Bluewater Lake
00 reviewHC 73 BOX 3419, Prewitt, New Mexico, 87045, United States
Bluewater Lake
$10.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$15.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Electric sites cost $15 per night, while non-electric sites are $10 per night. Primitive beach camping is available for $10. There is also a $5 entry fee.
About this campground
Nestled between the shimmering waters of Bluewater Lake and dramatic canyon walls, Bluewater Lake State Park beckons adventurers with its diverse camping experiences. Whether you prefer the convenience of electric hookups or the simplicity of primitive camping, this scenic wonderland delivers unforgettable moments where water meets stone. Here, each sunrise paints the canyon walls in brilliant hues while the lake mirrors the endless New Mexico sky.
Bluewater Lake offers electric and non-electric campsites, as well as primitive camping options. There are also group shelters available.
Historical SignificanceThe lands surrounding Bluewater Lake hold stories yet to be fully told, where ancient peoples once roamed and modern adventurers now create their own memories against this timeless backdrop.
Weather and SeasonsSpring through fall brings perfect camping weather to Bluewater Lake, with April through September temperatures dancing between a pleasant 60-80°F—ideal for both water activities and canyon exploration. As autumn arrives, crisp mornings give way to warm afternoons, while winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland where snow occasionally dusts the canyon rims, creating a photographer's paradise that few experience.
ElevationPerched high in the New Mexico landscape, Bluewater Lake State Park offers that perfect high-country atmosphere where the air feels crisp and clean, and the stars shine with remarkable clarity in the thin mountain air.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be mesmerized by Bluewater Lake's sapphire waters stretching toward towering canyon walls that glow golden at sunset. Wild horses roam freely through the surrounding landscape, their silhouettes often visible against the horizon—a sight that stops visitors in their tracks. The crown jewel remains the canyon trail, where each turn reveals breathtaking vistas that showcase nature's architectural mastery, from weathered rock formations to hidden alcoves carved by centuries of wind and water.
Geological RegionSituated in Northwest New Mexico's captivating high desert, this remarkable campground showcases the region's geological diversity at its finest. The dramatic interplay between Bluewater Lake's serene waters and the surrounding canyon's ancient walls creates a natural amphitheater of stone and sky. Sloped terrains lead adventurous souls from waterside campsites to elevated viewpoints, while the canyon's layered rock faces tell the story of millions of years of Earth's history written in stone.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly described in official sources, though a user review mentioned difficulties for an 84-year-old friend in accessing sites after hours due to locked gates.
Sites SizeSites range from small to large. User reviews highlight that some sites can accommodate large RVs, but most are not level.
Sites PrivacyMixed privacy levels. Some sites offer views of the lake or canyons, while others face other campsites.
Total Campsites14 campsites
Recommended CampsitesVisitors recommend the Lakeside campground for tent camping and the Canyonside campground for RVs. However, sloped terrain can make leveling challenging.
Best CampsitesSpecific site numbers are not mentioned, but electrical sites are located in the Canyonside campground, and non-electric sites in the Lakeside campground are noted for their scenic appeal.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
9:00 AM for group shelters (general check-in times not specified).
Check-out
8:00 AM for group shelters (general check-out times not specified).
Stay Limit
Not explicitly stated in the source materials.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not explicitly stated in the source materials.
Groups
Two group shelters are available, with specific check-in and check-out times (9:00 AM and 8:00 AM, respectively).
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground has two main sections: the Lakeside and Canyonside campgrounds. Sites are spacious but often unlevel.
Open and Closed SeasonSummer hours: April 1 to October 31 (gates open 6 AM to 9 PM). Winter hours: November 1 to March 31 (gates open 7 AM to 5 PM).
Reservation PlatformsNo specific platform details were found in the data.
Walk-in AvailabilityIt is noted that the campground fills quickly, and reviews advise calling ahead. Some sites are non-reservable and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policies were found in the sources.
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
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Bluewater Lake provides a range of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, among other activities. The lake supports boating and water sports, while trails and scenic areas offer plenty for hikers.
Hiking
The canyon trail is a highlight, described as 'partially primitive, partially groomed, fully breathtaking.' Trails include steep spots and loose rocks, so appropriate footwear is recommended. A reviewer noted: 'The canyon trail is the bomb... worth hiking.'Fishing
Fishing is permitted with a permit. Common fish species and exact fishing conditions are not specified.Swimming
Swimming is an available activity, though the lake's water quality is described as 'very murky brown' by one reviewer.Boating
Boating activities, including canoeing and sailing, are supported. Courtesy docks are available for launching boats.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a popular activity, with wild horses frequently seen in the park. A user noted: 'Woke up to horses right by the campsite last time we were here. So fun!'Winter Activities
Ice fishing is noted as a winter activity.Water Sports
Activities such as water skiing are supported.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- A review mentions that fires were initially allowed but later restricted during the stay, highlighting potential seasonal variability.
Hazards
General hazardsSome reviews note sloped and uneven campsites, which may pose challenges for leveling RVs. Additionally, the presence of wild horses, while picturesque, might require caution.
Active alertsThe park temporarily closes during specific periods, as noted in one review from late October.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 40%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 17.4 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Mainly clear
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
Emergency services are not explicitly detailed in the source materials.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 1 to October 31 (summer season).
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are conveniently placed throughout the campground, as noted by a reviewer: 'There are trash dumpsters conveniently placed throughout as well.' Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated near Bluewater Lake, and some sites have lakefront access.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints include unlevel campsites, locked gates after hours, and poor signage for campground sections. Some users also mentioned limited availability of full hookups.
HostRangers and camp hosts have been described as friendly and helpful in multiple reviews, although some experiences of unhelpful behavior were also noted.
Campground Map
HC 73 BOX 3419, Prewitt, New Mexico, 87045, United States
Driving directionsEXIT INTERSTATE 40 AT EXIT 63 (PREWITT) ONTO HWY 412. GO SOUTH 7 MILES ON HWY 412 ENDS AT THE PARK ENTRANCE.
The campground is accessible via Interstate 40 and Highway 412. However, reviews mention the importance of taking Exit 63, as Google Maps may direct visitors to an inaccessible area on the other side of the lake. The road is paved and in good condition.Nearby places
Gallup, New Mexico (30 miles east, approximately 35-40 minutes travel time).
Nearby supplies
Supplies availability is not explicitly detailed in the source materials.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Bluewater Lake has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight mixed experiences. Positive feedback includes the scenic beauty, clean facilities, and range of activities. Complaints focus on unlevel sites, gate closure policies, and limited amenities.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Scenic views, clean facilities, friendly rangers, and a variety of recreational activities. A review noted, 'The park itself is nice for camping, hiking, boating and fishing.'
Common Concerns
Issues include unlevel campsites, restricted entry due to gate closures, and some restroom facilities being poorly maintained. One reviewer stated, 'The main bathroom closes at 9pm and I think that...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early to avoid locked gates, bring tools to level RVs, and explore the canyon trail. A reviewer suggested, 'Be sure to get here before 5pm this time of year because the entrance gate gets...
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Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews often mention overcrowding and heat, while off-season reviews note quieter conditions. Winter visits may be affected by limited access due to earlier gate closures.
Camper Quotes
1. 'Lovely views of the lake. Some nice hikes from campground. Wild horses!' 2. 'The canyon trail is the bomb... worth hiking.' 3. 'The lake is NOT blue water. It's the opposite, very murky brown...
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Site-Specific Reviews
The Canyonside campground has 14 electric sites, some of which offer lake views. Lakeside Campground is preferred for tent camping. One reviewer noted, 'The nicest sites are in the Lakeside...
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Accessibility Features
Limited information on accessibility. One review mentioned difficulties for older visitors during gate closures.
Pet-Friendly Features
The campground is described as very dog-friendly. A reviewer said, 'The park is very dog-friendly.'
Last updated August 10, 2025