2 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Santa Rosa Lake State Park near Fort Sumner offers limited options for equestrian camping. The park consists of two campgrounds: Rocky Point and Los Tanos, both situated along Santa Rosa Lake on the Pecos River. Neither campground features horse corrals or dedicated equestrian facilities based on available data. Both campgrounds permit pets, though specific horse policies are not detailed. The lake's water level is frequently reported as low, which may affect water access for horses.
Rocky Point Campground provides electric hookups (30 and 50 amp), water hookups, sewer connections, showers, and toilets. The campground has multiple loops with varied site types, including both pull-through and back-in options. Some sites feature covered picnic tables. Los Tanos Campground similarly offers electric hookups, sewer connections, and basic amenities. Both campgrounds are accessible via paved roads approximately 10 miles from Interstate 40 near Santa Rosa. Trail options include the Shoreline Trail, which offers hiking opportunities but has no specific designation for equestrian use.
"Book on Reserve America for New Mexico “Santa Rosa Lake” very pretty and peaceful. Not all streets were labeled but the directions worked to get us there just fine."
"The spaces are large and provide a decent amount of room away from other camp sites, the facilities are well maintained and the campground has excellent views of the lake!"
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Catch the cool evening desert breezes from the Rocking Point loop, which sits across the dam and above the lake. The drive to the park from I 40 is on a nicely paved road so the distance feels less."
from $15 / night
Check Availability
GuideOnly campground still open around the area. Very good overnight spot. They had both full hook up and no hook up sites. Reserving on line was a bit challenging. Washrooms were clean and had showers.
GuideNothing special. You can’t see the lake but the spots were pretty spacious. We stayed at A14 and it was pretty private. Bathrooms were clean. Just passing through and it was good for that.
TravelerThe views on the drive in are gorgeous over the water and off the road. The campsites are very rustic, just a place to plug in and concrete picnic tables. The bathroom/shower facilities are very clean, and there is a cute playground by them. Haven’t walked the trails yet due to rain.
GuideThis is an attractive and quiet park on an Army Corps of Engineers lake. The lake itself isn't visible from the Rocky Point Loop A, the only electric area, but the surrounding terrain is still attractive and the drive in over the dam is quite dramatic with large flat rocks jutting out from colored canyon walls.
There's not much of a town in Santa Rosa, as the Route 66 revival seems not to have hit there yet. It's more alive than Tucumcari, though. That town has completely died. Get groceries before you come in because the local stores are "food desert" level.
Older parks like this seem to have been designed before today's large Class A motorhomes, as these are very tight side to side and front to back. This one is also tilted seriously toward the front. The layout is odd with sites looking in each other's windows -- if there were anyone here. There are just three rigs on this Tuesday night.
Park staffing is minimal with all interactions done online and no in-person check-in. The property is clean, however, so visitors and staff are working together on that.
I haven't been to the dump out station yet but according to the posted map board it's in another area of the park. That should be a chance to see some more views of the lake before heading out tomorrow.
If you're headed this way, Santa Rosa Lake makes a quiet stop on Route 66 that's a short trip back to the freeway when you're ready.
RangerLike so many others, we are traveling rt 66 this summer. We needed a break from the highway parking lot campgrounds and came up here, it’s lovely and almost empty on a Wednesday night. Cleaner functional restrooms, pull through and back in, some covered picnic tables, electric and basic.
GuideCampgrounds come with a picnic table, fire pit, and open space to throw a tent. There’s no running water. There is a restroom Porta potty style.
No reception. SOS area. There were no branches for starting a fire. Bring your own firewood if you want a fire.
GuideSanta Rosa Lake is a little gem in the middle of the New Mexican desert! Lake is stunning and has clear clean lovely water. It seems that most use the lake for boating and fishing, we saw some jet skis as well. However you can absolutely swim! Water was cold and perfect for a hot day.
Campground is well kept, with ample spots. It was pretty busy but we had no problem booking a day before. Bathrooms are clean and showers were great! They operate by button and each press is about a minute of water. It warmed up quickly and I love the sustainable way of conserving water.
Staff was very friendly and attentive. It was a little buggy at sunset but otherwise very lovely!
TravelerStayed one really quiet night. Only 2 other sites in B loop were occupied. $23.50 w/fee for out of state non-electric site. A loop is all electric and B is non. An assortment of pull thru and back-in sites. Clean bathrooms and 1 bar Verizon, sufficient to book and some other online tasks
GuideI enjoyed my stay here. I camped in winter and it was so nice to have a bathroom with heat and flushing toilets.
My spot was clean and the hosts were nice.
Santa Rosa Lake State Park provides equestrian camping options near Fort Sumner, New Mexico, though specific horse facilities are limited. Located at approximately 4,600 feet elevation, the park experiences dramatic temperature shifts between seasons with summer highs reaching 90°F and winter lows dropping below freezing. The surrounding landscape features juniper and pinion pine vegetation typical of New Mexico's eastern plains.
Shoreline hiking: The Shoreline Trail offers opportunities for both hiking and equestrian use when water levels permit. "Nice hiking trails and the hosts were on their game, really keeping up with the grounds. I'd come back if I was passing through again," notes a visitor at Rocky Point Campground.
Stargazing: The remote location provides exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "The stars show off at night," reports one camper who stayed at Rocky Point. Winter months offer the clearest skies, though summer provides warmer evening temperatures.
Wildlife observation: The park's natural setting attracts diverse wildlife. According to one visitor, there's "Beautiful area with lots of wildlife walking through the campground." Early morning and dusk offer the best viewing opportunities when animals are most active.
Site spacing: Campers appreciate the generous distance between sites, especially at Rocky Point. "The sites are all spaced very far apart for a campground and each site has a covered area with a picnic table and grill. Plenty of room," shares one visitor to Santa Rosa Lake State Park.
Clean facilities: Bathroom maintenance receives consistent praise. "HOT showers and clean bathrooms. 10 min walk down to lake," reports one camper. Another notes, "Bathroom/shower facilities are great! Most sites have a covered picnic table and grill."
Natural setting: The landscape provides a peaceful environment despite low water levels. A visitor to Los Tanos Campground explains, "Catch the cool evening desert breezes from the Rocking Point loop, which sits across the dam and above the lake... it was peaceful and the stars were beautiful. The Shoreline Trail is a nice hike."
Limited connectivity: Cell service is restricted to certain areas. One camper reports, "Cell signal only at the scenic overlook. Very quiet area in the foothills of juniper and pinion trees."
Fire restrictions: Campfire regulations are specific. "There are no fire pits and no ground fires allowed although you can have one in the grill if you bring your own wood," cautions a visitor at Rocky Point.
Reservation system: All bookings must go through a specific platform. "Reservations must be made through ReserveAmerica. Some sites have power but no water but there's a water fill station in the CG," advises one experienced camper at Rocky Point Campground.
Playground access: Families with young children benefit from dedicated play areas. "There is a playground for kids and dumping station. It's about a 7 mile drive from Int 40," notes a visitor to Rocky Point Campground.
Site selection: For families requiring more space, certain areas provide better options. "Rocky Point was one of two campgrounds we saw in Santa Rosa Park. All sites had picnic tables, some sites had electricity and water, and some sides just had water," reports one camper describing the layout.
Water level awareness: Families planning water activities should check current conditions. "Beautiful views of the reservoir, but sad to see how low the water level is now," warns one visitor, indicating that water recreation may be limited during certain periods.
Site leveling: RV campers note varying terrain across the campground. "Not many level sites," cautions one RV owner, while another mentions, "Sites clearly marked. All seem to be pretty level."
Loop selection: Different camping loops offer varying experiences. "I took the last site on short notice with electricity for four nights over the weekend, the handicap site... The sites are very close together," reports one RV camper at Rocky Point Campground.
Utility connections: Hookup availability varies by site. "Most cites have full hook ups but some only have electricity. Keep in mind when booking," advises one experienced RVer who found the distinction important for planning purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Fort Sumner, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Fort Sumner, NM is Rocky Point Campground — Santa Rosa Lake State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 38 reviews.
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