Willow Creek Campground — Heron Lake State Park

We really enjoyed our two days at the park this fall.  The sites a quite large and well spaced.  It felt more like being out in the woods by yourself as we couldn't see another camp site from our trailer.

If you are coming for the lake you maybe disappointed.  With the drought, the lake level is very low and the shore line off in the distance.  We came for the peace and quiet and that we found in abundance.  The park was clean and well maintained.  Cell service was 2 bars but speed was acceptable.  

Any sized rig will fit and we stayed in the Blanco loop with power and water.  We will stay again is we find ourselves in north central New Mexico.

This was a nice site. We felt far enough away from everyone. Bathrooms were closed for the winter and don’t open until May 15 yearly. There were not a lot of hammock trees (mostly cedar) but we did find a good spot. The site was clean and well shaded. We had 1-2 bars of cell service (Verizon).

We were hoping we could get to the lake, but the level is extremely low. The boat dock was totally dry. We drove over to El Vado Lake, and while the level was low, the boat dock was still in service. We’re going to try that one for camping next time. It was very quiet and almost empty!

The lake is dismally low as the boat ramps are totally not usable. I don't know when they were last usable and it looks like it has been a while. The trail leading down to the Chama river isn't open, because the starting staircase is unsafe. There are other ways according to the rangers that stopped to chat. All sites are reservation only and that is important for those that just show up. You will have to go online and reserve your spot and cell service can be spotty. The campgrounds were patrolled by rangers and they were nice to talk to. Willow Creek loop was open and the other sites are closed during the winter. Nice abundance of trees and shade. I pretty place in Northern New Mexico. Many of the sites have water and electric. There are more primitive sites available too. Camping in the winter months was nice as there weren't that many people around. The toilets are closed during the winter months and the closest facility is the visitors center.

Always a great experience when I go here! Love love love this place.

Heron Lake has several campgrounds with most sites being first come first serve. Most sites have a lake view. There is a good walking distance to the water and very little shade. Lots of wildlife here! We saw deer, coyotes and bear droppings. Sites are kinda spaced out, have benches, fire rings and cost $10 a night per car. We came with intentions of paddle boarding but it was way too windy! It can get crowded on the weekends, but you'd have the place all to yourself during the week.

We stayed here over the Easter Holiday. We were on Lot 2 in the Willow creek section. For $14, we had f/u hook-ups. I think Lot 1 & 2 are the only lots with full hook ups. I didn't use the facilities, so I can comment on those. Our campsite was big enough for our rig and a tent. We had picnic table (made of concrete, so you can move it) Firepit (don't know if they sell wood, because we couldn't find anyone working or a camp host) We basically had the park to ourselves. We did take a couple of hikes. One was to the lake, which was sadly almost empty. There was very spotty Verizon cell phone and dish satellite. There is not much of a town, so make sure you're fueled up and have all your camping provisions. I would like to try and stay here again, maybe in the summer. Elevations are up there 7000 ft, so I think it would be nice and cool.

Easy access. Great rates. Not far from town. Quiet. Gorgeous night view.

I enjoyed it. Wasn't too busy. It had a decent lake for kayaking and sailboating. Make sure you bring some shade

This campground fluctuates between nice and incredible right along with the water levels. We camped at Heron lake in 2008 when the water levels were higher and enjoyed the lakeside, and swimming in the lake so very much. As the water levels recede, it leaves behind deep, mucky clay. Walking through it, our feet would sink in at least a foot; it was hard to wash away. The clay/shale like material has left behind hundreds of fossils waited to found in the dried mud-like rock. Regardless of the water level, our family enjoys fossil hunting (remember, leave only footprints--which is easy to do in the muck).

The campground itself has showers in one or two of the loops, and a small playground. There is some great fishing nearby. The campground makes for a nice weekend getaway.

We had a great time camping at Heron Lake. The sites were large enough for multiple tents, had vault toilets nearby, and was easy to drive to trailheads and the lake. Only con was how low the lake was so we weren't able to just walk to the water