RV Rental Eagle Nest Lake State Park

Situated in the northern section of New Mexico lies Eagle Nest Lake State Park. The park was established in 2004 and features a 2,400-acre alpine lake. Because of its vast size, the park is also home to a variety of different animals, such as elk and bears.

The area tends to have an arid climate with plenty of sunshine. However, during the winter, snow can be abundant. Eagle Nest Lake State Park is about two hours away from Santa Fe.

Getting Outdoors

There are quite a few things to do outdoors while at Eagle Nest Lake State Park. One is fishing. There are a variety of different species that live in Eagle Nest Lake, such as trout, bass, carp, sunfish, and catfish. Fishers can take a boat out on the water or fish along the shoreline. During the winter, the lake is a good spot for ice fishing. It is important to be careful though when ice fishing on the lake as certain sections might not have a thick amount of ice, which could cause dangerous cracks.

Another activity to do at the park is hiking. You’ll find a handful of trails you’ll be able to trek down while here, most of which will take you through the surrounding Moreno Valley and by majestic mountains. A popular pathway to explore while here is the Lower Eagle Nest Lake Trail. While somewhat overgrown, this trail will take you by the shoreline of the lake and is often visited by wildlife, such as prairie dogs and deer.

Visitors could also go birdwatching. Thanks to the park’s unique landscape, hundreds of different species often nest here. As the park’s name suggests, there are plenty of eagles soaring above, but there are many other birds as well, such as blue grouse, turkeys, roadrunners, hawks, and killdeer. Birdwatchers can roam through the park in search of them or stay by the lake to catch a glimpse of them hunting for fish.

Camping at Eagle Nest Lake State Park

When you book an RV rental in Colfax County, you can stay at a few campgrounds situated near this state park. One option to consider is Lost Eagle RV Park. This motorhome campground is only a few minutes away from Eagle Nest Lake State Park and provides amenities such as 30, 50 amp electric, WiFi, and shower/restroom facilities. This pet-friendly option also hosts events for campers to enjoy, such as potluck dinners, barbecues, and a craft festival.

Another close motorhome campground to stay at is the Road Runner RV Resort. Featuring views of the Red River Valley, this camping spot offers 120 travel trailer sites that come with amenities such as electric, water, WiFi, sewer hookups, and access to a laundry room. This RV resort also has basketball courts, fire pits, picnic tables, a camp store, and putting green.

Exploring the Area

When you’d like to get out and explore the surrounding area with your travel trailer, you’ll discover a handful of destinations nearby. In Santa Fe, there’s the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. Museum-goers will be able to learn more about the life of this famous artist and view some of her works. There are specialty tours visitors could sign up for, such as one of her home/studio or of Ghost Ranch, which offers stunning views of O’Keeffe’s favorite landscape. Tickets are required to enter the museum.

Another attraction to drive your camper to while in Santa Fe is Canyon Road. This half-mile stretch of land features numerous art galleries, restaurants, and shops. Throughout the year, Canyon Road also hosts various events, like an edible art tour, spring art festival, and wine stroll.

Less than an hour away in Taos is the Millicent Rogers Museum. The museum celebrates the heritage of the Southwest and displays many exhibits that range from prehistoric works to contemporary ones. The Millicent Rogers Museum is best known for its collection of Native American and Hispanic art and contains many artifacts such as old furniture and blankets. Guided tours are available, and there are art classes held throughout the year visitors can attend. When you’re done touring the structure, you could stop by the museum store that sells local goods and works by native artists.

In Los Alamos, visitors can check out the Los Alamos History Museum. Situated in a historic lodge, this museum was a favorite hideaway for Leslie Grove, the man who oversaw the Manhattan Project. Visitors will find plenty of exhibits inside that tell more about local history and geography. You’ll also find ancient Native American artifacts on display, such as pottery and arrowheads. In addition to this, there are gardens, historical sites, and walking trails bordering the museum, including a rose garden and ancestral pueblo site.