Abiquiu Lake is a reservoir with a surface area of 5200 surface acres. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the lake includes recreation areas as well as a campground and offers some of the best fishing in northern New Mexico. From the area, you can take in a panoramic view of the Cerro Pedernal (Flint Mountain) and enjoy Pinon, Juniper and Sage. The lake is surrounded by breathtaking red sandstone rock formations.
Abiquiu Lake is located in Rio Arriba County in northern New Mexico. The reservoir is the result of water of the Rio Chama being impounded by the Abiquiu Dam, creating a lake that is over 12 miles in length at an elevation of 6100-6220 feet (1859-1896 m). Visitors to Abiquiu Lake can engage in a number of activities, from camping, hiking, swimming boating, fishing and picnicking. The magnificent scenery of the area is well worth the trip and you can relax in or out of the water as you take in the area’s beauty.
Point your RV in the direction of Abiquiu Lake and be ready to engage in the fun you have been waiting for!
From Albuquerque, take I25 north for 50.4 miles (81.1 km). Take exit 276 for NM-599 S toward Madrid. Use the left two lanes in order to turn left on NM-599 N, proceeding for 13.1 miles (21.08 km). Use the left lane and take the exit for US-84 N/US-285 toward Espanola, continuing for 22 miles (35.40 km). Follow US-84 W to Abiquiu Lake.
Parking is available at Abiquiu Lake
Public transportation is not available to Abiquiu Lake.
Located on a 150-foot bluff overlooking Abiquiu Lake is Riana Campground, which offers 52 campsites. Electric and water hook-ups are available at 13 of the sites, each of which offers a picnic table, grill and fire pit. The campground offers flush toilets, showers and drinking water and a dump station is available on-site. Camping with children? There is even a playground at the campground. Camping at Riana Campground will provide you with easy access to all of the recreation available not just at Abiquiu Lake but in the surrounding area. You can easily reserve a site online and be ready for a short or long getaway!
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Close to the village of Abiquiu is Ghost Ranch, a 21,000 acre (85 square km) retreat center that was the home and studio of Georgia O’Keefe. The location is also known for a large number of fossils, including that of the theropod dinosaur Coelophysis. The breathtaking red rocks of the ranch have led to a number of movies being filmed in its location, to include Red Dawn and City Slickers. Ghost Ranch offers a variety of recreation activities for visitors, to include museums, hiking and swimming.
Located in Abiquiu is the O’Keefe Welcome Center, considered the gateway to the Georgia O’Keeffe Home and Studio Tour. Advance reservations are required for the Home and Studio tour which is conducted between mid-March and mid-November. Georgia O’Keefe, a well-known artist, purchased her home in Abiquiu in 1945, at which time the Spanish-Colonial-era compound was in ruins. O’Keefe supervised the restoration of her home, which took four years. The home is now owned by the Georgia O’Keefe Museum.
Looking to get some exercise and/or explore the natural beauty of the area around Abiquiu Lake? The Abiquiu Lake Vista Trail System starts behind the visitor center and offers miles of trail, which was built by rangers and numerous volunteers. The trail is a stacked-loop design which offers those who use it the ability to choose the distance of their hike by connection various trail loops. A hike in the area surrounding the lake is an excellent way to soak in the scenery and enjoy the fresh air. For more hiking opportunities, you can explore the nearby Carson National Forest.
Abiquiu Lake is an excellent place to enjoy a swim in some cool, refreshing water. Jump in to cool off after a hike or some time on your watercraft, or visit the lake just for a swim. Visitors can be seen jumping off large rocks that surround the lake, as well as floating on tubes and rafts. Water temperature will vary based on the time of year, though will surely feel good when taking a tip after spending some time in the hot desert sun
Whether from your boat or from land, fishing in Abiquiu Lake is popular among visitors. Home to some of the best fishing in northern New Mexico, Abiquiu Lake is a popular destination for anglers. Walleye is a typical catch for those visiting the lake and looking to cast a line. While you wait for a bite, relax and enjoy the fresh air and sandstone rock formations.
Boating is a popular activity among those spending time at Abiquiu Lake. A boat launch is available at the lake, so it will be easy to get your vessel out on the water. Spending time on the water in a boat provides an excellent opportunity to explore the lake and take in its beautiful surroundings. Kayaking and canoeing is also popular among visitors of the lake and the slower pace is perfect for enjoying the scenery!
