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.
Red Flag Warning issued June 28 at 1:32PM MDT until June 28 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH 8 PM MDT TODAY DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR WEST, NORTHWEST, AND NORTHEAST NM AS WELL AS THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS... ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 7 PM MDT MONDAY DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE NORTHEAST PLAINS AND NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE NORTHEAST PLAINS, NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, THE WEST CENTRAL MOUNTAINS, AND WEST CENTRAL BASIN AND RANGE... .Widespread critical fire weather conditions are ongoing throughout much of western and northern New Mexico today. Vegetation remains drier than normal, particularly in the northwest portion of the state. Southwest winds trend weaker in most areas Monday, except across the northeast where critical conditions are likely again during the afternoon hours. Fire danger trends higher again Tuesday as southwest winds increase again. * AFFECTED AREA...Northwest Plateau (Zone 101), North Central Mountains (Zone 120), Upper Rio Grande Valley and Lower Chama River Valley (Zone 121), and Central Highlands (Zone 125). * TIMING...Until 8 PM MDT this evening. * 20 FOOT WINDS...Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Relative Humidity between 8 to 15 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
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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