Petroglyphs indicate early cultures near here. 34 mi NW of Tucumari on NM 104.

This recreation area is part of Conchas Lake

This recreation area is part of <a href="http://www.recreation.gov/recreationalAreaDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&recAreaId=486&agencyCode=130" rel="nofollow">Conchas Lake</a>

Bird's eye view of the campground

South Area Campground

## Overview

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites you to explore and enjoy the many
recreational opportunities that Conchas Lake has to offer. Whether you are
planning an extended camping trip at one of the designated campsites, or a
fun-filled day on the water with family and friends, we hope your visit is
safe and that you return often. Eastern New Mexico’s unique terrain attracts
outdoor enthusiasts from all over. Whether your passion is hiking, biking,
wildlife viewing, photography, admiring beautiful sunsets, or art, the Conchas
Lake area is sure to accommodate.

Stop at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Administrative Office and Visitor
Center for a brief introduction to the park environment and nearby features.
The Visitor Center displays will introduce you to the history of the area, the
Corps’ mission, area archeological features, and existing recreational
facilities.

Conchas Lake is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers managed lake; however, most
campgrounds and recreation areas are managed by New Mexico State Parks.
Federal Recreation Passports for these areas are not accepted. For information
about NM State Park recreation areas please call the Conchas Lake State Park
Office at 575-868-2270 or visit their website at
https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/find-a-park/conchas-lake-state-park/

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offers two separate Day Use Picnic Areas –the
Captain Kramer Day Use area across from the Conchas Dam Administrative
Building and the Juniper Day Use area located in the Southside Recreation
Area. A water access point Boat Launch Ramp and Campground are also located in
the Southside Recreation Area.

## Recreation

**Camping**

The Southside Recreation Area Campground contains 20 primitive camp sites with
water only, picnic shelter, grills, and fire pits. These sites are $10 per
night. Water is available from _April - November only_.

**Fishing**

Conchas Lake provides excellent fishing. The lake is stocked by the New Mexico
Department of Game & Fish with bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, largemouth
bass, and walleye.

The lake is open all year to fishing.

New Mexico fishing licenses and copies of fishing regulations are available
from vendors throughout the state

**Water Sports**

Boating, sailing, and water skiing are all permitted at Conchas Lake.

Boat launch ramps are available at the Corps-managed Southside Recreation
Area. Fees are $5 per vehicle. This fee is covered by America the Beautiful
Passes so please display pass on the dashboard of your vehicle. Fee can be
paid using credit/debit card at our NEW electronic fee machine located outside
of our Ranger Station building on the Southside.

New Mexico State boating laws and Corps regulations apply to all boaters at
Conchas Lake. Copies of all regulations are available at the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers Administrative Building Visitor Center and Southside Ranger
Station; copies can also be obtained at the NM State Park Office.

Federal and State laws require a properly fitting, U.S. Coast Guard-approved
lifejacket be available for each person on board a boat. Children 12 years old
and younger MUST wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejacket while underway.
Each person on board a Personal Watercraft (PWC), kayak, canoe, or rubber
raft, must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejacket.

When on the lake, stay at least 300 feet from the dam. When winds of 15-20 mph
are forecasted or blowing, boaters are cautioned to stay out of open water.
Boaters and skiers should be watchful for submerged stumps, logs, rocks, and
other obstructions, especially in shallow water and along the shoreline.
Always remember that operation of a watercraft under the influence of alcohol
can be fatal. Please use good judgment.

## Natural Features

Conchas Lake does not allow hunting. Some of the many mammals seen in the area
include Barbary sheep, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, beaver, badger, mountain
lion, bobcat, porcupine, coyote, muskrat, raccoon, red fox, swift fox, black-
tailed jackrabbit and desert cottontail. The lake also provides habitat for
seasonal waterfowl as well. Canada goose, white-fronted goose, mallard,
gadwall, pintail, teal, American widgeon, shoveller, redhead, ringed-neck
duck, canvasback, lesser scaup, common golden-eye, bufflehead, ruddy duck,
hooded merganser, common merganser, and the American coot are some of the
birds spotted.

On August 15, 2009, there was a rare sighting of a Blue-Footed Booby at
Conchas Dam. Normally sighted on the Gulf of Mexico and farther south to Peru,
the rare bird sighting was quickly confirmed by bird experts. This was the
first sighting ever in New Mexico. Word traveled fast. Over 1,000 bird
enthusiasts and curious visitors came to Conchas Lake from all over New Mexico
and across the nation including Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Illinois,
Washington, California, Connecticut, Montana, Ohio, Mississippi and Missouri
to catch a glimpse of the rare bird.

The zebra mussel is an invasive species that can alter the natural ecosystem
and out-compete native species if introduced into fresh water lakes or
streams. They range in size from microscopic to two inches. They cluster
together, causing problems for boat motors, pipes and dams. In order to
prevent the spread of this nuisance species, each boat that enters the water
at the south side boat ramp is inspected. The zebra mussel inspection program
started the summer of 2009 and has inspected over 2,800 boats. To help educate
the public, there are several signs, a billboard, and decals on the rangers’
trucks. There is a project website and PSA as well. The Corps also works in
cooperation with (NM) State Parks, who perform the inspections on the north
(boat) ramp, by sharing numbers weekly.

<h2>Overview</h2>
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites you to explore and enjoy the many recreational opportunities that Conchas Lake has to offer. Whether you are planning an extended camping trip at one of the designated campsites, or a fun-filled day on the water with family and friends, we hope your visit is safe and that you return often. Eastern New Mexico’s unique terrain attracts outdoor enthusiasts from all over. Whether your passion is hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, photography, admiring beautiful sunsets, or art, the Conchas Lake area is sure to accommodate.Stop at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Administrative Office and Visitor Center for a brief introduction to the park environment and nearby features. The Visitor Center displays will introduce you to the history of the area, the Corps’ mission, area archeological features, and existing recreational facilities.Conchas Lake is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers managed lake; however, most campgrounds and recreation areas are managed by New Mexico State Parks. Federal Recreation Passports for these areas are not accepted. For information about NM State Park recreation areas please call the Conchas Lake State Park Office at 575-868-2270 or visit their website at <a href="https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/find-a-park/conchas-lake-state-park/" rel="nofollow">https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/find-a-park/conchas-lake-state-park/</a>The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offers two separate Day Use Picnic Areas –the Captain Kramer Day Use area across from the Conchas Dam Administrative Building and the Juniper Day Use area located in the Southside Recreation Area. A water access point Boat Launch Ramp and Campground are also located in the Southside Recreation Area.  <h2>Recreation</h2>
CampingThe Southside Recreation Area Campground contains 20 primitive camp sites with water only, picnic shelter, grills, and fire pits. These sites are $10 per night. Water is available from April - November only.FishingConchas Lake provides excellent fishing. The lake is stocked by the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish with bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, and walleye.The lake is open all year to fishing.New Mexico fishing licenses and copies of fishing regulations are available from vendors throughout the stateWater SportsBoating, sailing, and water skiing are all permitted at Conchas Lake.Boat launch ramps are available at the Corps-managed Southside Recreation Area. Fees are $5 per vehicle. This fee is covered by America the Beautiful Passes so please display pass on the dashboard of your vehicle. Fee can be paid using credit/debit card at our NEW electronic fee machine located outside of our Ranger Station building on the Southside. New Mexico State boating laws and Corps regulations apply to all boaters at Conchas Lake. Copies of all regulations are available at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Administrative Building Visitor Center and Southside Ranger Station; copies can also be obtained at the NM State Park Office.Federal and State laws require a properly fitting, U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejacket be available for each person on board a boat. Children 12 years old and younger MUST wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejacket while underway. Each person on board a Personal Watercraft (PWC), kayak, canoe, or rubber raft, must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejacket. When on the lake, stay at least 300 feet from the dam. When winds of 15-20 mph are forecasted or blowing, boaters are cautioned to stay out of open water. Boaters and skiers should be watchful for submerged stumps, logs, rocks, and other obstructions, especially in shallow water and along the shoreline. Always remember that operation of a watercraft under the influence of alcohol can be fatal. Please use good judgment.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
Conchas Lake does not allow hunting. Some of the many mammals seen in the area include Barbary sheep, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, beaver, badger, mountain lion, bobcat, porcupine, coyote, muskrat, raccoon, red fox, swift fox, black-tailed jackrabbit and desert cottontail. The lake also provides habitat for seasonal waterfowl as well. Canada goose, white-fronted goose, mallard, gadwall, pintail, teal, American widgeon, shoveller, redhead, ringed-neck duck, canvasback, lesser scaup, common golden-eye, bufflehead, ruddy duck, hooded merganser, common merganser, and the American coot are some of the birds spotted.On August 15, 2009, there was a rare sighting of a Blue-Footed Booby at Conchas Dam. Normally sighted on the Gulf of Mexico and farther south to Peru, the rare bird sighting was quickly confirmed by bird experts. This was the first sighting ever in New Mexico. Word traveled fast. Over 1,000 bird enthusiasts and curious visitors came to Conchas Lake from all over New Mexico and across the nation including Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Illinois, Washington, California, Connecticut, Montana, Ohio, Mississippi and Missouri to catch a glimpse of the rare bird. The zebra mussel is an invasive species that can alter the natural ecosystem and out-compete native species if introduced into fresh water lakes or streams. They range in size from microscopic to two inches. They cluster together, causing problems for boat motors, pipes and dams. In order to prevent the spread of this nuisance species, each boat that enters the water at the south side boat ramp is inspected. The zebra mussel inspection program started the summer of 2009 and has inspected over 2,800 boats. To help educate the public, there are several signs, a billboard, and decals on the rangers’ trucks. There is a project website and PSA as well. The Corps also works in cooperation with (NM) State Parks, who perform the inspections on the north (boat) ramp, by sharing numbers weekly.

Front face of the Conchas Dam.

A Thunderstorm approaches Conchas Lake

Conchas Dam Bridge at Sunset

Conchas Lake

Just northwest of Tucumcari, this lake features secluded coves, canyons, and
sandy beaches. One of New Mexico’s largest lakes, you can explore the 11 miles
of the Conchas River or 14 miles of the South Canadian River portions of the
lake. Conchas lake is a 25 mile long reservoir behind Conchas Dam on the
Canadian River. The Dam was completed in 1939 by the United States Army Corps
of Engineers.  
  
This location is of historical significance because of the construction of
Conchas Dam from 1935 - 1939 by the WPA (Works Progress Administration) during
Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal era. Conchas Dam became the 17th dam project
built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the first district in New
Mexico was established here. The Conchas Dam Historic District is a
centerpiece of the New Deal’s legacy in New Mexico. It is listed on the
National Register of Historic Places in part because of the Spanish/Pueblo
Revival architectural style used throughout the project.  
  
Ancient petroglyphs, marine fossils and tales of Spanish Conquistadors mark
the past of Conchas Lake. Today, twenty-eight different species of fish,
including walleye, large-mouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and crappie
await the avid angler. Many come to Conchas Lake for boating, water skiing,
and swimming. Boating facilities include a marina, boat ramps on both the
north and south side of the lake, and concessionaire stores that carry fishing
and boating supplies.  
  
Three separate recreation areas provide a total of 200 campsites, and ample
room to hike, picnic, or watch wildlife. Lodging facilities are available at
the lake as well as a nine-hole golf course. Interpretive activities are
offered at the Corps of Engineers Visitor Center or through New Mexico State
Parks. The Conchas project office offers a free group shelter in the Day Use
Area that includes the following: picnic tables, BBQ, two horseshoe pits, six-
hole disc-golf course and a volleyball court.  
  
Park Elevation 4,253 ft  
Make a reservation on the New Mexico State Parks reservation website.

Just northwest of Tucumcari, this lake features secluded coves, canyons, and sandy beaches. One of New Mexico’s largest lakes, you can explore the 11 miles of the Conchas River or 14 miles of the South Canadian River portions of the lake. Conchas lake is a 25 mile long reservoir behind Conchas Dam on the Canadian River. The Dam was completed in 1939 by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. 

This location is of historical significance because of the construction of Conchas Dam from 1935 - 1939 by the WPA (Works Progress Administration) during Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal era. Conchas Dam became the 17th dam project built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the first district in New Mexico was established here. The Conchas Dam Historic District is a centerpiece of the New Deal’s legacy in New Mexico. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in part because of the Spanish/Pueblo Revival architectural style used throughout the project. 

Ancient petroglyphs, marine fossils and tales of Spanish Conquistadors mark the past of Conchas Lake. Today, twenty-eight different species of fish, including walleye, large-mouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and crappie await the avid angler. Many come to Conchas Lake for boating, water skiing, and swimming. Boating facilities include a marina, boat ramps on both the north and south side of the lake, and concessionaire stores that carry fishing and boating supplies. 

Three separate recreation areas provide a total of 200 campsites, and ample room to hike, picnic, or watch wildlife. Lodging facilities are available at the lake as well as a nine-hole golf course. Interpretive activities are offered at the Corps of Engineers Visitor Center or through New Mexico State Parks. The Conchas project office offers a free group shelter in the Day Use Area that includes the following: picnic tables, BBQ, two horseshoe pits, six-hole disc-golf course and a volleyball court. 

Park Elevation 4,253 ft 
<a href="http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/conchaslakestatepark.html" rel="nofollow">Make a reservation on the New Mexico State Parks reservation website</a>.

Conchas Lake

Reviews

Campgrounds

South Area Campground

South Area Campground

Nearby Parks

Conchas Lake State Park