Clayton Lake State Park combines lakeside camping, one of North America’s best dinosaur trackways, and an International Dark-Sky designation with an on-site observatory.
This rare gem is a perfect overnight (or week-long) stop for folks traveling through the Four-Corners-meets-Plains country. You’ll find the park approximately 11–15 miles north of Clayton, NM.
Why RVers love Clayton Lake
First: the sky. Clayton Lake State Park is one of New Mexico’s premier dark-sky parks. It has low light pollution, periodic star parties timed with the new moon, and an observatory that lets you park your rig and later look through the telescope with fellow sky lovers.
Second: variety. During the day, you can walk the short boardwalk to view hundreds of dinosaur footprints preserved on the spillway, paddle the 170-acre lake, troll for trout and bass (seasonal fishing rules apply), or stretch your legs on short interpretive trails.
Amenities at Clayton Lake State Park
• Campsites and hookups: The park lists about 27 sites across loops (Cove, Peach Point, South, etc.). Some Cove sites offer electric and limited water hookups; many sites are non-electric. Don’t assume full-hookup service (water/sewer) at every spot.
• Restrooms and showers: Modern restrooms and showers are available in the park.
• Reservations and fees: Reservation booking and pricing (camping $15–$20 typical; daily entrance $5–$10) are handled through New Mexico State Parks/ReserveAmerica. (You’ll want to reserve ahead during peak season.)
• Cell service: This is rural northeastern New Mexico, so you can expect spotty cell coverage in the park and while driving between Clayton and larger towns. (Tip: Download maps and directions before you leave cell range.)
Full hookups nearby
Here are two campgrounds that offer full hookups for RVs within a short driving distance of the Clayton Lake State Park.
• Clayton RV Park. In addition to full hookups, this park offers RVers close proximity to local restaurants and coffee shops, a dog run, Wi-Fi, and a shower house.
• Coyote Keeth’s RV Park. The park has full hookups for RVers. You’ll also enjoy the large, level campsites with great sunset views, good fishing opportunities, and even onsite horse stalls!
No matter where you stay, don’t miss the Top of Texas Country Store and its freshly baked pies.
Things to do
• Walk the Dinosaur Trackway. This elevated boardwalk leads to the spillway, where hundreds of dinosaur tracks are visible. The best light for photos is early morning or late afternoon.
• Water time. The lake supports fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and small boats (trolling speeds only). Boat ramps and launch areas are available.
• Trails and birding. The park’s short interpretive trails and grasslands provide birding opportunities. Bring your binoculars.
• Observatory and star parties. The park hosts star parties (often around the new moon) and has a public 14-inch telescope at the Lake Observatory. Check the park calendar for scheduled events.
Services and side trips
Clayton (roughly a 15-minute drive south from the state park) is the small hub for groceries, diesel, restaurants, motels, and RV services. It also has local culture and quick side trips:
• Herzstein Memorial Museum: The museum contains local history and rotating exhibits.
• Luna (Mission) Theater: This restored historic theater still screens films on weekends.
• Capulin Volcano National Monument: This dramatic cinder cone with rim drives and short hikes provides a popular day trip from Clayton. (Allow a couple of hours.)
Practical tips
• Bring extra water and power options (solar, generator, or full batteries) if you plan to stay at the state park.
• Layer up for nighttime adventures. High desert temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Stargazing is best when you can bundle up with a jacket or blanket.
• Plan stargazing nights as you book your reservations. Check new moon dates and the park’s star party schedule if you want telescope time. Arrive before dark to secure your site and set up.
• Respect the tracks and signage. The boardwalk protects the fossils. Follow posted rules to help preserve the site for others.
Have you visited Clayton Lake State Park? Tell us about your experience using the comments below.
MORE NEW MEXICO TRAVEL:
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- Driving New Mexico’s 84-mile Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway
- Where to find the BEST green chile cheeseburger in New Mexico
- Fantastic RVing at New Mexico’s historic Pancho Villa State Park
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RVT1228
Great find Gail. Tnx.
Coyote Keith’s is a great RV park that was 100% self serve when we spent a week there. Clean, level and well spaced with room for the big rigs. Clayton State Park is as peaceful as it’s beautiful with lots of rustic sites and a handful of W/E sites. The local grocery store is cool to visit but there’s one more place worth a stop – The Clayton airport. Yep, the little regional airport is a living time capsule. The guy that works the radio at the airport is a wealth of local knowledge and happy to show you the operation.
Wow, it sounds great! Thanks for recommending it, Vince.
Thank you, Gail for the information. Again, your thorough description is compelling and adds to the reasons for a multi-week RV trip to Arizona and New Mexico sometime in the future. Have a great day and safe travels!