South Area Campground
Closed — Open seasonally May through September. No fees charged outside the operating season.
Red Flag Warning issued March 26 at 12:05AM MDT until March 26 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
...RED FLAG WARNING TODAY FROM 11 AM UNTIL 8 PM MDT FOR AREAS ALONG AND EAST OF THE CENTRAL MOUNTAIN CHAIN INCLUDING THE UPPER RIO GRANDE VALLEY DUE TO RECORD HEAT, STRONG WINDS, AND LOW HUMIDITY... .Amidst an extended stretch of record warmth, west winds will strengthen today across northern and eastern New Mexico. The strongest winds will focus along and just east of the Central Mountain Chain where winds may gust as high as 45 mph. Conditions will be very dry, with the driest conditions in the Northeast and Central Highlands where 6 to 10 hours of single digit relative humidity is forecast. * AREA AND TIMING...Northeast Plains (Zone 104), Upper Rio Grande Valley and Lower Chama River Valley (Zone 121), Sangre de Cristo Mountains (Zone 122), Northeast Highlands (Zone 123), Sandia and Manzano Mountains (Zone 124), Central Highlands (Zone 125), and East Central Plains (Zone 126) Thursday from 11 AM until 8 PM MDT. * 20 FOOT WINDS...West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Wind direction shifting to the northwest late in the day. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum values around 4 to 14 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
About
South Area Campground is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and sits along the southern shore of Conchas Lake in northeastern New Mexico. This established campground offers approximately 200 campsites across the three recreation areas at Conchas Lake, providing basic amenities in a scenic lakeside setting. Sites at South Area include water hookups but no electric or sewer connections, making it suitable for self-contained RVs and tent campers who don't require full hookups. The campground features clean pit toilets and has been improved with new gravel at many sites. Conchas Lake is one of New Mexico's largest reservoirs, with 11 miles of the Conchas River arm and 14 miles of the South Canadian River arm to explore. The lake is popular for boating, fishing, and water sports, with boat ramps located on both the north and south sides. The surrounding area offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, and enjoying secluded coves and sandy beaches. The campground operates seasonally with modest fees during the summer months. The setting provides a quiet, less-developed camping experience compared to many state park facilities, appealing to campers seeking lakeside recreation without the crowds or amenities of more developed campgrounds.
Directions
From NM 104, follow the county road north past the dam and the Army Corps of Engineers office complex until reaching the Cove Campground recreational area.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | Yes |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| Conchas Lake Website | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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