Leasburg Dam State Park - (Southwest)

Description: State Park on the Rio Grande River with great ramadas for overnight camping overlooking the valley.

Directions: From Albuquerque about 220 miles.  Take I-25 south to Exit 19 about 15 miles north of Las Cruces on I-25, get off at exit 19 and take NM 157 west to the park entrance about 1 mile west of the interstate..

Map: Printable park map          Aerial Photo                Topographic

Water Sports: Fishing, Class I canoeing and kayaking. No powerboats.

River Running: (mid-April through early August. Rafts can be stuck in shallow water conditions. Boating conditions are better during the irrigation season when river is above 1,000 cfs. Most folks will float down three hours to Shalem Colony Trail Road bridge. Normally a trip of about 8 miles though some will continue on to Las Cruces adding another two to three hours to the run. No fences but check the bridge at NM 185 about 3/4 mile downstream from the park for possible obstructions or strainers. There is also a east side takeout above the dam within the park for folks making the generally two day float from Percha Dam State Park (depending on water flows) down to Leasburg Dam State Park.  Day use permit fees are required.

Beta information on this run and others on the Rio Grande are found here.

Ramps: None.  Put in on the east side of the river at the Leasburg Dam State Park Day Use Area   Accessed from Leasburg Dam Road which accesses the day use picnic area of the park. Park day use fees are required. Park Day Use area closes at 7 pm or sunset so plan your river running times accordingly so your vehicle is not locked in. 

Marinas/Rentals: None

Wind Warning Lights: None

Fish Species: Channel Catfish and occasional Bass

Wildlife Viewing:   

Bird viewing along the river. Click here for information and birding checklist.

Water Conditions: River conditions call park gauging station one on river below the Elephant Butte dam. Check also advanced predictions for Radium Springs.

Special Boating Restrictions: No provisions for large boats. The dam is a low head dam and a recirculating hazard exists at the dam.

Recreation Areas Managed By: New Mexico State Parks

Information: (505) 524-4068