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Public Campground

Grindstone lake

3 Reviews

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Grindstone Lake camping area is located near Ruidoso, New Mexico, surrounded by forested terrain. Temperatures range from lows in the 20s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby attractions include Grindstone Lake itself, offering opportunities for fishing and hiking, and the Ruidoso Downs Race Track.

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BY

West Mesa Trailhead BLM Dispersed

28 min away

Saddle Campground

1 hr 10 min away

Drive Time

Presented by

1 hr 58 min from Las Cruces, NM
2 hrs 5 min from El Paso, TX
2 hrs 41 min from Albuquerque, NM
3 hrs 4 min from Santa Fe, NM

Location

Grindstone lake is located in New Mexico

Coordinates

33.32209833 N
105.688307 W

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Connectivity

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T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 11/19/25
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 3 users
Last on 11/19/25
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 3 users
Last on 11/19/25

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 11/19/25
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 3 users
Last on 11/19/25
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 3 users
Last on 11/19/25

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Reservable
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Water Hookups

Contact

Reservations

+15752575030

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Katriza L.

Ranger

Reviewed Oct. 23, 2020

Day Use Only / campground closed

We spent a couple hours at the lake and the weather was perfect. We saw a few people fishing, not much shade for this and no one in the water swimming. We didn’t see any boats and the small shack for snacks, bait n tackle shop was closed. We took to the trails with our kids and dogs and had a fun short hike along the trail and by the water. We came on a Friday but if you’re coming on a Saturday or Sunday, you’ll need reservations due to pandemic. You are required to wear a mask although 95% of the people there did not. We liked that it wasn’t too busy and found plenty of parking. The proximity to the lake from where we were staying at a cabin nearby was perfect and we will definitely come back to visit!

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Rotario P.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 26, 2020

Nice place for family

Boat, and fishing nice place for the day with family, No camping

Matthew K.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 3, 2019

Awesome

They ve really improved this place. They ve got a floating play island and 🛶. Good times for the whole family

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there cabins for rent at Grindstone Lake?

There are no cabins available for rent directly at Grindstone Lake. The lake functions strictly as a day-use recreation area without overnight accommodations. Visitors interested in cabin stays should look into options in nearby Ruidoso, which offers various lodging alternatives while still allowing easy access to the lake's daytime activities.

What recreational activities can visitors enjoy at Grindstone Lake?

Grindstone Lake offers numerous recreational activities for visitors of all ages. The lake features fishing opportunities with a tackle shop (though hours may vary). Water enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking and a floating play island that's perfect for families. Surrounding the lake are hiking trails suitable for all skill levels, which are dog-friendly and great for exploring the area's natural beauty. The lake area provides a perfect setting for family outings with options for both water-based and land activities.

What camping options are available at Grindstone Lake?

Grindstone Lake does not offer camping options. The lake is designed as a day-use recreational area only, making it ideal for daily visits and activities but not overnight stays. Visitors looking to camp would need to find alternative camping locations in the Ruidoso area while enjoying Grindstone Lake during daytime hours.

Where is Grindstone Lake located in relation to Ruidoso, NM?

Grindstone Lake is located within close proximity to Ruidoso, New Mexico. The lake is situated just on the outskirts of town, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists. This convenient location allows visitors to enjoy the natural lake setting while remaining only minutes away from Ruidoso's amenities, shopping, and dining options.

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