Going boating in New Mexico? This state may be best known for its beautiful deserts, but you can also hit the gorgeous waters of New Mexico for an enjoyable day of boating.
If you love hitting the water, New Mexico’s lakes, rivers, and reservoirs are great for boaters. There are docks and launch ramps located in New Mexico’s State Parks, public lakes, and most of New Mexico’s popular camping areas.
Whether you live in the state or visit, check out a big city like Santa Fe. Boat on Elephant Butte Lake, and visit a popular National Park destination like the Carlsbad Caverns. There’s a place and a water venue for everybody feeling adventurous in New Mexico.
Keep reading to learn about some of our favorite destinations to boat in New Mexico!
The Best Lakes for Boating in New Mexico
Boaters and paddlers in New Mexico will have no trouble finding a great place to spend the day on the water. There are many waterways to choose from, including some fantastic lakes.
To help you decide where to launch your boat, we’ve created a list of popular boating destinations in New Mexico.
Elephant Butte Lake
Elephant Butte Lake is the perfect place for you if you love camping, fishing, boating, or just being outdoors. As New Mexico’s largest state park, it has plenty of water and beach room to enjoy.
The lake can accommodate watercraft of many styles and sizes. These include kayaks, jet skis, pontoons, sailboats, ski boats, cruisers, and houseboats. Besides sandy beaches, the State Park offers restrooms, picnic areas, playgrounds, and developed sites with electric and water hook-ups for RV’s.
Cochiti Lake
The Cochiti Dam is the 23rd largest dam in the world by volume of material. The lake provides for flood control, recreation, and wildlife habitation.
The recreation area includes two public areas:
- Cochiti on the west side of the lake
- Tetilla Peak on the east side
Recreation includes sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and fishing. There is also a swimming beach and playground. Facilities include campgrounds and campsites, many with water and electric hookups. There is also a large boat ramp, various trails, a visitors center, and picnic areas.
Navajo Lake
Navajo Lake is the second-largest lake in the state and has multiple campgrounds, two marinas, and two boat docks. The Lake is a haven for boaters of every stripe — motorized boaters, canoers, kayakers, water skiers, and sailors.
The San Juan River is a world-class fly fishing destination. It features a campground, day-use areas, and a serene trail along the river. Navajo Lake State Park offers some of the best boating, fishing, hiking, and camping in New Mexico.
Heron Lake
A picturesque lake set among the tall pines of northern New Mexico, Heron Lake State Park has been designated a “quiet lake” where boats operate at no-wake speeds only. It’s an excellent location for all types of paddle craft. Heron also has amazing sailing, cross-country skiing, and hiking.
With record-size trout and kokanee salmon, Heron Lake is a fisherman’s paradise.
Boating in New Mexico’s State Parks
New Mexico’s State Parks offer outdoor enthusiasts sparkling lakes and white sand beaches. There are amazing caves, expansive deserts, and mountain ranges that stretch on and on. Some of the most popular activities include boating, fishing, camping, and RVing.
Visit the New Mexico State Parks website to explore the state park locations. Each park has a variety of activities to offer its visitors. Have fun exploring!
Fishing in New Mexico
With so many great waterways in the state, New Mexico can offer some awesome fishing opportunities for anglers!
However, before casting your line, make sure you have all the information you need about New Mexico’s fishing regulations, fishing license requirements, boating license requirements, and boating restrictions for the lake where you’ll be fishing. Check out the local fishing reports that are available for your waterway. Visit the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish website for more information.
Enjoy These Lakes and Parks When Boating in New Mexico
We’re excited for you to enjoy the lakes and parks we mentioned today for your next trip to go boating in New Mexico! We also want you to stay safe when on the water.
Taking a boating safety course is one of the best ways to learn safety essentials to protect yourself and others on the water. Plus, New Mexico requires boaters to pass a safety course and have a boater education card before operating motorized vessels (i.e., your fishing boat or jet ski).
BOATsmart! is here to help! Take our online course for New Mexico, pass the exam, and get your card. Our fun and informative courses meet the state’s requirements for boater education, so you’ll be ready to hit the waters legally!
Published in November 2018. Content most recently reviewed and updated for recency and accuracy October 9, 2024.
