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If you are looking for some hiking, swimming, and fishing fun in southeastern New Mexico, head to Brantley Lake State Park. At the park, you can play on the 3,000-acre lake that was created by damming the Pecos River. If you love to watch birds, head out on the 2.6 miles of trails with your binoculars. Horse camping is allowed in the primitive camping area while others may find that the developed campground better meets their needs. This park is located near Carlsbad, Artesia, Hobbs, and Roswell, New Mexico.
Spring 47-79 F
Summer 66-95 F
Fall 54-84 F
Winter 30-63 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Brantley Lake State Park
You will want to spend every second possible playing at this state park and in the surrounding area. That's why it's the ideal road trip destination for RVers. If you do not have one, then rent one on RVshare.com.
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
What to Do at
Brantley Lake State Park
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.
Outside Brantley Lake State Park
There are several attractions that you will want to visit in this area of southeastern New Mexico. You'll also find great places to dine and shop. In fact, you cannot begin to cover it all in a weekend, so plan on staying in your RV a little longer.
Restaurants
The Trinity House Restaurant
This restaurant, which is located inside a former hotel constructed in 1892, offers traditional American entrees for lunch and dinner. They put an Italian spin on their evening choices.
Type: American and Italian
Location: 201 S Canal St, Carlsbad, NM 88220
Yellow Brix Restaurant
Salads, sandwiches, pasta, and many steak and seafood options are available at the Yellow Brix Restaurant. They also serve vegan and vegetarian options upon request.
Type: Southwestern
Location: 201 N Canal St, Carlsbad, NM 88220
Red Chimney Bar-B-Que
Since 1954, the staff at this restaurant has been serving guests brisket, chicken, and other barbecue favorites. You should definitely order a side of smoked macaroni and cheese.
Type: BBQ
Location: 817 N Canal St, Carlsbad, NM 88220
Danny’s Place
Danny’s Place has been serving barbecue for more than 20 years. You will want to stop to sample it for yourself and see why it's a local favorite.
Type: BBQ
Location: 902 S Canal St, Carlsbad, NM 88220
Pecos River Cafe
Start your day off right with sweet cream pancakes from this restaurant or come in at lunchtime for their Mexican food specials. Locals and visitors alike have been raving about the food here since it opened in 1998.
Type: Diner
Location: 409 S Canal St, Carlsbad, NM 88220
Shopping
Candlewood Cards and Gifts
In 1941, H.C. Kerr built the building where his granddaughter now operates this greeting card and gift business. You can find a variety of brand-name gifts at her shop.
Location: 104 S Canyon St, Carlsbad, NM 88220
Sarah Grace Boutique
This women’s clothing boutique offers a wide range of sizes along with adorable gifts and accessories.
Location: 1505 W Pierce St Suite D, Carlsbad, NM 88220
Pecos River Antique Mall
Pecos River Antique Mall is a great place to browse because you are never sure what the vendors are going to offer. The store often features glassware, vintage electronics, music, collectibles, and jewelry.
Location: 110 S Canyon St, Carlsbad, NM 88220
One of a Kind Gifts & Treasures
Find gifts for everyone on your shopping list at this store. Many items on the shelves here are handmade by the owner.
Location: 1103 S Canal St, Carlsbad, NM 88220
Sightseeing
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
While many guests explore the main cave at this park and leave, it's worth it to make time to go on ranger-led tours to some of the 119 other caves. You can also stroll along the desert garden path, go backcountry hiking, and attend the two bat programs and the night-sky program.
Location: 3225 National Parks Highway, Carlsbad, NM 88220
Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area
Follow the paved hiking trail to see the 150-foot waterfall at Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area. The water that flows from canyons above the waterfall disappears into the ground and eventually enters the Pecos River. This recreation area within the Lincoln National Forest offers over 15 miles of other hiking trails.
Location: 742 Sitting Bull Falls Rd, Carlsbad, NM 88220
International UFO Museum and Research Center
The International UFO Museum and Research Center invites visitors to examine the evidence and decide for themselves if UFOs are real. The museum exhibits feature first-hand reports, photos, news clippings, and displays.
Location: 114 N Main St, Roswell, NM 88203
Carlsbad Museum and Art Center
In its permanent collection, this museum focuses on the area’s history and local arts, including many Native American crafts. It also offers temporary exhibitions on a variety of topics. Art shows for adults and children frequently occur along with quilt shows.
Location: 418 W Fox St, Carlsbad, NM 88220
How to Get to
Brantley Lake State Park
It is extremely easy to get to Brantley Lake State Park from Carlsbad. Head out of town on US Highway 285 North. Turn right on Captain Reef Road in about 11 miles. Then, in 4.5 miles, turn left on East Brantley Lake Road. Continue until you see the park.
Entering Brantley Lake State Park
Day-use hours for Brantley Lake State Park run from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The park is open year-round.
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 the best time to visit Brantley Lake State Park. During the summer, the park offers its visitors interpretive programming and Saturday campground festivities.
At Brantley Lake State Park, expect hot summers and cold winters. Summer temps can reach daytime highs of 95 degrees, and wintertime temperatures average between 30 and 63 degrees.
At this park, you'll find plenty of waterfowl, including migratory birds such as the American Pelicans. The park is also home to plenty of fish, including crappies, white bass, and catfish.
It's recommended to reserve a camping spot at Brantley Lake State Park, especially when visiting during the busy summer seasons. Nightly rates for campsites range from $8 to $18.
Brantley Lake State Park lets its visitors bring their four-legged friends. You can bring your dogs on the hiking trails, but make certain they're leashed at all times.