El Vado Lake
Open for camping. Stage II fire restrictions in effect: campfires, charcoal, and wood stoves are prohibited; LPG devices permitted in cleared areas. Comfort station reopens May 15, 2026 after seasonal winter closure. Boat ramp is closed due to low water levels; only non-motorized vessels (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards) permitted on the lake.
Flood Watch issued September 18 at 11:52AM MDT until September 19 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of west central and northwest New Mexico as well as the South Central Mountains and Eastern Lincoln County. This includes the Ruidoso area burn scars. * WHEN...Through this evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Soils are very saturated from days of soaking rainfall. Rainfall rates of 1 to 1.5 inches per hour may occur with storms Friday afternoon and evening. Wildfire burn scars, urban areas, communities with underdeveloped infrastructure, complex terrain, and areas where the ground is already saturated are most at risk for rapid runoff and flash flooding. Storms across western New Mexico will end during the evening, but storms could persist as late as Midnight in the Lincoln County portion of the Watch. - http://www.weather.gov/abq/EmergencyPrepFlood
Flood Advisory issued September 18 at 5:26PM MDT until September 18 at 8:30PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Arroyo and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...South Central Rio Arriba County in north central New Mexico... * WHEN...Until 830 PM MDT. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Rises in small streams and normally dry arroyos. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 526 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. This will cause arroyo and small stream flooding. Between 0.75 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. - Additional rainfall amounts up to 0.5 inches are expected over the area. This additional rain will result in minor flooding. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Mainly rural areas of South Central Rio Arriba County. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Flood Advisory issued September 18 at 4:26PM MDT until September 18 at 6:30PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Arroyo and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...Central Rio Arriba County in north central New Mexico... * WHEN...Until 630 PM MDT. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 425 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. This will cause arroyo and small stream flooding. Between 0.75 and 1.25 inches of rain have fallen. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... El Vado. - The heaviest rains have focused over the area between the El Vado Reservoir and Stinking Lake. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
About
El Vado Lake State Park is nestled at 7,209 feet in New Mexico's Rio Arriba County, offering a high-elevation camping experience on the shores of El Vado Reservoir. The park features 80 developed campsites across 8 distinct campground areas, including 17 sites with water and electric hookups (30 amp) and 2 sites with full hookups including sewer (30 and 50 amp). Restrooms with showers, vault toilets, and an RV dump station serve campers throughout the park. The lake provides opportunities for fishing and boating, with a marina offering boat rentals and dock access. Beach camping and boat-in camping options appeal to those seeking a more remote experience. Beyond water activities, the park has hiking trails and a playground. During winter months, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular. Group camping is available with 4 designated group sites. The park operates year-round, though the comfort station is winterized from October 15 through May 15 due to freezing temperatures. Reservations can be made through the New Mexico State Parks reservation system.
Directions
Located on State Road 112 near Tierra Amarilla, NM 87575. The park sits at 7,209 ft elevation in northern New Mexico.
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | Yes |
| Sewer Hookups | Yes |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $15 - $90 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 50ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Mark.Schichtle@emnrd.nm.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (575) 588-7247 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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