Navajo Lake
00 review1448 NM HWY 511 # 1, Navajo Dam, New Mexico, 87419, United States
Navajo Lake
$5.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$18.00
Hookup Site Fee$40.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Day use fee is $5.00 per day or $40 annually, as per user reviews. Reservation fees are mandatory for campers and may include an extra fee for online reservations.
About this campground
Discover your perfect riverside retreat at Navajo Lake Campground, where the gentle flow of the San Juan River sets the rhythm for unforgettable outdoor adventures. This well-appointed campground beckons anglers, hikers, and nature lovers with its prime location and thoughtful amenities. Wake up to the possibility of spotting graceful deer grazing in the morning mist or wild turkeys strutting through camp as you enjoy modern conveniences like water and electricity hookups, clean restrooms, and shaded picnic areas. Whether you're casting a line into the San Juan's renowned waters or setting off on scenic trails that wind through ancient landscapes, this campground serves as your gateway to authentic southwestern experiences.
The campground accommodates multiple camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, group camping, and primitive camping. Several sites have water and electricity hookups.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time with a rewarding one-mile trek from your campsite to ancient Navajo ruins, where weathered stones whisper stories of the indigenous peoples who first called these canyons home. This accessible hike offers more than exercise—it's a journey through centuries of human history, allowing modern visitors to connect with the ancestral Puebloan and Navajo cultures that shaped this remarkable landscape. The proximity of these archaeological treasures transforms your camping experience into an educational adventure, where every trail might reveal pottery shards, petroglyphs, or architectural remnants of civilizations past.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal tapestry of northwest New Mexico, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. July brings the desert's full intensity with temperatures soaring into the 90s—perfect for early morning adventures and lazy riverside afternoons. As autumn arrives, the heat gives way to crisp, golden days ideal for hiking and photography. Winter transforms the campground into a peaceful haven where temperatures dance between freezing and mild, offering solitude seekers a chance to experience the canyon's quiet beauty. Spring emerges as a camping sweet spot, with wildflowers dotting the mesas and comfortable temperatures that invite extended exploration.
ElevationTucked into a protective canyon carved by the patient work of the San Juan River, the campground's unique elevation creates a microclimate that surprises and delights visitors year-round. This natural shelter moderates summer's heat and provides respite from winter's harshest winds, while the canyon walls frame stunning sunrise and sunset displays. The elevation changes throughout the area create diverse ecosystems and spectacular vantage points, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding mesas and the ribbon of river below.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where towering cottonwoods create natural cathedrals along the San Juan River's banks, their leaves rustling with ancient secrets. The campground sits at the intersection of water and stone, where the river's patient carving has revealed layers of geological history in the surrounding canyon walls. Majestic mesas rise like natural monuments on the horizon, their flat tops catching the last rays of sunset in a daily light show that never grows old. This is a place where the desert's austere beauty meets the lush vitality of a river corridor, creating a diverse ecosystem that supports everything from tiny hummingbirds to majestic birds of prey circling on canyon thermals.
Geological RegionWelcome to the enchanting tapestry of northwest New Mexico, where millions of years of geological drama have sculpted a landscape of intimate canyons, commanding mesas, and life-giving rivers. The San Juan River serves as the region's aquatic lifeline, cutting through layers of sandstone and shale to create the dramatic topography that defines this corner of the Southwest. Here, the Colorado Plateau meets the high desert, resulting in a fascinating blend of ecosystems where piñon and juniper-studded mesas give way to cottonwood-lined river bottoms. This geological diversity isn't just scenic—it creates numerous microclimates and habitats that make every hike an opportunity for discovery.
Campsite details
AccessibilityHandicap-accessible features are available, including accessible restrooms. Specific site mentions highlight pathways and parking areas as being accessible.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious, with some reviewers specifically appreciating the roominess of the sites and the concrete driveways available.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site, but several reviews note that the sites are nicely spaced and some are secluded, particularly site #35, which is surrounded by shrubs.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesIn hot weather, choose shaded sites like 20-27. Site 35 is recommended for privacy.
Best CampsitesSite 35 is noted for its seclusion, and sites 20-27 are said to have the most shade.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
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Stay Limit
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Guests Allowed Per Site
Sites are said to be spacious and can accommodate multiple guests.
Groups
Group shelters are available and include water and electricity. Reviews mention ample picnic tables and nearby bathroom facilities.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle loop design with two restrooms at each end. Sites are spaced for privacy and include covered picnic tables.
Open and Closed SeasonNull
Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made online, per several user reviews.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome user reviews mention seeing reserved tags on sites without vehicles present, indicating a potential for walk-up availability but not confirmed.
Cancellation PolicyA user review states complaints about reservations canceled during COVID but not refunded in full. Policies governing refund amounts are unclear.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a wide range of recreational opportunities including fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and water-related activities such as canoeing and boating. The nearby San Juan River is a well-known fishing destination, especially for trout.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available, with one reviewer recommending a 1-mile hike to the Navajo ruins. Trails along the San Juan River are particularly praised for their scenic beauty.Fishing
The campground is a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts. The San Juan River, located within walking distance, is highlighted for its quality trout fishing. Reviewers often describe the fishing as excellent.Swimming
Swimming opportunities are available within the lake; however, the extent of designated swimming areas and safety measures is not detailed.Boating
Boating is a significant activity here, with facilities like a boat launch ramp available. Jet skiing, sailing, and water skiing are also options mentioned in the official amenities.Wildlife viewing
Frequent wildlife sightings include deer, wild turkeys, and even a blonde black bear. One visitor describes seeing a bald eagle soaring above the river.Cultural and Educational Programs
Interpretive programs are available as part of the official amenities, though specific topics and schedules are not detailed.Winter Activities
No specific details provided about winter activities.Water Sports
Canoeing, paddleboarding, and other non-motorized water sports are supported, as noted in the official campground amenities.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire bans during certain seasons due to dry conditions. One user review noted campers violating fire bans without penalties.
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife encounters include raccoons, turkeys, and a reported blonde black bear. Standing water during monsoon season can attract mosquitoes. Grass spurs and stickers are also a nuisance according to multiple reviews.
Active alertsNull
Weather forecast
84
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 25%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 12.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Null
Good to know
Peak season datesJuly is noted for extremely hot conditions as per user reviews, suggesting summer may be peak season.
Trash and recyclingThere are trash disposal facilities available, though some reviews note that maintenance of these areas is inconsistent. Several complaints mention trash being left behind at sites and along pathways.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to the San Juan River and approximately 10 miles from Navajo Lake.
Common complaintsRoad conditions leading to the campground are frequently criticized for being rough and poorly maintained. Trash and lack of site maintenance are also recurring issues.
HostMultiple user reviews describe camp hosts as unhelpful or neglecting maintenance tasks. Others mention friendly hosts who interact well with guests.
Campground Map
1448 NM HWY 511 # 1, Navajo Dam, New Mexico, 87419, United States
Driving directionsPine Main Camping Areas: FROM BLOOMFIELD NM TRAVEL 25 MILES NORTHEAST VIA US64 AND NM511. FROM AZTEC NM TRAVEL 25 MILES NORTHEAST VIA NM173 AND NM511. FROM DULCE NM TRAVEL 55 MILES NORTHWEST VIA US64, NM539 AND NM511. FROM IGNAICIO CO TRAVEL 26 MILES SOUTH VIA CO172 AND NM511. Cottonwood Camping Areas: FROM BLOOMFIELD NM TRAVEL 9 MILES EAST VIA US64 TO NM511 - 9 MILES TO NM173 - WEST 1 MILE TO CR4280. FROM AZTEC NM TRAVEL 25 MILES VIA US550N TO NM173 - 18 MILES TO CR4280. FROM DULCE TRAVEL 55 MILES VIA US64 AND NM511 TO CR428. FROM IGNACIO CO TRAVEL 26 MILES SOUTH VIA CO172 AND NM511 TO CR4280. Sims Mesa Camping Areas: FROM BLOOMFIELD NM TRAVEL 64 MILES NORTHEAST VIA US64 AND NM527. FROM AZTEC NM TRAVEL 18 MILES NORTHEAST VIA NM173 - 5 MILES NORTH VIA NM511 - 5 MILES SOUTH VIA NM539 - 24 MILES NORTH VIA US64 - 17 MILES NORTH VIA NM527. FROM CHAMA NM TRAVEL 66 MILES NORTHWEST VIA US64 - 17 MILES NORTH VIA NM527. FROM IGNACIO CO TRAVEL SOUTH 25 MILES VIA CO172/NM511 - 5 MILES SOUTH VIA NM539 - 24 MILES NORTH VIA US64 - 17 MILES NORTH VIA NM527.
The campground is accessed via a combination of paved and unpaved roads. Multiple user reviews mention the 1.5 to 2-mile dirt road leading to the campground as being rough, rutted, and in serious need of grading. One review stated, 'Don't make our mistake. The road is a dirt road full of holes and like a rub board.' Others noted that this road can be difficult for towing campers and vehicles.Nearby places
Durango, CO (50 miles)
Farmington, NM (40 miles)
Bloomfield, NM (18 miles)
Aztec, NM (18 miles)
Nearby supplies
Closest location for gas, essentials, and snacks is Bloomfield, NM, approximately 30 minutes away as per user review. Another review mentions availability of supplies in Navajo Dam community, including gas and snacks from Abe's.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Navajo Lake has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews are mixed. Many highlight the beautiful natural setting, excellent fishing opportunities, and well-spaced campsites with good privacy. However, numerous complaints address poor road conditions leading to the campground, maintenance issues, and inconsistent enforcement of campground rules.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
The campground receives praise for its spacious and well-maintained sites, proximity to the San Juan River, and excellent fishing. Wildlife sightings, including turkeys and deer, are also frequently...
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Common Concerns
The most common complaints include the poorly maintained dirt road leading to the campground, trash left at campsites, overgrown weeds, and a lack of enforcement of rules such as fire bans. Some also...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing ant and mosquito repellents, reserving shaded sites during summer, and making reservations early as the campground can fill up. It's also advised to carry ant poison and...
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Seasonal Insights
Reviews frequently note that summer months can be extremely hot, with temperatures reaching the high 90s. Winter months offer peace and quiet but may lack accessibility due to weather conditions....
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Camper Quotes
"Saw deer making their way through the campground a few times. Quiet. Camp host is a nice man that seemed willing to help." - Ryan Gordon. "Great camping in RV or tent. Water available between most...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site 35 is noted for its privacy, being surrounded by shrubs. Sites 20-27 are praised for their shade. Site 47 is mentioned as a good spot but suffers from stickers and goat heads.
Accessibility Features
Reviews mention that handicap access is available, with accessible restrooms and parking areas. No specific issues related to accessibility were highlighted.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but many reviewers caution against bringing them due to the presence of stickers and goat heads. One review mentions a dog refusing to leave the trailer due to stickers.
Last updated August 10, 2025