Logan, New Mexico camping centers around Ute Lake State Park, a 13-mile-long reservoir at 3,782 feet elevation. The high desert climate brings temperature swings of 30°F between day and night, particularly in spring and fall. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F while winter nights often drop below freezing, creating distinct seasonal camping experiences.
What to do
Water activities: Ute Lake State Park provides excellent fishing opportunities with walleye, bass, and catfish. "This is a great place to hang out on the weekend in Eastern New Mexico. The water is great and it's pretty clean lake. When the wind kicks up it can get pretty rough but overall nice," notes one camper.
Wildlife viewing: Eagle Point offers prime locations for observing local wildlife. "I stayed in Beaver Cove. There are 4 campsites with a vault toilet, and a water spiket. Each site has a cement picnic table under a shelter," reports a visitor who found it ideal for short stays.
Hiking: South Side Area features more isolated terrain and trails. According to one camper, "Nice spot. Cost $8 there are 3 spots by the lake. Drive towards the dam then follow down to lake. Only one person there when I stayed but did have some locals come to hang out at night."
Historic exploration: From Logan, take a 30-minute drive to Tucumcari to explore Route 66 history. "If you want to see true Americana drive into town where you can drive historic Route 66. Stop off for a meal or shop one of the many stores along the route!" recommends a traveler staying at Mountain Road RV Park.
What campers like
Peaceful settings: South Side Area provides a quieter alternative to the main campgrounds. "If wanna get away from busy side of lake go here," states one reviewer who preferred the less crowded environment.
Bird watching opportunities: Roadrunner provides excellent bird watching locations. "This is a nice park if you have an RV; otherwise, regular camping might be a bit rough as the grounds are very prickly. The lake is nice," explains a visitor who enjoyed the wildlife despite some terrain challenges.
Lake access: Many campers appreciate the waterfront locations. "Stopped here for the night as we headed west. It was so nice decided to stay another night. Took kayaks out on the lake. Enjoyed the wildlife as the fish were jumping," shares a visitor at Yucca campground.
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept facilities. "Super nice camp hosts. Clean facilities. Wildlife abundant," notes a visitor to Tucumcari KOA, highlighting the maintenance standards that enhance the camping experience.
What you should know
Seasonal facility closures: Yucca and other campgrounds reduce services during off-peak periods. "Made reservations for Ute Lake State Park arrived minutes after the office closed. Not a problem since I had our site number. As evening progressed we wanted to use the facilities and take a shower. They were locked with no sign of opening," cautions one camper.
Wind considerations: The region experiences significant wind, which affects camping comfort. "This lake gets busy with boats on weekends," notes a camper at Logan Park, indicating that wind conditions can impact both tent camping and water activities.
High water pressure: Several RV parks warn about water system protection. "High water pressure: do install a pressure reducer. I've seen firsthand people blowing out their water lines here," advises a visitor at Empty Saddle RV Park.
Cell service variations: Coverage differs across the area. "AT&T coverage was really good, with 4 Bars of LTE service and speeds up to 27 MB/s. Since there are few trees, satellite coverage is not an issue," reports a camper at Logan Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: New Cottonwood offers family-friendly amenities. "After finding the place sites were easily seen with big numbers. Sites are side by side with a small gap in between. The lake is walking distance from camp but can not see it from site 27. All in all it's very nice. Pick nic tables, a pavilion, grill, fire ring, water, electric plus showers and bathroom all for $15 a night."
Beach areas: Several campgrounds provide swimming access with gradual entry points. "Located West of Logan NM, beach, day use, tent areas, rv's on Reserve America.com. I'm currently in a no hookup site $10 plus $4 fir reserving. Quiet, beautiful beach area, boat launch. 14 day stay limit," shares a visitor.
Weekend planning: Anticipate busier conditions during peak periods. "The lake is very rich in birds. Lots of them. We watched hundreds of cranes, geese, ducks, and many more. In the morning we had 10 grazing turkeys outside our RV," notes a winter visitor to Yucca campground.
Ground hazards: Be aware of natural terrain challenges. "This is a great park if you have an RV; otherwise, regular camping might be a bit rough as the grounds are very prickly. There are stickers galore and not truly pet friendly, even though you can bring them," warns a Roadrunner camper.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through availability: Blaze-In-Saddle RV Park offers convenient access for larger rigs. "Smooth gravel drive and slots for easy in and out, even with a bigger rig. Plenty of amenities, including a really nice FREE high speed internet connection," reports one RVer.
Reservation strategies: For holiday weekends, book well in advance. "Really nice folks! Checked me in and then lead me to my site in his golf cart. Helpful info on where to find a grocery store etc. Reasonably priced at $41.00, the site was level (gravel) and the wifi was really very good," notes a satisfied customer.
Winter camping considerations: While year-round camping is available, services vary seasonally. "I stopped in about 830pm on my way to Arizona. Only person camping in the entire place. Super quiet. Only downside is the pit toilet was the only thing open. The actual bathrooms are closed for the winter," shares a winter camper at Ute Lake.
