El Vado Lake
00 reviewP.O. BOX 367, Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico, 87575, United States
El Vado Lake
$10.00 - $10.00 / 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
Dry camping is $10 as per user reviews. No other fee structures or additional costs were explicitly provided.
About this campground
Nestled in the rugged landscape of Northwest New Mexico, El Vado Lake Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience where pristine night skies meet abundant wildlife. While the lake undergoes essential dam repairs, visitors discover that the true magic lies in the sweeping vistas, the warm hospitality of dedicated campground hosts, and the rare opportunity to disconnect from the modern world. Here, immaculate facilities and friendly faces create a welcoming basecamp for your high-country adventures.
The campground offers a combination of camping options, including primitive and RV-friendly sites. Tent camping and group camping are also supported.
Weather and SeasonsFar from city lights and civilization, El Vado Lake rewards visitors with some of New Mexico's most spectacular stargazing opportunities. The high desert climate brings crisp, dry air and dramatic temperature swings that paint the landscape in ever-changing light. Cool mornings give way to warm afternoons, while evenings invite you to gather around the campfire as countless stars emerge in the vast, unpolluted sky above.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the bugling of elk echoing across the valley and watch prairie dogs perform their morning sentinel duties. The campground's network of trails beckons hikers and their four-legged companions to explore rolling hills dotted with piñon and juniper. Ruby-throated hummingbirds dart between wildflowers while playful squirrels provide endless entertainment. Each vista reveals layers of mesas and valleys stretching to the horizon, painting a portrait of the untamed Southwest.
Geological RegionCarved into the dramatic terrain of Northwest New Mexico, this high-country retreat showcases the region's diverse ecosystems. Though the lake currently rests empty during critical dam repairs, the surrounding landscape tells a richer story—one of ancient geological forces that created these sweeping valleys and mesas. Majestic elk roam the hillsides while prairie dogs maintain their underground cities, and iridescent hummingbirds add splashes of color to the earth-toned palette of this remarkable wilderness sanctuary.
Campsite details
AccessibilityDetails about accessibility for disabled campers are not provided in the source materials.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, with at least one user describing a campsite as 'very large.'
Sites PrivacySeveral reviews emphasize privacy, with specific mention of 'very private' campsites such as site 32.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommendations include campsite 32 for privacy. Users also appreciate large campsites with scenic views.
Best CampsitesCampsite 32 is described as 'very large and very private.'
Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Reservation PlatformsUsers mention reserving online, but specific platforms or websites are not provided.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit data about walk-up availability, but user reviews suggest campsites can be empty during certain periods.
Cancellation PolicyOne review mentions no refunds for cancellations.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
El Vado Lake offers multiple recreational activities, such as boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. However, some activities are impacted by ongoing maintenance and the low water level of the lake.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available, including the Rio Chama Trail. Trails are open despite maintenance work on the lake. Several users appreciated hiking opportunities, with one stating, 'trails for hiking or dog walking.'Fishing
Fishing is available at the lake, although its viability may be impacted by the lake's low water levels due to dam maintenance. Specific fish types or fishing conditions are not provided in the reviews.Boating
Boating is supported with a boat ramp, but access may be limited by the lake's current low water levels. One user review noted, 'low water levels and boat ramp closed,' highlighting periodic restrictions.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with elk, squirrels, prairie dogs, and hummingbirds commonly seen. One review described waking up to elk bugling near their campsite.Winter Activities
Winter recreational activities are not explicitly detailed in the source materials.Water Sports
Water-based recreational opportunities, including water skiing and sailing, are listed, but their current status may be affected by the lake's low water levels.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Quiet hours are Users mention campers controlling louder noise but no specific quiet hours are provided.
Hazards
General hazardsOne review mentions an infestation of black fleas in electric campsites, presumably stemming from a broken waterline.
Active alertsActive dam repairs causing lake drainage, water availability issues, and restrictions on when showers and water spigots can be used.
Weather forecast
80
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 29%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.5 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
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Ranger station on-site (contact number unavailable), no explicit mention of proximity to hospitals or police stations.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresLake is mostly drained due to dam repairs, with water far from campsites according to reviews.
Common complaintsComplaints include low water levels, broken waterlines, no communication about site issues, and road conditions needing repair.
HostHosts are described as 'extremely helpful and attentive,' providing campfires and Sunday morning breakfasts.
Campground Map
P.O. BOX 367, Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico, 87575, United States
Driving directionsFROM THE INTERSECTION OF US 64/84 AND STATE ROAD 112 TURN LEFT ON SR 112 AND GO 13 MILES UNTIL YOU REACH THE EL VADO STATE PARK ROAD AND TURN RIGHT AND TRAVEL 4 MILES TO THE ENTRANCE OF THE PARK.
Users noted that traveling from the south with a camper may be tough and recommended coming from the north. Roads to the site need repairs according to one review. Seasonal closures or terrain challenges are not explicitly mentioned, except the drainage maintenance on the dam affecting lake usability.Nearby supplies
Nearest town with groceries (Lowe's in Chromo) as noted by a user review
distances or travel times were not provided.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
El Vado Lake has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The reviews for El Vado Lake are mixed, with many users appreciating the campground's scenic views, cleanliness, and privacy. However, ongoing dam repairs and lake maintenance have significantly impacted water availability and activities.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Clean and well-maintained facilities, large and private campsites, and friendly and attentive camp hosts are frequently praised. Wildlife sightings and stargazing opportunities are also noted as...
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Common Concerns
Ongoing dam repairs and low water levels have disrupted several activities. Additional complaints include limited water availability (restricted to specific hours), flea infestations at electric...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
- Travel from the north to avoid challenging routes with campers.
- Check water availability and maintenance updates before visiting.
- Bring your own drinking water outside the designated hours (4...
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Seasonal Insights
During the summer, visitors praise the clean facilities and large campsites despite the lake being drained. Winter visits are less common, with fewer comments available. Seasonal maintenance affects...
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Camper Quotes
1. 'The beauty here is amazing! I stayed at campsite 32. It was very large and very private.' - Daniel Lambert
2. 'El Vado was great... the campground and the hosts more than made up for it.' -...
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Site-Specific Reviews
- Campsite 32: Described as 'very large and very private.'
- Electric sites: Several complaints about flea infestations.
- General: Some sites are noted for being large, secluded, and offering great...
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Accessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are available.
Pet-Friendly Features
No reviews explicitly discuss pet policies or experiences with pets.
Last updated August 10, 2025