Ute Lake State Park features multiple camping areas near Logan, New Mexico, at an elevation of 4,032 feet in the eastern plains region. The park encompasses 1,240 acres with a 13-mile long reservoir and shoreline extending more than 38 miles. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F during peak season while spring brings consistent winds across the largely treeless landscape.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Ute Lake State Park offers excellent fishing for walleye, bass, catfish, and crappie. "Great place to go in summer nice campground lake gets busy with boats on weekends," notes Jeremy A.
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening hours provide prime wildlife observation times. "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," shares Mats at Yucca Campground.
Water recreation: The lake's shoreline allows for multiple access points for swimming and boating. "Ute Lake campground had nice large pull through sites, a shaded picnic area, and nice views of the lake. The playground was very nice and shaded," writes Kelli P.
Exploring Route 66: Located about 40 minutes from Logan, Tucumcari offers historic Route 66 attractions. "If you want to unhook you can drive into Tucumcari and see some fun Route 66 landmarks," suggests Sarah R. from Mountain Road RV Park.
What campers like
Affordable camping: Zia Campground offers budget-friendly sites with good amenities. "Paved roads leading to campground and extra long hard beaten gravel trails to campsites made this campground easy to pull our 30ft airstream into even after dark... spots 9-15 have 50 and water plus long 50' driveway," reports Jolene C.
Accessible shoreline: The gradual slope into the water makes it easy for pets and children. "Unique little campground run by the state park right on Utay Lake beautiful beach is on the lake you can walk out for a long distance due to the shallowness," shares gaetan S. at New Cottonwood Campground.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and showers. "Clean, beautifully kept, covered tables with wind breaker wall. Such a nice place. Park ranger is friendly. Showers clean and well kept. Pull thru sites, water views. $14.00 day for full hook ups! Bargain!" exclaims Angela M.
Nature trails: The 2.4-mile park nature trail connects different camping areas. "The CG has a trailhead for the 2.4 mile park nature walk. It's a nice trail, with several lake viewing areas along it," writes Ray & Terri F.
What you should know
Seasonal facility limitations: Bathroom availability changes throughout the year. "Only downside is the pit toilet was the only thing open. The actual bathrooms are closed for the winter," reports Buddy P. who stayed at Ute Lake State Park.
Weather considerations: Strong winds are common in this region. "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," notes Bob K.
Cell service information: Most major carriers work well in 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," shares Ray & Terri F.
Vegetation hazards: Sand burrs and stickers can be problematic. "Our dog didn't encounter too many sand burrs on the trail, but be advised, the evil little things are everywhere else and imbed themselves in everything," warns a camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Logan Park offers playground facilities for children. "The playground was very nice and shaded," mentions Kelli P.
Beach activities: The lake's gradually sloping shoreline creates safe swimming areas. "Oasis... beautiful beach is on the lake you can walk out for a long distance due to the shallowness it's a Damned reservoir the water is super nice lots of places to swim," shares gaetan S.
Protection from elements: Select sites with windbreaks during spring and early summer. "Each site has a cement picnic table under a shelter. The ground is pebbles. A good spot for one night," explains Terry D. who stayed at Eagle Point.
Supplies planning: Limited shopping options exist in Logan. "There is a small grocery in Logan, but their selection is limited," notes Ray & Terri F., so bring essential supplies for your pet friendly camping trip near Logan.
Tips from RVers
Water pressure awareness: Empty Saddle RV Park in nearby Tucumcari requires pressure regulators. "The water pressure is high so you will need a pressure limiter on your system but not to worry, they will let you use one for free or buy one if you want," advises Dan S.
Site selection: Choose pull-through sites for easier access. "Ute Lake campground had nice large pull through sites, a shaded picnic area, and nice views of the lake," reports Kelli P.
Electrical considerations: Be prepared for potential power limitations. "We were disappointed that the electrical hookups did not provide consistent output. We were unable to run our AC while the refrigerator was on, and the other camper we spoke to had the same issues," cautions a reviewer.
Dump station location: Note that dump facilities are centralized. "There is no dump station at the Logan CG, the only dump station is near the main office, several miles back down the road," mentions Ray & Terri F.
