South Area Campground

About

South Area Campground occupies the south shore of Conchas Lake, a 25-mile-long reservoir created by Conchas Dam on the Canadian River in San Miguel County, New Mexico. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages this 20-site primitive campground, which transitioned to Recreation.gov reservations in April 2025 after previously operating on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground offers standard nonelectric sites spread across the high desert landscape. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and grill, with approximately half featuring traditional adobe shade shelters providing relief from the New Mexico sun. Sites 17 and 18 are particularly desirable, positioned directly on the lake overlook. The area tends to be open and windy, typical of the mesa country surrounding the reservoir. Amenities include pit toilets and seasonal potable water available April through November. Campers visiting outside this window must bring their own water supply. A boat ramp on the south side provides lake access for fishing, waterskiing, and boating. Year-round fishing targets walleye, largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish in the reservoir.

Directions

From Tucumcari, drive 34 miles northwest on NM 104 to Conchas Dam. Follow signs to the South Recreation Area. Address: 287 Bell Ranch Road, Conchas Dam, NM 88416.