Sitting at 5,200 feet in the windswept high plains of northeastern New Mexico, Clayton Lake State Park Campground draws campers who make the 12-mile drive north from Clayton and find a 170-acre reservoir ringed by rocky, cliff-like shorelines and sandstone formations. The access road has a mixed reputation, with some reviewers describing broken pavement, steep grades, and sharp curves, while others found it completely manageable. Come prepared either way.
The campground spreads across multiple loops around the lake, and the layout varies considerably depending on where you land. The seven electrical sites with water hookups are terraced near the boat launch at the dam end and sit close together with limited privacy between them. Primitive sites are another matter entirely: some are tucked into rock outcroppings, others sit lakeside, and site R4 in particular is mentioned by multiple campers as one of the most sought-after spots, set deep within a cluster of sandstone columns. Jeff T. notes it is "quite large, with multiple camping sites spread down one side of the lake," which holds true even when the electrical section feels packed. The dark skies here are a genuine draw, with low light pollution making the night sky unusually clear, and the campground host has been known to run star parties with a telescope.
The dinosaur tracks at the spillway are the park's most distinctive feature. Exposed during a flood in the early 1980s when topsoil was removed to build the dam, the tracks are a short half-mile round-trip hike from camp and are accompanied by informational signage. Fishing draws steady local traffic, and the lake accommodates kayaks, canoes, and trolling motors, though no gas-powered boats. Wildlife sightings, including mule deer, wild turkey, coyotes, and bald eagles, have come up consistently across reviews. Nearby, Kiowa National Grassland Dispersed, Santa Fe Trail provides additional dispersed camping for those wanting to extend their time in the region.
Facilities include flush toilets, showers, vault toilets, and bear-proof trash cans throughout. The bathrooms are described as functional and generally clean, though dated. There is no dump station on site. Cell coverage is AT&T-friendly but limited for other carriers. The park stays open year-round; a January visitor reported having the entire campground to himself. Avoid the second weekend of June, when a fishing tournament brings roughly 900 campers to the park. Reservations are available online and worth booking ahead for summer weekends.
Description
ALBUQUERQUE 275 MILES, ---- AMARILLO 145 MILES
New Mexico is beginning our Outdoor Recreation Plan and needs your input! The plan will:
- Address the state and nation's outdoor recreation trends and their economic impacts
- Inventory the state's resources and address how best to protect them
- Help determine the state's priorities for awarding federal funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund
Warning 7 Alerts are In Effect
There are 7 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 7 Alerts are In Effect
There are 7 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
The use of off-highway motor vehicles (OHVs) is prohibited in New Mexico State Parks, as stipulated by the NM OHV Act and State Park Regulations (NMSA 66-3-1011, 16-2-33 19 NMAC Ch 5 Sec 2.16 A).
Make it your goal to extinguish hot coals. If your campfire is too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave. Drown it with water, stir it with a shovel, and repeat until your campfire is out cold! Learn more from Smokey Bear.
Please bring proof of your reservation with you to your campsite.
Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove is prohibited. The use of devices fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three (3) feet of the device. Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
To ensure compliance with ADA regulations, vehicles parked at handicap campsites must visibly display a valid handicapped placard or possess a license plate indicating handicapped status; otherwise, relocation will be required.
The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is warning visitors to avoid water contact at Clayton Lake State Park after samples confirmed the presence of harmful algae and toxins. Harmful algae blooms, or HABs, occur when certain types of algae grow excessively in water, posing potential health risks to people and animals. HABs can appear blue, bright green, brown or red and may resemble scrum or floating grass clippings on the water’s surface. These blooms can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals. Samples collected by NMED show the presence of harmful algae and toxins in Clayton Lake. NMED advises visitors to take the following precautions: - Do not drink untreated surface water. - Do not swim, wade, paddleboard or water ski. - Do not bring dogs or other animals to the lake or hiking areas along the shoreline. - Avoid areas of algae when boating. - Stay away from algae deposited on the shoreline. - Rinse fish with clean water before cooking thoroughly and eat only the fillet portion. - Supervise children and prevent them from entering the lake or playing near algae on the shoreline. - If you suspect an algae-related illness, call the New Mexico Poison Information Center at 800-222-1222. For animal illness, call 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661
THE CUSTOMER MUST CONTACT THE PARK TO ADVISE THEM OF LATE ARRIVAL THE SITE WILL BE RELEASED FOR RESERVATIONS / FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED ON THE SECOND DAY AFTER 4:00 P.M.. NO REFUND WILL BE DUE.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsClayton Lake State Park Campground is located in New Mexico near Clayton
Directions
DIRECTIONS: FROM US 64, TRAVEL NORTH ON HIGHWAY 370 FOR APPROXIMATELY ELEVEN MILES. TURN WEST ON HIGHWAY 455 AND TRAVEL ONE MILE TO THE ENTRANCE OF THE PARK. DISTANCE FROM URBAN AREAS TO CLAYTON(IN MILES) ALBUQUERQUE 273; AMARILLO 135; DALLAS 497; DENVER 310; OKLAHOMA CITY 364.
Address
141 CLAYTON LAKE ROAD
Clayton, NM 88415
Coordinates
36.57323601 N
103.30123267 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 4 users
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 7/10/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 4 users
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 7/10/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 22 min from Amarillo, TX
- 3 hrs 3 min from Pueblo, CO
- 3 hrs 34 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 3 hrs 43 min from Colorado Springs, CO


































































