South Area Campground
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites you to explore and enjoy the many recreational opportunities that Conchas Lake has to offer. Whether you are planning an extended camping trip at one of the designated campsites, or a fun-filled day on the water with family and friends, we hope your visit is safe and that you return often. Eastern New Mexico’s unique terrain attracts outdoor enthusiasts from all over. Whether your passion is hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, photography, admiring beautiful sunsets, or art, the Conchas Lake area is sure to accommodate. Stop at the U.S.
More like this: reservable in New Mexico · pets allowed in New Mexico
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 20 |
Site guide
20 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Entry | Surface | Water / sewer | People / vehicles | Fires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Area Campground 1 | Pull-through | Gravel | Yes / No | 6 / 2 | Yes |
| South Area Campground 2 | Pull-through | Gravel | Yes / No | 6 / 2 | Yes |
| South Area Campground 3 | Pull-through | Gravel | Yes / No | 6 / 2 | Yes |
| South Area Campground 4 | Pull-through | Gravel | Yes / No | 6 / 2 | Yes |
| South Area Campground 5 | Pull-through | Gravel | Yes / No | 6 / 2 | Yes |
| South Area Campground 6 | Pull-through | Gravel | Yes / No | 6 / 2 | Yes |
| South Area Campground 7 | Pull-through | Gravel | Yes / No | 6 / 2 | Yes |
| South Area Campground 8 | Pull-through | Gravel | Yes / No | 6 / 2 | Yes |
| South Area Campground 9 | Pull-through | Gravel | Yes / No | 6 / 2 | Yes |
| South Area Campground 10 | Pull-through | Gravel | Yes / No | 6 / 2 | Yes |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 5:00 PM, checkout 3:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | None |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
Conchas Lake from the East. Merge onto I-40 W toward Albuquerque. Merge onto I-40-BL W/E Tucumcari Blvd/E Route 66 Blvd via EXIT 335 toward US-54 E/NM-104 S. Turn right onto S 1st St/NM-104 N. Turn slight right onto NM-433 N. Turn slight left. Just past NM-433 S. Conchas from the West. Merge onto I-40 E toward Santa Rosa.
| Nearest town | Conchas Dam, New Mexico |
| Coordinates | 35.3774° N, 104.1924° W · Directions ↗ |
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 32.9 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
Thousand Trails South Jetty Review | The Oregon Coast Campground We’d Return To
Other campgrounds nearby
On the National Register nearby
- Bell Ranch HeadquartersBuilding · Bell Ranch · 11.8 mi
Natural features
Conchas Lake does not allow hunting. Some of the many mammals seen in the area include Barbary sheep, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, beaver, badger, mountain lion, bobcat, porcupine, coyote, muskrat, raccoon, red fox, swift fox, black-tailed jackrabbit and desert cottontail. The lake also provides habitat for seasonal waterfowl as well. Canada goose, white-fronted goose, mallard, gadwall, pintail, teal, American widgeon, shoveller, redhead, ringed-neck duck, canvasback, lesser scaup, common golden-eye, bufflehead, ruddy duck, hooded merganser, common merganser, and the American coot are some of the birds spotted. On August 15, 2009, there was a rare sighting of a Blue-Footed Booby at Conchas Dam. Normally sighted on the Gulf of Mexico and farther south to Peru, the rare bird sighting was quickly confirmed by bird experts. This was the first sighting ever in New Mexico. Word traveled fast. Over 1,000 bird enthusiasts and curious visitors came to Conchas Lake from all over New Mexico and across the nation including Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Illinois, Washington, California, Connecticut, Montana, Ohio, Mississippi and Missouri to catch a glimpse of the rare bird.
Recreation
Camping The Southside Recreation Area Campground contains 20 primitive camp sites with water only, picnic shelter, grills, and fire pits. These sites are $10 per night. Water is available from April - November only. Fishing Conchas Lake provides excellent fishing. The lake is stocked by the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish with bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, and walleye. The lake is open all year to fishing. New Mexico fishing licenses and copies of fishing regulations are available from vendors throughout the state Water Sports Boating, sailing, and water skiing are all permitted at Conchas Lake. Boat launch ramps are available at the Corps-managed Southside Recreation Area. Fees are $5 per vehicle. This fee is covered by America the Beautiful Passes so please display pass on the dashboard of your vehicle. Fee can be paid using credit/debit card at our NEW electronic fee machine located outside of our Ranger Station building on the Southside. New Mexico State boating laws and Corps regulations apply to all boaters at Conchas Lake. Copies of all regulations are available at the U.S.
Guidebooks for New Mexico
We earn a small commission if you buy through these links. It does not change what we list.
Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at South Area Campground?
Sites at South Area Campground are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at South Area Campground?
Check-in 5:00 PM, checkout 3:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does South Area Campground have?
20 sites, including 20 standard sites without power.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I bring an RV to South Area Campground?
South Area Campground is listed for tents only.
Source: Recreation.gov
Does South Area Campground have hookups?
Yes, water hookups at some sites.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at South Area Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at South Area Campground. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at South Area Campground?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions.
Source: Recreation.gov
What is there to do at South Area Campground?
Camping The Southside Recreation Area Campground contains 20 primitive camp sites with water only, picnic shelter, grills, and fire pits. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to South Area Campground?
Conchas Dam, New Mexico.
Source: Getting there
What if South Area Campground is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Rocky Point Campground (36.6 mi, first-come), Mills Canyon Rim Campground (48.8 mi, first-come), and El Porvenir Campground (72.3 mi, first-come).
Source: Campgrounds nearby