Caballo Lake State Park RV & Campground Guide
New Mexico
- Home
- State Parks
- New Mexico
- Caballo Lake State Park
Located south of Truth or Consequences in New Mexico, Caballo Lake State Park features several water-based activities, including swimming, fishing, boating, and sailing. The construction of the dam on the Rio Grande in the 1930s helped spur the development of Caballo Lake, which can reach over 11,500 acres in size when full. Other activities at the state park include hiking, bird-watching, hunting, horseback riding, and picnicking. Though the park sits at an elevation of nearly 4,500 feet above sea level, it is still in a desert, so temperatures get hot in the summer. Daytime highs remain mild for most of the rest of the year, though.
Spring 51-86 F
Summer 62-92 F
Fall 35-67 F
Winter 30-63 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Caballo Lake State Park
This state park has 170 developed campsites spread across four campgrounds: Palomino, Appaloosa, Stallion, and Riverside. Ninety-eight of these sites have water and electrical hookups. In addition, there are seven spots with full hookups. Most sites are pull-through, except a couple of back-in sites, and they can accommodate RVs up to 95 feet long. Amenities include barbecue grills, picnic tables, flush toilets, a playground, potable water, and an ATM. There's a dump station at the Palomino Campground, and there are also 54 group sites available with electric and water hookups at the RV Rally Site.
What to Do at
Caballo Lake State Park
As the main feature of this state park is Caballo Lake, many of the activities here revolve around the water. Take your boat, kayak, or canoe out on the lake. Cast your line and try to catch some fish, or go swimming. The park also has land-based activities. Saddle up and ride your horse on one of the equestrian trails, or pull on your boots to go hiking. For a more leisurely activity, you can spend the day spotting various bird species to add to your birding journal. The park also hosts events and educational programs throughout the year.
Fishing
Common catches at the park include crappie, walleye, and catfish. You can fish from shore or take a boat out on Caballo Lake. You will need your New Mexico fishing license; you can get one online before arriving.
Nature Watching
Caballo Lake State Park is in a prime location for bird-watching. While visiting, you could see species that include woodpeckers, wrens, owls, grebes, quail, sparrows, geese, ducks, raptors, and finches.
Stargazing
Thanks to its remote location and high elevation, the park is excellent for stargazing. You can set up a telescope at one of the picnic tables or bring a blanket to the edge of the water to enjoy an evening of identifying your favorite stars, constellations, and planets.
Hiking
The main trail in the park is the Riverside Park Walk. The 1.5-mile route is relatively flat and is wheelchair-accessible.
Boating
Caballo Lake State Park is one of the best places in western New Mexico for kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddle boarding. Motorized boats are also allowed on the lake for water skiing or fishing. You can use the boat ramp on the park's west side to access the water.
Swimming
Visit the park in the summer to go swimming when the water's at its warmest. It is an excellent place for kids because the water is shallow along the shore.
How to Get to
Caballo Lake State Park
Directions from Truth or Consequences: From the intersection of Broadway and NM-187 in T-or-C, head south on the 187 for 8.3 miles. At Smith Ranch Road, make a left and drive for 1.2 miles. Make another left and then go for another .05 miles to the park's main entrance.
Entering Caballo Lake State Park
The park is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Parking is available near the Palomino Campground and by the lake.
Caballo Lake State Park Entry Fee per vehicle : $5.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Caballo Lake State Park
Come visit the state park fall through spring to experience mild temperatures and avoid summer heat. Because of its desert location and elevation, the park does get chilly at night most of the year, so bring layers to stay comfortable when stargazing or hanging out around your campfire.
The park's wildlife consists mainly of birds. When visiting the park, see if you can spot the owls, doves, gulls, raptors, thrashers, phoebes, finches, and thrushes.
The park has 170 total sites, with most of these having both water and electrical hookups and either 30-amp or 50-amp power. Each site has a fire ring, picnic table, and nearby restrooms.
You do not have to reserve a campsite at Caballo Lake State Park. However, if you want a spot with full hookups, securing one ahead of time is a good idea because only seven are available. The cost ranges from $10 to $50 per night, depending on the spot you choose and its hookups.
Pets are welcome at Caballo Lake State Park and are allowed to hike with you on the trails. However, they must be on a leash, and you are responsible for picking up after your four-legged family members