Fishing, swimming, and lake access draw campers to Juniper Campground at Santa Rosa Lake State Park, a drive-in and walk-in facility set along the reservoir's eastern edge just off I-40 in eastern New Mexico. The short detour from the highway puts campers within sight of the water, and several sites along the J-loop have direct views across the lake. Sites are spread apart, each with a covered picnic table and a BBQ grill for campfires. A dump station is on-site, and while water is available in the campground, it does not run to every site.
Cleanliness comes up repeatedly in reviews. Ramdas S. noted that "facilities were very clean and the host, Frank, was exceptionally helpful." Most sites have little to no shade, which matters in summer heat, and some reviewers mention finding scattered trash at individual sites even when shared facilities are well-maintained. Mosquitoes can be heavy, so bug repellent is worth packing. Showers are available at the electric-hookup area nearby, not at Juniper itself.
Juniper operates on a self-pay, first-come basis, meaning online reservations are not available for these sites. Campers arriving after hours should have cash and a pen for the envelope pay station. Facilities may be locked in freezing temperatures during late fall and winter, and the lake level can run low in dry years. The Santa Rosa Lake State Park Campground and Rocky Point Campground — Santa Rosa Lake State Park are nearby alternatives with hookups. Juniper works well for road-trippers and anglers who want a low-cost overnight stop with lake access and minimal planning.
Description
This recreation area is part of Santa Rosa Lake
Warning 6 Alerts are In Effect
There are 6 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 6 Alerts are In Effect
There are 6 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
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 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).
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.
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 & DirectionsJuniper Campground is located in New Mexico near Santa Rosa
Directions
FROM HISTORICAL ROUTE 66 IN SANTA ROSA, NM, TURN NORTH ON 2ND ST. GO APPROXIMATELY 1/2 MILE TO EDDY AVE, AND TURN RIGHT(EAST). GO APPROXIMATELY 1 MILE AND TURN LEFT(NORTH) ON 8TH ST. 8TH ST WILL EVENTUALLY BECOME NM HWY 91. TAKE NM HWY 91 NORTH 7 MILES TO THE PARK.
Address
PO BOX 384
Santa Rosa, NM 88435
Coordinates
35.0311071 N
104.6787088 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 8/6/26- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 8/6/26
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 8/6/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 8/6/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 8/6/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 8/6/26
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
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 54 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 1 hr 57 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 2 hrs 38 min from Amarillo, TX
- 3 hrs 18 min from Lubbock, TX
