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 Warning issued October 28 at 11:45AM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in New Mexico... Rio Chama Below Chamita affecting Rio Arriba County. * WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE...Rio Chama below Chamita. * WHEN...Until further notice. * IMPACTS...At 6.0 feet, Properties in the flood plain along the Rio Chama and near the junction of the Rio Ojo Caliente will see water in their yards. Impacts can include bank erosion and damage to wells and septic tanks. These impacts will increase in severity at higher river levels. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 11:00 AM MDT Wednesday the stage was 6.6 feet. - Bankfull stage is 5.5 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 11:00 AM MDT Wednesday was 6.9 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to remain between 6.4 and 6.7 feet through the next several days. - Flood stage is 6.0 feet. - Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of 6.7 feet on 07/21/2009. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/abq/EmergencyPrepFlood
Flood Advisory issued October 28 at 11:51AM MDT until October 30 at 12:00PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
...The Flood Advisory continues for the following rivers in New Mexico... Rio Grande at Embudo affecting Rio Arriba and Taos Counties. * WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues. * WHERE...Rio Grande at Embudo. * WHEN...Until Friday afternoon. * IMPACTS...At 8.0 feet, Minor overbank flows are occurring above the Embudo gaging site. Access to riverside picnic facilities above Pilar and below the Taos Junction Bridge along State Route 570 will be limited if further rises occur. Water may be extremely close to underside of bridge over Rio Grande on Aguas Caliente Rd in Pilar. Other localized effects due to the high water levels will begin to be felt at a stage of 10 feet but no significant flooding is expected until the river rises to 12 feet. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 11:00 AM MDT Wednesday the stage was 7.6 feet. - Bankfull stage is 8.0 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 8.1 feet tomorrow morning. - Action stage is 8.0 feet. - Flood stage is 10.0 feet. - 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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