Located in northeastern New Mexico, Clayton Lake State Park offers a variety of amenities for visitors to enjoy.

Campers can take advantage of the park’s campsites, while outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy boating, picnicking, fishing, and hiking. The park also features a visitor center that showcases the region’s rich dinosaur history and geology.

For those looking to relax or take in the night sky, Clayton Lake State Park is known for its exceptional stargazing opportunities. Designated as New Mexico’s first dark sky park in 2010 and holding a Gold-level certification from the International Dark Sky Association, the park offers minimal light pollution. The Lake Observatory, equipped with a 14-inch Mead telescope, enhances the stargazing experience.

During the day, visitors can explore the well-preserved dinosaur tracks near the lake spillway, including some of the finest trail drags found anywhere in the U.S., making it a must-visit for dinosaur enthusiasts.

Park Elevation 5,186 ft

Please see the Park Alerts section for more information.

Amenities

• Boating Facilities:
  • Boat Ramp
• Campground Facilities
  • 5 Campgrounds
  • 26 Developed Campsites
  • 7 Sites with Water
  • 9 W+ E Sites (30 amp)
  • Group Campsites
• Restrooms
  • Restrooms with water
  • Showers
  • Vault Toilets
• Group Facilities
  • 2 Group Picnic Shelter
  • Group Camping
• Pre-Historic Site: Dinosaur Tracks
• Visitor Center
  • Exhibits
• Observatory

CONTACT

Mark Funk
Park Manager
Mark.Funk@emnrd.nm.gov