Lake Van Recreation Area in Dexter, New Mexico sits at approximately 3,500 feet elevation in the Pecos River Valley, about 18 miles south of Roswell. The area experiences hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters, making it accessible for camping year-round. The lake serves as both a recreation destination and water supply source, with camping options clustered around its perimeter.
What to do
Fishing at Lake Van: The lake offers year-round fishing opportunities with regular fish stocking. "Plenty of room drive thru's room for rvs tents has nice laundry mat and a pool during summer months. They have awesome food and you can call it in and they deliver to your campsite," notes a visitor about Carlsbad KOA.
Birdwatching around the water: Lake Van attracts various bird species, creating opportunities for wildlife observation. "The area is scenic, spots are close together. Bathrooms could've been cleaner, men's restroom was closed due to remodel. WiFi did not work. Has a dog run and lots of amenities!" reports a camper about Carlsbad KOA.
Hiking nearby trails: Explore walking paths surrounding the water. "We were travelling through in late September and the camping appeared to be shut down for the season. No one around and just a few back in sites for RV's. Picnic tables were in a grouping and not site specific," explains a visitor about seasonal changes at Lake Van.
What campers like
Budget-friendly rates: Affordable camping makes Lake Van accessible. "For just a spot for the night it costs $9 which is basically nothing, but it really should be free," explains a Lake Van camper, though they note some drawbacks: "The place smells SO strong of all the poop from the birds and wow it's windy."
Proximity to attractions: Glamping in Dexter, New Mexico provides convenient access to regional destinations. "Gorgeous place to get stopped by weather! Traveling back from Texas, I had planned an overnight in this State Park. Due to weather, I ended up staying 3 additional days. And, so happy I did! It was a short and easy ride into Roswell to tour the alien paraphernalia," shares a visitor at Bottomless Lakes State Park.
Quiet atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peaceful setting. "Bottomless lakes is a nice place to camp. I stayed at one of the campsites away from the main lake. The campsite was the only one in the location and it was quiet. The people who work there are friendly and helpful," notes one reviewer.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts facility availability and camping experience. "Great deal for tent camping ($9) but the lack of a map of where to camp was confusing (maybe you can actually camp anywhere?). Ended up here due to an unexpected delay on our way to White Sands. Camped near the RVs mostly due to exhaustion. There was an unpleasant sewage smell," reports a visitor about Lake Van.
Facility limitations: Services vary by season and maintenance status. "Three womens showers, 1 locked, 1 a trickle and 1 barely a trickle. Mens showers: 3. Water was not warm. The park is nice...bathrooms need work and cleaning. There is a host getting a free site," warns a camper at Bottomless Lakes State Park.
Insect concerns: Be prepared for seasonal insect activity. "Oh my, better be prepared for mosquitoes. My husband and I were swarmed by mosquitoes and were bitten no less than 25 times each, we counted! We kinda believe had we been allowed to have a camp fire it might have been a less disastrous outcome," cautions a visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Look for designated swimming areas for children. "We thought we were going to be paddleboarding in a big lake or sinkhole, but we were sadly mistaken. The main lake is small and right next to your campsite. There are paddleboards you can rent. There is a small area designated in the water for children to play in," explains a visitor to Bottomless Lakes State Park.
Security considerations: Take precautions with belongings. "The intake person was respectful which is my reason for 2 stars and not 1 star. I left my belongings to run to the store. I came back to everything gone. Even my daughter's bible! I am surprised by this," reports one Lake Van camper.
Pet restrictions: Consider pet-friendly options but be aware of environmental hazards. "Great scenery here, and luckily New Mexico now allows camping again at its state parks, but... there are about a trillion sandburs on the grass here. We have 4 dogs and have spent an inordinate amount of time saving their paws from the burs."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: RV sites provide various levels of services. "There are about 9 full hookup RV sites at this little park. They aren't drawn out very well and depending on how other RVers park it can be hard to figure out where to go. We ended up in spot number 3 which had the sewer connection in the back so we had to stretch our sewer hose pretty far," explains a visitor to Lake Van.
Site arrangements: Understand site layouts before arrival. "Room between sites. Most sites are gravel with shaded picnic tables. Peaceful nights," notes a camper about Bottomless Lakes State Park.
Long-term occupancy: Some sites may have long-term residents. "There's supposed to be a 30 day camping limit with a 7 day in between period but there were campers there that we're obviously just living there. When you get there just look at the numbered electrical boxes and fit in between the 'residents' as well as you can."
