South Area Campground
Closed — Open seasonally May through September. No fees charged outside the operating season.
Red Flag Warning issued February 9 at 1:01AM MST until February 9 at 6:00PM MST by NWS Albuquerque NM
...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 6 PM MST ACROSS EAST CENTRAL NEW MEXICO DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY... ..Stronger winds will develop today with very dry air also moving in. This will create critical fire weather and a higher risk for rapid fire spread. The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Red Flag Warning...which is in effect from 11 AM this morning to 6 PM MST this evening. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. * AREA AND TIMING...This includes much of northeastern and east central New Mexico (Fire Weather Zones 104, 123, 125, and 126) with the greatest area of concern focused in San Miguel, Guadalupe, Quay, and Curry counties. The warning is in effect from 11 AM through 6 PM MST Monday. * 20 FOOT WINDS...Sustained from the west and southwest at 20 to 25 mph with occasional gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Falling to 7 to 13 percent in the late afternoon Monday. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
About
South Area Campground is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and sits along the southern shore of Conchas Lake in northeastern New Mexico. This established campground offers approximately 200 campsites across the three recreation areas at Conchas Lake, providing basic amenities in a scenic lakeside setting. Sites at South Area include water hookups but no electric or sewer connections, making it suitable for self-contained RVs and tent campers who don't require full hookups. The campground features clean pit toilets and has been improved with new gravel at many sites. Conchas Lake is one of New Mexico's largest reservoirs, with 11 miles of the Conchas River arm and 14 miles of the South Canadian River arm to explore. The lake is popular for boating, fishing, and water sports, with boat ramps located on both the north and south sides. The surrounding area offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, and enjoying secluded coves and sandy beaches. The campground operates seasonally with modest fees during the summer months. The setting provides a quiet, less-developed camping experience compared to many state park facilities, appealing to campers seeking lakeside recreation without the crowds or amenities of more developed campgrounds.
Directions
From NM 104, follow the county road north past the dam and the Army Corps of Engineers office complex until reaching the Cove Campground recreational area.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | Yes |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| Conchas Lake Website | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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