Sumner Lake State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Sumner Lake State Park offers many amenities and activities for those of all ages and all interests. The grassy plains and beautiful lake offer both relaxation and adventure for everyone! There are many things to do within the park including fishing, hiking, nature viewing, and camping.
Sumner Lake State Park is located on Sumner Lake, a 4,500-acre reservoir that was constructed in 1939. The lake offers many activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, and even jet skiing and water skiing. In addition to its RV amenities, there are also shorefront and boat-in campsites! The land in which the park encompasses was established as a state park in 1966.
If you're planning to camp in your RV, there are many amenities within the park to allow you to feel close to nature, as well as comfortable. There are many sites that offer electric hookups, as well as water and electric. Potable water is available in the park if you are primitive camping, or have chosen a campsite without water hookups. There are restrooms with showers in the park, so no matter what type of camping you're doing, Sumner Lake State Park will keep you comfortable.
Whether camping solo, with friends, or with family, Sumner Lake State Park is a great place to experience the great outdoors!
RV Rentals in Sumner Lake State Park
Transportation
Driving
Sumner Lake State Park is located in Lake Sumner, New Mexico. The park is located on State Route 203, and is easily accessed with any type of vehicle! While there are five campgrounds within the park, they can all be accessed via State Route 203.
Once you've reached the park, you can expect many gravel roads. Although they are gravel, they are well maintained and wide enough to accommodate your RV or camper trailer. The Sumner Lake State Park office is located on the corner of West Campground Loop and Wild Turkey Lane and has plenty of parking for when you check in.
If you're driving a passenger vehicle, or even have to travel around the park in your RV, there are several parking lots throughout the park, as well as having plenty of parking at your campsite. Located just North of the East Side Campground, you'll find the boat ramp and boat trailer parking area. This area offers plenty of parking that will accommodate your RV or camper trailer.
Cycling and walking are excellent ways to travel throughout the park, but you may get tired pretty quickly. Although the terrain is mostly flat, summers at Sumner Lake can get pretty hot, and the park is very large. A bicycle is the better alternative to driving within the park.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Sumner Lake State Park
Campsites in Sumner Lake State Park
Reservations camping
Sumner Lake State Park Campground
Camping in Sumner Lake State Park is perfect for those of all ages and interests. There are 50 RV campsites within the park, all offering different amenities. Of the 50 campsites, 16 have electric only hookups, and 16 have both electric and water.
If you're planning to camp at the park, reservations are accepted online or by phone, but they also accept walk-ins on a first come, first served basis.
Within Sumner Lake State Park there are five campgrounds, and the 50 campsites are divided up between the five. Pecos and Mesquite Campgrounds are located on the West side of the lake, West River and East River Campgrounds are located below the dam on the Pecos River, and the East Side Campground is located East of the lake.
All of the campgrounds in the park offer the same amenities, except Pecos campground offers handicapped-accessible sites. Each campground is accessible via State Route 203.
Several other features of the campgrounds include picnic tables, fire rings, barbecue grills, a visitor's center, and a playground.
Seasonal activities in Sumner Lake State Park
In-Season
Boating
Boating is a very popular activity within the park, as Sumner Lake offers 4,500 acres of surface area. All boats are welcome in the lake, whether jet skiing or kayaking. If you plan to bring your boat, there is a boat ramp located North of the East Side Campground, as well as ample parking for your trailer!
Kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding are also common among campers near the campgrounds. There are few better ways to escape the heat of a New mexico summer than to get out on the water and enjoy nature from a new perspective.
Swimming
Throughout the state park, you'll find several different coves that are perfect for swimming. While these areas are not designated for swimming, it is allowed! There's nothing better than swimming on a hot day in New Mexico.
It is recommended to wear a life jacket when swimming in the lake, as it is "swim at your own risk," and there are no lifeguards on duty. Also, don't forget your sunscreen!
Picnicking
Throughout Sumner Lake State Park, you'll find many different picnic areas. Whether you're looking for a designated area or planning a picnic on the lake shore, Sumner Lake is a gorgeous lake to look over when enjoying your lunch.
Within the park, there is a handicap accessible group shelter available for reservation, as well as many picnic tables throughout the park. Each campsite also includes a picnic table for those that want a nice quiet picnic.
Off-Season
Fishing
In addition to boating, Sumner Lake offers many opportunities for fishing. Whether you're fishing from a boat or fishing from the bank, you're sure to have luck in Lake Sumner.
With the many coves in the lake, there are many places that are perfect for fishing from a small boat such as a Jon boat or a kayak! Bass, crappie, channel catfish, and most commonly walleye are the most fished-for species in the lake.
Hiking
While there are no designated hiking trails within the park, there are still many hiking opportunities. Within the Sumner Lake State Park, there are many miles of shoreline that offer beautiful views, as well as bird watching. Hiking throughout the park is considered easy and ready for any experience level hiker.
On your hike around the lake, you can expect grassy plains, small rock formations, and plenty of unique vegetation.
Wildlife Viewing and Birding
Sumner Lake State Park is home to many different species of birds, reptiles, mammals, and plants. Whether you're bird watching or learning about different wildlife, Sumner Lake is perfect for the wildlife enthusiast.
There are more than 150 different species of birds that have been spotted in the park including herons, geese, hawks, and bald eagles! Other wildlife includes many species of lizards, mule deer, jackrabbits, and porcupines.
No matter what type of wildlife you're looking for, there's a good chance you'll find it near Sumner Lake!
