Eagle Nest Lake State Park RV & Campground Guide
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High in the mountains of northern New Mexico, a breathtaking blue lake framed by mountain peaks and rolling hills shimmers in the high-elevation sunshine. This is Eagle Nest Lake State Park, a haven for boaters and anglers. Enormous pike swim beneath the surface, and with 2,400 acres of water to explore, you can easily spend several days checking out the different areas. If you can't come during the summer, bring your ice-fishing gear and cross-country skis and spend a weekend enjoying the snow and ice. Taos lies 30 miles to the southwest, and Red River is 20 miles north, so there’s always something fun happening nearby.
Spring 20-70 F
Summer 40-75 F
Fall 20-60 F
Winter 1-40 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Eagle Nest Lake State Park
Eagle Nest Lake State Park sits 8,300 feet above sea level. That means that the evenings are cool year-round while winters are cold and snowy. No matter what month you’re visiting, an RV is the most comfortable camping option. Don’t have your own RV? An RV rental from RVshare gives you the freedom to pick from a wide range of models and sizes to create your perfect vacation.
Eagle Nest Lake State Park Campground
If you’re searching for solitude and a quiet camping experience, the Eagle Nest Lake State Park campground is an excellent option. With just 19 sites, you’ll enjoy plenty of privacy and room to spread out. Each site is near a water supply, but other facilities are fairly basic; you’ll find vault toilets inside the campground. The main advantage of this area is the proximity to the lake and the boat ramp. Campsites here cost $10 per night.
Golden Eagle RV Resort
Set just two miles north of Eagle Nest Lake State Park, Golden Eagle RV Resort is a great alternative to the park’s campground. It offers all of the things you need for a comfortable stay, including full hookups, Wi-Fi service, a dump station, laundry area, and propane fill-ups. Plus, you’ll enjoy a private fire pit and grill. If you need a bit more space, the on-site showers and bathrooms provide room for your whole group. There’s even a certified RV technician available, so you can get help with any issues that arise. Nightly rates for two people start at $42 for full hookups with 30-amp service and $46 for 50-amp electricity.
Monte Verde RV Park and Campground
Choose from back-in and pull-through sites at Monte Verde RV Park and Campground, which is just 10 miles south of Eagle Nest Lake. With a mix of full hookups and water/electric sites, there’s an option for all types of RVs. This campground offers expansive views of the New Mexico wilderness. It’s a particularly lovely spot to watch hot air balloons taking off. With showers, bathrooms and a dump station, Monte Verde caters to RVers. Call for rates.
What to Do at
Eagle Nest Lake State Park
Inside Eagle Nest Lake State Park
Eagle Nest Lake State Park offers year-round adventures. During the summer, enjoy the warm, sunny days on the water. The temperature rarely gets to 80 degrees, making the park a welcome respite from the heat at lower elevations. The lake is open to both motorized and non-motorized craft, and the calm waters are ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking. Fish for trout and pike, or simply enjoy the mountain breezes. When the lake freezes, it’s not uncommon to see a few ice-fishermen in the park. Bring sturdy shoes and explore over seven miles of trails. In the winter, they transform into snowshoeing and cross-country skiing routes.
Outside Eagle Nest Lake State Park
If you’re looking for beautiful New Mexico scenery, Eagle Nest Lake State Park is the perfect home base. It’s set in the lovely Sangre de Cristo Mountains, which offer everything from mountain biking to snowboarding. Most local activities require you to drive, but the vistas are so beautiful that you’ll enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
Restaurants
Golden Eagle Grill
Enjoy a simple and satisfying meal at Golden Eagle Grill, which is located just a few minutes from the park. You’ll get the best views from the outdoor tables. On weekends, check the schedule for live music.
Type: American
Location: 540 Therma Way, Eagle Nest, NM 87718
Eagles Nest Cafe
Start your day with a hearty egg breakfast at Eagles Nest Cafe, or come in for a delicious hamburger at lunch. The decor is simple, but the food is excellent.
Type: American
Location: 25 NM-38, Eagle Nest, NM 87718
Among Friends
Among Friends is well-known among locals as the best place for pizza near Eagle Nest Lake State Park. Eat-in with your family, or get it to go and dig in at your campsite.
Type: Pizza
Location: 144 E Therma St, Eagle Nest, NM 87718
Kaw-Lija's
Like many restaurants in Eagle Nest, Kaw-Lija's is simple and unassuming, and the food is fantastic. Come for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and be sure to try the loaded cowboy fries for a true treat.
Type: Diner
Location: 200-236 E Therma St, Eagle Nest, NM 87718
Lucky Shoe Bar and Grille
Expect a classic American menu at the Lucky Shoe Bar and Grille. It has everything from BLTs to hearty salads and hot sandwiches. For a fun Wild West experience, try the elk or bison burgers.
Type: American
Location: 350 E Therma St Dr, Eagle Nest, NM 87718
Shopping
Hales & Barrow Jewelry and Gift Shop
Pop into Hales & Barrow Jewelry and Gift Shop to browse the eclectic selection and pick up a souvenir from your vacation.
Location: NM-64, Eagle Nest, NM 87718
Cloud Nine Gifts
Set in a tiny cottage in Eagle Nest, Cloud Nine Gifts is an adorable shop. It features a carefully curated selection of local items.
Location: 212 E Therma St, Eagle Nest, NM 87718
Eagle Feather Trading Post
Spend a couple of hours browsing the Eagle Feather Trading Post, where you’ll find gifts and toys for the whole family.
Location: 225 E Therma St, Eagle Nest, NM 87718
Angel's Attic
Run by friendly volunteers, Angel's Attic is a thrift store with a surprisingly great selection of vintage and antique pieces.
Location: 689 W Therma Dr, Angel Fire, NM 87710
Corner Market
When you need to pick up fresh supplies for your RV kitchen, the Corner Market grocery store has you covered.
Location: 25 NM-38, Eagle Nest, NM 87718
Sightseeing
Taos
No visit to Eagle Nest Lake State Park is complete without a stop in beautiful Taos. This friendly town is known for its exceptional arts scene and spectacular scenery. Visit a museum, browse a gallery, or stop in for a cocktail at one of the local pubs. Don’t miss Taos Pueblo, an ancient spot that’s a spectacular example of Native American culture, adobe architecture, and history.
Location: Taos, New Mexico
Taos Ski Valley
Taos Ski Valley is best known as a world-class ski and snowboard destination, but this beautiful spot offers year-round fun. Go rock climbing, hike into the peaks, take a scenic chair lift ride, or try hot air ballooning. This area has something for everyone in your family, and it’s particularly well-suited to thrill-seekers and lovers of natural beauty.
Location: Taos, New Mexico
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
As you’re heading south from the park on Highway 64, make a quick stop at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Tucked into the mountains, this beautiful spot is ideal for reflection and education.
Location: Angel Fire, New Mexico
Monte Verde Lake
Rent a paddleboard or a boat and spend the day on the water at Monte Verde Lake. It’s located in the Angel Fire Resort and offers excellent trout fishing and kayaking. Be sure to check out the calendar of events to find out about concerts and classes that are happening during your trip.
Location: Angel Fire, New Mexico
Manby Hot Springs
Relax after a day of fishing or paddling with a stop at the Manby Hot Springs. Here, you can climb into the hot water of a natural spring and enjoy lovely views of the mountains while you soak. This spot is best accessed with a vehicle that has high ground clearance. A short distance away, Black Rock Hot Springs is another great option.
Location: Arroyo Seco, New Mexico
How to Get to
Eagle Nest Lake State Park
If you’re coming from I-25 in the east or Taos to the west, the easiest way to get to Eagle Nest Lake State Park is to take Highway 64. Coming from the north? Get on NM-38 and head south.
Entering Eagle Nest Lake State Park
Eagle Nest Lake State Park is open all year. The hours may vary, so it’s a good idea to check before you visit.
Eagle Nest Lake State Park Per vehicle : $5.0
If you plan to spend some time relaxing on the water at Eagle Nest Lake State Park soon, the RVshare team wants to find out how your vacation goes. If you post photos or stories on social media, tag RVshare. If you prefer, simply send your trip photos and RV travel tips to [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions About Eagle Nest Lake State Park
Eagle Nest Lake State Park is a high-elevation park in northern New Mexico. Boaters and anglers love fishing for pike during the summer. If you're more into snowshoeing, ice fishing, or other cold-weather activities, visit the park between November and March.
Many people are surprised to learn that Eagle Nest Lake State Park is in an area that experiences major snow storms and single-digit winter temperatures. Summer is mostly mild, and you can expect high temperatures in the upper 70s.
When you're exploring the park, you'll have the chance to see elk, deer, and wild turkeys in their natural habitats. You might even have the opportunity to spot a bear during a hike!
There are 19 primitive camping sites at Eagle Nest Lake State Park. The sites don't offer any hookups, but RVs are welcome. If you need water, there's a nearby supply in the park.
Eagle Nest Lake State Park is pet-friendly and doesn't charge pet fees. When exploring the park with your pet, remember to clean up after them and keep them on a leash no longer than six feet.