Caballo Lake State Park

Framed by the Caballo Mountains in Southwest New Mexico, Caballo Lake State Park is home to a wide variety of recreation activities, on and off the water. The Caballo Lake State Park also has trails for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. 

The park has four campgrounds with 170 developed campsites, 108 with water and electricity and seven with full hookups. There are equestrian campsites for those with horses. The campground includes an RV dump station, showers, and a primitive camping area for beach or boat-in camping. And for families with children, Caballo Lake State Park also has a playground and a beach.

On the water, visitors to Caballo Lake State Park can boat, fish, swim, and more. Caballo Lake, right on the Rio Grande, has 11,000 acres and 24 miles of shoreline at flood pool. At full capacity, the lake is 78 feet deep. Paddlesports, waterskiing, jetskiing, sailing, and windsurfing are allowed on the lake. 

Kayaking and canoeing on the Rio Grande are also popular activities. The lake has boat ramps and docks, but no marina or rental facility. Fish found in the lake include striped, white, and large and smallmouth bass; crappie; bluegill; catfish; northern pike; and occasionally rainbow trout and walleye.

Dogs on leashes no more than 10 feet long are allowed in most New Mexico state parks. They must remain under physical control at all times, and can never be left alone. Do not bring unvaccinated dogs or those with aggressive tendencies. Dogs must be current on vaccines, and you should have proof of current rabies.

Caballo Lake State Park is open year-round. You can make reservations by calling the park office during business hours or by visiting the park’s website. If you’re in Southwest New Mexico and looking for fun on the water or a nice place to camp, bring your family and furry companions to Caballo Lake State Park.