Eagle Nest Lake State Park sits at high elevation in northern New Mexico, about 19 miles west of Taos near the Carson National Forest, and the campground on the lake's western shore reflects the open character of the valley it occupies. Sites are fully exposed, with no tree cover or shade structures beyond the covered picnic tables installed at each gravel pad. What the campground lacks in privacy it compensates with sightlines: as Kathi V. notes, "almost all the sites have a lake view, with little obstruction from other sites." The Sangre de Cristo mountains form the backdrop to the east, visible from most spots in camp.
The layout includes both back-in and pull-through sites, with drive-through spots running somewhat short for large rigs. Reviewers with big setups recommend the back-in sites instead. Wildlife is a consistent presence: deer pass through in the evenings, prairie dogs work the surrounding sage, and groundhogs and rabbits appear around the site perimeters. Cell coverage is reliable, with good AT&T and T-Mobile data reported. The campground gate closes at night, and a ranger stays on-site.
Fishing draws many visitors here. Trout are the primary target on the lake, and anglers with boats have the advantage, though a nearby marina on Route 64 rents boats and offers guided trips. Two boat launches are available within the park. A hiking trail follows the lake, and the surrounding area gives access to more extensive routes toward Taos and Angel Fire. For those considering other accommodations in the area, West Lake RV Park and Eagle Nest Cabins & Marina are nearby alternatives, as are Angel Nest RV Retreat and Angels Nest RV resort.
The campground operates year-round, but summer fills quickly. "It's high elevation, pack your blankets," notes Robert E., and that applies even in midsummer when nights drop sharply. Reservations are available and strongly advisable for weekend and holiday visits.
Description
This alpine lake park is located on the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway and is surrounded by the stunning scenery of the high mountains of the Moreno Valley, including views of Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico.
At 8,200 feet in elevation, Eagle Nest Lake State Park offers a cool retreat from the summer heat for fishermen, boaters, campers, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts. An abundance of animals makes Eagle Nest Lake an ideal location for wildlife viewing. Known for fishing and it’s a serene setting, we welcome you to visit this glacial valley park.
Want to visit?:
This park offers developed campsites with fire grills, picnic tables, and a shade structure for your comfort. The park is known for its opportunities in birding, hiking, biking, paddlin,g and fishing. Campsites are by reservation only, but we do offer first come-first serve sites in the off-season. Please be aware of winter closures. Check Parks Alerts for more information
Warning 5 Alerts are In Effect
There are 5 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 5 Alerts are In Effect
There are 5 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
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.
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.
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 & DirectionsEagle Nest Lake State Park Campground is located in New Mexico near Eagle Nest
Directions
Park located 30 miles east of Taos on US Highway 64, 27 miles west of Cimarron on US Highway 64.
Address
P.O. Box 185
Eagle Nest, NM 87718
Coordinates
36.53465986 N
105.26482455 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/18/26
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 8/28/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/26/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/18/26
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 8/28/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/26/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 3 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 2 hrs 40 min from Pueblo, CO
- 2 hrs 52 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 4 hrs 18 min from Farmington, NM



































