Eagle Nest Lake State Park
Eagle Nest, NM
A high-country lake at 2,500 m in the Moreno Valley below Wheeler Peak. Good for elk sightings at dusk; the visitor center is just south of Eagle Nest village.
Eagle Nest Lake State Park is a reservoir park in northeastern New Mexico, in Colfax County, about 48 kilometers (30 miles) east of Taos near the village of Eagle Nest. The lake lies at about 2,500 meters (8,300 feet) in a glacial valley on the slopes of Wheeler Peak, the highest mountain in New Mexico. The dam impounded the Cimarron River in 1918; the area became a state park on July 3, 2004. The park covers just over 1,400 hectares, and the lake itself about 970 hectares.
In summer, fishing and boating are the main draws; motorboats can be rented at the Eagle Nest Marina. The lake holds rainbow and brook trout, kokanee salmon and perch, among others. The introduced northern pike threaten the native sport fish, which is why anglers must keep them, according to Wikipedia. In winter, ice fishing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular. The surrounding mountains are home to elk, deer, wild turkeys and bears. Camping is available; check fees and reservation rules before you go.
- Nearest town
- Eagle Nest, NM
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 36.5372, -105.2644
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Golden Eagle RV ParkMotorhome stopover1 mi from Eagle Nest Lake State ParkMotorhomes
- Angel Fire RV ResortMotorhome stopover8 mi from Eagle Nest Lake State ParkMotorhomesElectricity
- Twining CampgroundCampsite11 mi from Eagle Nest Lake State Park
- Cabresto LakeCampsite20 mi from Eagle Nest Lake State Park
- NADM RV CommunityMotorhome stopover21 mi from Eagle Nest Lake State ParkMotorhomesElectricity
- MontosoCampsite25 mi from Eagle Nest Lake State ParkTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
All campsites in New Mexico · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Eagle Nest Lake State Park?
Eagle Nest Lake State Park is in Eagle Nest, NM, at GPS 36.5372, -105.2644. It is about 10 mi from Angel Fire.
Can you camp near Eagle Nest Lake State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Eagle Nest Lake State Park Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 216 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Eagle Nest Lake State Park?
Eagle Nest Lake State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: The Enchanted Circle: Taos, Red River and Eagle Nest.
What is there to see near Eagle Nest Lake State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park (8 mi), Taos Pueblo (17 mi), Wild Rivers Recreation Area (24 mi) and Rio Grande Gorge Bridge (26 mi).
When is the best time to visit Eagle Nest Lake State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)