Heron Lake
00 review640 State Road 95, LOS OJOS, New Mexico, 87551, United States
Heron Lake
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fee details are not explicitly stated in the source materials.
About this campground
Nestled in the high desert of Northern New Mexico, Heron Lake beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its dramatic landscape of shimmering waters set against rugged mesas. This cherished camping destination transforms throughout the seasons, offering anglers pristine fishing opportunities, hikers miles of scenic trails, and water sports enthusiasts a playground for adventure. While recent years have seen fluctuating water levels that add to the lake's ever-changing character, visitors continue to discover the raw beauty and solitude that make Heron Lake a treasured escape from the everyday.
Heron Lake Campground supports a range of camping accommodations, including tent and RV camping.
Historical SignificanceWhile the modern history of Heron Lake centers on its creation as a recreational reservoir, the surrounding landscape whispers ancient stories waiting to be discovered by curious visitors.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic dance of New Mexico's seasons at Heron Lake, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Winter wraps the high desert in a crystalline blanket, with temperatures hovering between a crisp 11°F at night and a brisk 36°F during the day, occasionally dusted with snow that transforms the mesas into a photographer's dream. Come summer, the desert awakens under azure skies, with comfortable 85°F afternoons perfect for lake adventures cooling to refreshing 55°F evenings ideal for campfire stories. Throughout the year, gentle to moderate winds whisper across the water, carrying the scent of sage and pine.
ElevationPerched in New Mexico's high country, the campground offers that perfect mountain-desert blend where the air feels crisp and clean, and the night sky explodes with stars unobscured by city lights.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be captivated by Heron Lake's stunning high desert canvas, where weathered mesas rise like ancient sentinels above the sparkling reservoir. Adventure seekers will find themselves enchanted by the popular Salmon Run trail, which winds through this dramatic terrain offering breathtaking vistas at every turn. Near the dam, hidden canyons carved by time reveal layers of geological history, their colorful walls creating natural galleries that change with the light. This unique blend of water and desert creates an ecosystem where golden eagles soar above sagebrush-dotted shores, and sunset paints the canyon walls in shades of crimson and gold.
Geological RegionSet in the enchanting landscape of Northwest New Mexico, Heron Lake showcases the region's remarkable geological diversity. Here, the high desert's sculptural mesas and deep canyons meet the life-giving waters of this important reservoir, creating a unique environment where ancient rock formations frame modern recreational waters. This captivating collision of geological forces has crafted a playground where water-carved canyons, wind-sculpted rock formations, and expansive desert vistas combine to offer visitors an authentic taste of the American Southwest's raw, untamed beauty.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility information is not explicitly detailed in the available sources.
Sites SizeSite sizes are not specified in the source materials.
Sites PrivacySpecific details about site privacy are not provided in the source materials.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites closer to the lake may offer more direct access to water but are currently impacted by low water levels. Electric and water hookups are available at some sites near the entrance.
Best CampsitesBrushy Point is mentioned as a favorite camping area in user reviews.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in information not provided.
Check-out
Check-out information not provided.
Stay Limit
Stay limit information not provided.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum guests per site information not specified.
Groups
No information about group camping is provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSite layout information not explicitly provided.
Open and Closed SeasonMost campgrounds were closed in April according to user reviews, indicating a seasonal closure pattern.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms explicitly mentioned.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability information not explicitly mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy information not provided.
Amenities available
Showers
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers diverse recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, canoeing, cross-country skiing, and sailing. These activities cater to campers of various interests.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available, with the Salmon Run Trail being specifically highlighted in user reviews. Nsara Nop stated, 'There are some pretty good hiking trails nearby like the Salmon Run Trail that connects all the southern developed campsites.'Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Heron Lake. Michael K Calloway mentioned, 'Great fishing and camping spot.. Camp great are nice.'Swimming
Swimming is allowed at the lake, though some reviews mention challenges with mud. Tabatha Hatch shared, 'My boys really enjoyed the lake. They thought it was so cool they could walk from where we stayed to an island a little ways out.' However, she also noted muddy conditions: 'Only issue I had was there was lots of mud. Like sink down in sticky mud.'Biking
Biking is listed as one of the amenities available at the campground, though further details on specific trails or conditions are not provided.Boating
Boating is supported, with facilities provided for activities such as canoeing and sailing. However, recent reviews note challenges with low water levels, as Melissa Martinez mentioned, 'Lake water is down so boat ramp no longer connects to the lake.'Wildlife viewing
Bird watching is specifically mentioned as an available activity, suggesting opportunities for wildlife viewing.Cultural and Educational Programs
The campground offers interpretive programs and walks, as highlighted in the authoritative source.Winter Activities
Activities like cross-country skiing and ice fishing are available during winter months.Water Sports
The campground provides opportunities for water sports such as canoeing, sailing, and other boating activities.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire policy not explicitly mentioned.
- Quiet hours not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsHazards include fluctuating water levels, mud around the lake during low water periods, and occasional strong winds that blow dust from the lake area.
Active alertsActive alerts not provided.
Weather forecast
59
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 91%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative sources or reviews.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season dates not explicitly defined.
Trash and recyclingDetails about trash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresProximity to Heron Lake itself, though water levels have been low in recent years. Some campsites are a significant distance from the water.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include low water levels in the lake, muddy access points, strong winds blowing dust, and occasional closures of facilities such as visitor centers and boat ramps.
HostUser reviews praise campground hosts as 'amazing,' although detailed information is not provided.
Campground Map
640 State Road 95, LOS OJOS, New Mexico, 87551, United States
Driving directionsFrom Albuquerque, NM, drive north on Interstate 25 for 58 miles to Santa Fe, NM. From Santa Fe, drive north on US 84/285 for 22 miles to Española, NM. At Española, cross the Rio Grande River and go north on US 84. Follow signs to Abiquiu, Tierra Amarilla, and Chama. Continue north on US 84 for approximately 70 miles to Tierra Amarilla. At Tierra Amarilla, continue for about 2 miles to State Road 95, turn on State Road 95 and head west for 6 miles. The entrance to all campgrounds will be located between mile marker 6 and mile marker 11. The visitor center is located ½ mile past mile marker 6.
Access is via paved roads from major highways, including US 84 and State Road 95. Seasonal closures or road issues are not specifically mentioned.Nearby places
Pagosa Springs, CO - 72 miles
Albuquerque, NM - 158 miles
Taos, NM - 90 miles
Farmington, NM - 150 miles.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies information is not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative sources or reviews.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Heron Lake has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the beauty and tranquility of the campground, though water level issues and occasional maintenance problems with facilities are noted.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Users frequently praise the campground's scenic views, family-friendly atmosphere, and variety of recreational activities. Hilary DeVries shared, 'Had a great time here last June. We were able to...
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Common Concerns
Low water levels in the lake and occasional issues with mud and dust are common complaints. Nsara Nop mentioned, 'The water level has been pretty low for the last few years,' and Tabatha Hatch noted,...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend checking water levels before visiting and planning for alternative activities if boating or swimming conditions are not ideal. Some suggest exploring nearby hiking trails and other...
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Seasonal Insights
User reviews indicate that water levels significantly affect recreational opportunities, with summer months offering better weather but potential for low water levels. Winter activities like...
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Camper Quotes
1. 'Great fishing and camping spot.' - Michael K Calloway
2. 'Beautiful place! Stayed at the campsite 7/8-7/10, had electric & water at our site, Bathrooms with shower near entrance.' - Melissa...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Brushy Point is mentioned as a preferred location by Michael K Calloway: 'Brushy Point is where I camp all the time.'
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews about accessibility features are provided.
Pet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews about pet policies or experiences with pets are mentioned.
Last updated August 10, 2025