Conchas Lake State Park
New Mexico, New Mexico.
Just northwest of Tucumcari, this lake features secluded coves, canyons, and sandy beaches. One of New Mexico’s largest lakes, you can explore the 11 miles of the Conchas River or 14 miles of the South Canadian River portions of the lake. Conchas lake is a 25 mile long reservoir behind Conchas Dam on the Canadian River. The Dam was completed in 1939 by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
This location is of historical significance because of the construction of Conchas Dam from 1935 - 1939 by the WPA (Works Progress Administration) during Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal era. Conchas Dam became the 17th dam project built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the first district in New Mexico was established here. The Conchas Dam Historic District is a centerpiece of the New Deal’s legacy in New Mexico. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in part because of the Spanish/Pueblo Revival architectural style used throughout the project.
Ancient petroglyphs, marine fossils and tales of Spanish Conquistadors mark the past of Conchas Lake. Today, twenty-eight different species of fish, including walleye, large-mouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and crappie await the avid angler. Many come to Conchas Lake for boating, water skiing, and swimming. Boating facilities include a marina, boat ramps on both the north and south side of the lake, and concessionaire stores that carry fishing and boating supplies.
Three separate recreation areas provide a total of 200 campsites, and ample room to hike, picnic, or watch wildlife. Lodging facilities are available at the lake as well as a nine-hole golf course. Interpretive activities are offered at the Corps of Engineers Visitor Center or through New Mexico State Parks. The Conchas project office offers a free group shelter in the Day Use Area that includes the following: picnic tables, BBQ, two horseshoe pits, six-hole disc-golf course and a volleyball court.
Park Elevation 4,253 ft
Make a reservation on the New Mexico State Parks reservation website.
Directions
501 Bell Ranch Road
Conchas dam, NM 88416
Make a reservation on the New Mexico State Parks reservation website.
