Sumner Lake
Open — Open year-round. Reservations available up to 6 months in advance for developed campsites. Stage I fire restrictions in effect: fires allowed only in provided grills and stoves at developed sites.
Fire Weather Watch issued February 23 at 1:23AM MST until February 24 at 6:00PM MST by NWS Albuquerque NM
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM TUESDAY FOR THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NORTHEAST AND EAST CENTRAL PLAINS DUE TO STRONG WEST WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY... .West winds will strengthen in eastern New Mexico on Tuesday. The strongest wind gusts, 40 to 50 mph, will be along the I-40 corridor from Clines Corners to the Texas border. These gusty west winds combined with well above normal temperatures and minimum relative humidity values between 7 and 14 percent will result in several hours of critical fire weather conditions across the Northeast and Central Highlands and Northeast and East Central Plains during the midday and afternoon hours, especially across the I-40 corridor in eastern New Mexico and the I-25 corridor from Las Vegas to Springer. * AREA AND TIMING...Northeast Plains (Zone 104), Northeast Highlands (Zone 123), Central Highlands (Zone 125), and East Central Plains (Zone 126) Tuesday from 10 AM to 6 PM MST. * 20 FOOT WINDS...West winds 20 to 35 mph with peak gusts of 35 to 50 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum relative humidity values between 7 and 14 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
About
Sumner Lake State Park is located on New Mexico's eastern plains approximately 16 miles northwest of Fort Sumner. The park was established in 1966 at a reservoir created in the 1930s by the Bureau of Reclamation with help from WPA and CCC workers. The 4,500-acre lake is divided into two arms by a dam at the intersection of the Pecos River and Alamogordo Creek, and the park offers rare access to the live river flowing from the base of Sumner Dam. The landscape features piñon, juniper, mesquite, grasses, and yucca covering the hillslopes and mesas, with cottonwood trees along the waterways. Wildlife is abundant, including falcons, mountain bluebirds, waterfowl, occasional bald eagles, antelope, and deer. The lake is stocked with walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish, while trout inhabit the river below the dam. The campground offers 50 developed sites across two main loops: Pecos Campground with 16 electric sites, and Mesquite Campground with non-electric sites. An additional 16 sites feature both water and electric hookups. Primitive camping is also permitted along the lakeshore. Sites accommodate large RVs with driveways ranging from 30 to 88 feet, and pull-through sites are available. The park includes showers, flush and vault toilets, a dump station, boat ramps, group shelters, a visitor center with exhibits, playground, trails, and interpretive programs during summer months.
Directions
From Interstate 40 at Santa Rosa, take US 84 South to State Road 203 then west on 203 for 6 miles to park entrance. Follow main campground road for another 2 miles to Pecos or Mesquite Loop. From US 60/84 in Fort Sumner take US 84 North to State Road 203 then west.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | Yes |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $15 - $45 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 120ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 355-2541 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
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