Clayton Lake State Park And Dinosaur Trackways

About

Clayton Lake State Park sits 15 miles north of Clayton in the high plains of northeastern New Mexico. The 170-acre reservoir provides fishing from March through October, boating, and wildlife viewing, while the surrounding grasslands offer birding opportunities, particularly during waterfowl migration seasons. The park's most distinctive feature is the dinosaur trackway on the dam spillway, where over 800 footprints from at least eight different dinosaur species are preserved in 100-million-year-old sandstone, accessible via a gentle quarter-mile trail with an elevated walkway. The campground provides 26 developed sites across several loops including Cove Campground, South Loop, and Peach Point. Sites range from tent-only to full electric with water hookups. The park features modern restrooms with flush toilets and showers, as well as vault toilets at some locations. Equipment length limits vary by site from 20 to 50 feet. As New Mexico's first International Dark Sky Park with Gold-level certification from the International Dark Sky Association, Clayton Lake offers exceptional stargazing with minimal light pollution. The park operates an observatory with interpretive programs. The visitor center features exhibits on the dinosaur trackway and local natural history.

Directions

From Clayton, travel north on Highway 370 for approximately 11 miles to Clayton Lake Road.