Clayton Lake State Park RV & Campground Guide
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See the footprints left by dinosaurs as they crossed ancient New Mexico at Clayton Lake State Park. This fascinating archaeological marvel is only the beginning. The park is also home to a refreshing reservoir surrounded by picturesque sandstone bluffs and grasslands. Since it’s a no-wake lake, you can paddle and fish in peace. With hiking trails and picnic areas, there’s also plenty to do on land. Clayton Lake is located in the far northeastern corner of New Mexico, 13 miles from Clayton, New Mexico, and 140 miles from Amarillo, Texas.
Spring 30-75 F
Summer 55-90 F
Fall 30-80 F
Winter 20-50 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Clayton Lake State Park
An RV is one way to ensure that your camping trip to Clayton Lake State Park is a success. The local area is often exposed, so your RV offers shade and a comfortable temperature. Try out the perfect motorhome with an RV rental from RVshare.
Clayton Lake State Park Campgrounds
Fall asleep to the sound of the waves lapping at the shore when you book a site at the Clayton Lake State Park campgrounds. This is the perfect place to stay if you want to be the first one on the lake in the morning. There are five different camping areas spread throughout the park, with a total of 26 sites. Seven come with water, but the best option for RVs are the nine sites that feature water and 30-amp electric hookups. With bathrooms and showers, this park makes it easy for your crew to spread out. If you choose a basic site, expect to pay $10 per night; for a site with electricity, the fee is $14.
Clayton RV Park
Camp just 15 miles from Clayton Lake State Park at Clayton RV Park. It’s located in Clayton, making it a convenient choice if you’d like to be near restaurants and basic shopping. The park’s RV sites offer both 30-amp and 50-amp electric hookups as well as water and sewer hookups. Connect to the Wi-Fi network for easy internet access at any time. With its pet area, game room, playground, and mini-golf course, this campground is perfect if you’re traveling with your family or your furry friends. Plus, with the showers and restrooms, everyone has space to clean up. Are you renting a big rig? Book one of the pull-through sites for easier parking. Nightly rates start at $34 for 30-amp power and $36 for 50-amp service. You also have the option to choose water and electric sites for $32 per night.
Capulin Camp & RV Park
Stay between Clayton Lake State Park and the popular Raton area at Capulin Camp & RV Park, which sits 65 miles west. If you’re traveling for an extended period, you’ll love the sparkling-clean showers and laundry area. Each RV site features full hookups, and you can access the free Wi-Fi network from all over the park. TV and telephone lines are also available. Feel free to bring your pet, and enjoy a quick stroll to the on-site country store to pick up any last-minute essentials or snacks. Rates start at $30 per night, and if you stay for a full week, your last night is free.
What to Do at
Clayton Lake State Park
Inside Clayton Lake State Park
One of the first things to see at Clayton Lake State Park is the dinosaur trackway. Here, you’ll find more than 500 perfectly preserved footprints that were made millions of years ago. This site is excellent for both kids and adults. Elsewhere in the area, you can hike the trails for views of the lake and the grasslands. If you’re visiting in the warmer months, head straight for the water. Sailboats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are the best way to explore, but you can also use a motorboat as long as you stick to no-wake speeds. Swimming is also a fun option, and many visitors enjoy long days of fishing from the shore or a boat.
Outside Clayton Lake State Park
Clayton Lake State Park is in a remote part of New Mexico, so most local activities require a bit of a drive. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with views of blowing grasslands and wide-open skies. If you’re looking to restock your RV kitchen or enjoy dinner out, the nearest options are in the small town of Clayton.
Restaurants
Santa Fe Trail Cafe
The Santa Fe Trail Cafe is known for its home-cooked food; the barbecue is particularly delicious. If you’re coming for dinner, bring your appetite for the ribs or legendary mashed potato bowls.
Type: American
Location: 21 Poplar St, Clayton, NM 88415
Mock's Crossroads Coffee Mill
Sip a strong cup of locally roasted and blended coffee while you enjoy a meal at Mock's Crossroads Coffee Mill. This friendly spot serves breakfast and a light lunch alongside a selection of indulgent pastries.
Type: American
Location: 2 S Front St, Clayton, NM 88415
Wild Horse Grill & Steakhouse
Fill up on some legendary New Mexico beef at the Wild Horse Grill & Steakhouse. The menu features comfort-food classics like mashed potatoes. There’s also a sizable Mexican selection.
Type: Steakhouse
Location: 22 Pine St, Clayton, NM 88415
87 Restaurant
After you spend the day enjoying the wilderness at Clayton Lake State Park, 87 Restaurant is a great place to refuel. The menu covers everything from egg breakfasts to catfish nuggets and enchiladas.
Type: American, Mexican
Location: 803 S 1st St, Clayton, NM 88415
Sí, Señor Tacos
With rich menu options such as fajitas and carne asada, Sí, Señor Tacos satisfies any craving for Mexican food. Be sure to finish off with the delicious flan.
Type: Mexican
Location: 1314 S 1st St, Clayton, NM 88415
Shopping
Lawrence Boot & Saddle Shop
Embrace the Wild West fun at Lawrence Boot & Saddle Shop. Pick up a pair of cowboy boots, or bring a hat home as a souvenir.
Location: 120 Main St, Clayton, NM 88415
Mary's Flowers & Gifts
Brighten your RV with a bouquet of flowers at Mary's Flowers & Gifts. You’ll also find a small selection of gift items.
Location: 200 Main St, Clayton, NM 88415
Clayton Ranch Market
One of the closest and most sizable grocery stores to Clayton Lake State Park, Clayton Ranch Market is the perfect spot to stock up for your trip.
Location: 315 S 1st St, Clayton, NM 88415
Sightseeing
Herzstein Memorial Museum
Get to know the history of northern New Mexico at the Herzstein Memorial Museum. It’s home to a wide range of objects from the early 1900s when the area was a stop on the Santa Fe National Historic Trail. You’ll also learn about the Native American people who have long made their home in the region.
Location: Clayton, New Mexico
Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands
See where American history unfolded at the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands. It’s been home to Native Americans, settlers, and a thrilling variety of wildlife; you might even see a bison. This is the perfect place for an afternoon road trip. Keep an eye out for animals, historic windmills, and occasional rock formations. In some areas, wild horses run free across the plains.
Location: Clayton, New Mexico
Folsom Man Archaeological Site
Keep the archaeological fun going at the Folsom Man Archaeological Site. This is where archaeologists made an important discovery—a collection of bison bones and spearheads that indicated the presence of early humans. This single find helped scientists realize that people were living in the area at least 5,000 years earlier than previously believed.
Location: Folsom, New Mexico
Black Jack Ketchum’s Grave
If you’re interested in Wild West history, don’t miss Black Jack Ketchum’s grave. This famous train robber was active in the late 1800s. He became one of the most legendary outlaws of the time as part of the infamous Ketchum Gang. Today, you can pay a visit to his final resting place in Clayton.
Location: Clayton, New Mexico
Black Mesa State Park
Located about 60 miles from Clayton Lake State Park over the Oklahoma border, Black Mesa State Park is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts. It’s home to a wealth of bird species as well as bears, bobcats, and bighorn sheep. This is also a great spot for hiking.
Location: Kenton, Oklahoma
How to Get to
Clayton Lake State Park
To get to Clayton Lake State Park, you’ll first need to get to the town of Clayton in northern New Mexico. To do so, you can take either Highway 412 or Highway 87. Once you get there, turn north on NM-370.
Entering Clayton Lake State Park
Clayton Lake State Park is open year-round. Day-use hours vary, so it’s a good idea to double-check before you visit.
Clayton Lake State Park Day use (per vehicle) : $5.0
With its calm waters and fascinating archaeological site, Clayton Lake State Park is a fun destination for all types of campers. If you’re taking an RV camping trip to the park, the RVshare team would be delighted to share in the fun. To show off your vacation pictures, just tag RVshare when you post on Instagram or Facebook. You could also email your photos to [email protected]; you might see them in a blog post or social media post to inspire other RV travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clayton Lake State Park
The best time of year to Clayton Lake State Park is during the summer months if you enjoy warm weather activities. Winters in the park are snowy and very cold.
Wildlife watchers are in luck because the park is home to several species of wildlife. The park is home to waterbirds, white-tailed deer, squirrels, and wild turkeys. Occasionally, a black bear, elk, or bobcat will stroll through the park.
Yes, Clayton Lake State Park has 30 RV camping spots. The park has two boat ramps, four comfort stations with hot showers, five picnic pavilions, a swim beach, and a playground.
Reservations for RV camping spots are required, but there is no additional reservation fee. When making reservations at Clayton Lake State Park, be prepared to make them for a certain number of nights on weekends and holidays.
Your dog will feel right at home at Clayton Lake State Park. Make sure to keep your dog on a leash shorter than 10 feet. Make sure to always clean up after your pet.