When you’re considering a day trip or a longer getaway to one of New Mexico’s lakes, Elephant Butte is probably the first place that pops into your head. Not surprising since it’s the biggest lake – okay, fine, reservoir – in the state. But Navajo Lake, New Mexico’s second largest body of water, often gets overlooked.
Navajo Lake is vast; it covers well over 15,000 acres in Northern New Mexico and spills into Colorado. That means plenty of space for any number of recreational pursuits.
Flickr/Jeff Hay
Cool off with a swim in these inviting waters.
Yelp/Ellen J. And let’s not forget that scuba diving is allowed!
Boating is a big deal here – there are two marinas – and you don’t have to own a boat to get in on the fun.
Flickr/Morgain Bailey
Navajo Lake Marina is the place to go for budget-friendly kayaking, paddleboarding, and hydrobiking rentals.
Facebook/Navajo Lake Marina
Bet you didn’t know you could pedal across the water!
Facebook/Navajo Lake Marina
Since Navajo Lake is somewhat isolated, the Brue Café and Marina Store are convenient amenities. The store also sells fishing licenses and can connect you with a guide, if you’re a fan of fishing.
Tripadvisor/mountains74
Navajo Lake Marina also rents out boats, pontoons, and ski doos.
Facebook/Navajo Lake Marina
Need a place to stay? Well, you can rent one of a handful of houseboats from this marina!
Facebook/Navajo Lake Marina The second marina, Sims Marina, offers a store along with boat and pontoon rentals.
Camping is extremely popular at Navajo Lake. The park has seven campgrounds, with 244 campsites between them. If you’re willing to go back to basics, beach camping is permitted, too.
Tripadvisor/Escopeton Please be aware that there are currently fire restrictions at the Cottonwood Campground and in the day use areas lining the San Juan River.
The lake and river make for pretty scenery. Explore the 4.4 miles of hiking trails along the San Juan River and Simon Canyon…
Tripadvisor/Leslie N
…Or check out the 400-foot high Navajo Dam. When the reservoir was created, two tiny towns were flooded, creating underwater ghost towns.
Flickr/josephbergen They remain submerged to this day! Learn more about Rosa and Los Arboles here.
Here is a map to Navajo Lake State Park.
Google Maps
Have you ever visited Navajo Lake? For more information.
Flickr/Jeff Hay
Yelp/Ellen J.
And let’s not forget that scuba diving is allowed!
Flickr/Morgain Bailey
Facebook/Navajo Lake Marina
Tripadvisor/mountains74
The second marina, Sims Marina, offers a store along with boat and pontoon rentals.
Tripadvisor/Escopeton
Please be aware that there are currently fire restrictions at the Cottonwood Campground and in the day use areas lining the San Juan River.
Tripadvisor/Leslie N
Flickr/josephbergen
They remain submerged to this day! Learn more about Rosa and Los Arboles here.
Google Maps
Headed to the Southern half of the state? Then you should definitely check out this little known resort, which is another ideal summer destination.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
