Conchas Lake, which is 25 miles (40 km) long, is a reservoir located in northeastern New Mexico. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the lake, which has 9,600 acres of surface area, is located next to Conchas Lake State Park and behind Conchas Dam. While the lake is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the majority of the campgrounds and recreation areas are managed by New Mexico State Parks. The lake is about 40 minutes from Tucumcari, two hours from Villanueva State Park and two and a half hours from Albuquerque.
Within Conchas Lake State Park, you will find nine public boat ramps that will allow access to the lake. The lake offers fishing opportunities and is open all year for the activity. A group shelter is available through the Conchas project office that is able to be reserved and from where you can enjoy a myriad of outdoor recreation opportunities. East of the lake is Conchas Lake Airport, with Conchas Lake Seaplane Base nearby.
Whether looking to spend time fishing or boating, or to relax in a tranquil location, Conchas Lake is an excellent place to visit, either for a day trip or for a longer outdoor adventure.
To get to Conchas Lake from Albuquerque, take I40 E for 132 miles (212.4 km) to exit 300 for NM-129 Newkirk. Proceed on NM-129 for 24 miles (38.6 km), to E Baranca Street in Conchas.
Parking is available at Conchas Lake.
Public transportation is not available to Conchas Lake.
North Campground offers seven sites with electrical hook-ups along with 21 sites without hook-ups. Each campsite offers easy access to Conchas Lake, meaning you will not be far from fun. Water is available at the campground and each site includes a picnic table, shelter and grill. From North Campground, you can easily access bathrooms and shower facilities. For those camping with kids, there is a park around a mile from the campground. No matter which site you choose, you will find yourself perfectly situated for fun!
When seeking a campsite for your visit to Conchas Lake, check out Bell Point Campground. Offering 28 sites with electric hook-ups, the campground is able to accommodate RV’s and trailers up to 50 feet. Each site offers a shelter and picnic table, as well as a grill. The campground is about 50 yards from the lake and a short walk to the shower house and bathroom. The campground offers a water supply as well. Camping at Bell Point Campground will offer you a home base from which to spend time exploring Conchas Lake and its surrounding area.
Offering 12 non-electric sites, Cove Campground can accommodate tents as well as RV’s and trailers up to 40 feet in length. Camping at Cove Campground is ideal when kids are a part of your group as sites are a quick walk from the playground. The campground is also conveniently located to the comfort station, which offers toilets and showers so you can rinse off after spending time at the lake. Each site has a BBQ grill and fire ring and easy access to the lake, which is about a quarter mile away.
A big draw to Conchas Lake is the opportunity to fish. The lake is open year-round to anglers and is home to walleye, largemouth bass, white bass, Shad, flathead catfish, channel catfish, bluegill and crappie.
Fishing is a relaxing activity that allows the opportunity to relax and take in the beauty and solitude of nature. Visitors to Conchas Lake can enjoy the scenery surrounding them while possibly catching a fish or two!
While visiting Conchas Lake, you can spend time on the water boating, sailing or water skiing, all of which are allowed. Be sure to familiarize yourself with New Mexico State boating laws along with Corps regulations. Boat launching ramps are available in Conchas Lake State Park, with five ramps in the park’s north area and four in the south area of the park. Enjoy the breeze and fresh air as you traverse the lake in the vessel of your choice!
Conchas Lake is a popular place to go for a swim. Swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling are all allowed (at your own risk) in the lake, with the exception of when signs or buoys prohibit the activities.
It is recommended that you only as far into the lake as you are comfortable with and that you don’t swim alone. The refreshing water will feel great during warmer months, whether before or after you engage in other recreation activities!
The area around Conchas Lake offers plenty of facilities for you to relax and have a picnic, for individuals, families, and larger groups. Picnic areas are offered in the North and Central recreation areas, where they are operated by the State Parks, along with the Day Use Overlook and South Recreation Area, which are managed by the Corps of Engineers. Enjoy fresh air and views of the lake from any of the picnic areas!
Less than 35 miles (56.3 km) from Conchas Lake is the city of Tucumcari and Mesalands Community College Dinosaur Museum. The museum is home to a number of dinosaur fossils (both original and replicated), including for the 40’ long Toryosaurus, which was a rare carnivore that was a relative of the Tyrannosaurus Rex. The museum focuses on the Mesozoic period, which includes the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. A visit to the Mesalands Community College Dinosaur Museum is something different to do that is also a great learning opportunity.
During your visit to Conchas Lake, you may find you are ready for a little indoor time. If so, it is the perfect opportunity to visit the New Mexico Route 66 Museum. Get an inside look at the heritage of New Mexico’s Route 66, learning about its beginnings in the state with the Ozark Trails system through the historic route we see today. Exhibits at the museum change, making it a fun place to explore more than once!
