Programs & Services

Search EMNRD

Eagle Nest Lake State Park

  1. Home
  2. Find a Park
  3. Eagle Nest Lake State Park

Eagle Nest Lake State Park est. 2004

This alpine lake park is located on the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway  and is surrounded by the stunning scenery of the high mountains of the Moreno Valley, including views of Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico.

At 8,200 feet in elevation, Eagle Nest Lake State Park offers a cool retreat from the summer heat for fishermen, boaters, campers, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts. An abundance of animals makes Eagle Nest Lake an ideal location for wildlife viewing. Known for fishing and it’s a serene setting, we welcome you to visit this glacial valley park.

Want to visit?:

This park offers developed campsites with fire grills, picnic tables, and a shade structure for your comfort. The park is known for its opportunities in birding, hiking, biking, paddling and fishing. Campsites are by reservation only, but we do offer first come-first serve sites in the off-season. Please be aware of winter closures. Check Parks Alerts for more information

Boating: We are known for our quiet and cold waters. Morning is an ideal time to kayak, paddle board, row or canoe. Motorized boats are welcome and wakes are allowed. State regulations require motor boats to stay at least 150 ft from shoreline fisherman, other vessels and other water activities.

Fishing: This lake is regularly stocked with trout and salmon, but is also good for Northern Pike and Yellow Perch. Anglers can fish from the banks or by boat. Ice fishing is available in the winter.

Travel Tips:

  • Camping is by reservation only May – September. Book Now!
  • Park is located just south of the Village of Eagle Nest
    • Local restaurants and shopping nearby
  • Day-Use Passes for this park can be purchased here
  • Fireworks displays every July hosted by Chamber of Commerce
  • Ice fishing is available January – March, depending on ice conditions
  • The park is a key stop on the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway. Other stops include:
    • Red River 30 mins. / 19 miles
    • Angel Fire 20 mins. / 12 miles
    • Taos 50 mins. / 30 miles
    • Questa 48 mins. / 31 miles
  • Park elevation is 8,200 ft, so be prepared for high elevation conditions

 

 

Eagle Nest Lake Web Cam

A new image is typically available every three minutes between 5:30AM and 8:30PM. Please see the timestamp at the bottom of the image above for latest image date and time.

Activities

  • Boating:
    • Motorized
    • Non-motorized
    • Canoe / Kayak / Paddle  Board
    • Approved PFD’s must be worn at all times while on water
    • Sailing
    • Education Programs
  • Special Events
    • Polar Plunge -New Year’s Day
    • Ice Fishing Tournament – January
    • Fireworks – July
    • Fish Fest – September
  • Fishing
    • Year-round fishing includes Ice Fishing
  • Picnicking
  • Trails
    • 7.78 miles
    • Hiking
  • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding
  • Winter Recreation
    • Cross-country skiing
    • Snowshoeing
    • Ice Fishing

Amenities

  • Camping
      • No hook-ups
      • Water centrally located
      • No dump station
      • Non-Reservation Sites off Season Only
      • September – November
      • March – May
        • Developed Sites
        • Water nearby
      • Primitive Camping: None.
      • Restrooms:
        • Vault Toilets
      • Group Facilities:
        • Group Picnic Shelter
        • Meeting Room
      • Visitor Center
        • Exhibits
        • Facilities available for Weddings
        • Boating Facilities:
          • Boat Dock
          • Boat Ramp

DIRECTIONS:

  • From Cimarron travel west on US 64 for 25 miles. Turn left at the intersection of US 64 and Marina Way. The park entrance will be approximately .5 on Marina Way.
  • From Red River travel south on NM 38 for 17 miles. At the intersection of NM 38 and US 64 turn right and travel 1.2 miles. Turn left at the intersection of US 64 and Marina Way. The park entrance will be approximately .5 on Marina Way.
  • From Taos travel east on US 64 for 30 miles. Turn right at the intersection of US 64 and Marina Way. The park entrance will be approximately .5 on Marina Way.

Hours

Day Use Hours
6 am-9 pm

Camping Quiet Hours
10 pm – 7 am

Visitors shall not operate generators, radios, or unmuffled vehicles, or engage in other loud activity during this time.

ADDRESS & PHONE

42 Marina Way
Eagle Nest, NM 87718
575-377-1594

CONTACT

Jordan Mitchell
Park Superintendent
jordan.mitchell@emnrd.nm.gov