7 Best Lakeside Towns in New Mexico
The incredible landscapes of New Mexico combine in an alluring and enticing way, from rigorous and wild desert beauty to tranquil views of the water. While its lakes may be inviting to most outdoorsy people, the seven best lakeside towns in New Mexico make for genuinely memorable escapes. From indulging in southwestern flavor with green chile cheeseburgers in Youngsville or standing in awe at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument near Cochiti Lake, these lakeside New Mexican towns are ready to treat you.
Youngsville (Abiquiu Lake)
Youngsville offers visitors a low-key escape not too far from Abiquiu Lake, a phenomenal body of water enveloped by striking red rock hills that would serve as the inspiration for the famous artist Georgia O'Keeffe. This is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing for bass and walleye amidst the amazing open skies that change dramatically daily. It offers hiking trails, such as those in Red Wash Canyon, which traverses colorful cliffs lined with desert flora. Not far away, Ghost Ranch Education & Retreat Center offers a guided horseback ride through the very scenery O'Keeffe painted. This town nicely balances New Mexico's rich culture and modern art, as reflected in several Native American and Spanish-inspired local shops and galleries. At Bode's General Store, visitors can sample local specialties like green chile cheeseburgers and tamales, while the Purple Adobe Lavender Farm offers lavender desserts and tours. Those who love history should continue to nearby Plaza Blanca, a natural wonder of stunning white sandstone formations.
Caballo (Caballo Lake)
Caballo is a quiet little spot near Caballo Lake, deemed among the most beautiful in New Mexico, offering guests silent waters and a picturesque desert landscape. The lake attracts fans of watersports and fishing; the most common catches from the teeming waters include bass, catfish, and crappie. It is also a haven for birdwatching, as it is a destination for many migratory species of flyers. The namesake Caballo Lake State Park has nice campsites, picnic spots, and hiking paths. The peace of the place is reflected in the surrounding desert scenery. Caballo, as a town, is relaxed, easygoing, and slow. Plenty of tiny family-owned restaurants serve authentic Mexican and New Mexican food. If you are looking for a taste of the Old West, the smattering of small mining ghost towns around this area makes Caballo an attractive stop among New Mexico's towns.
Cochiti Pueblo (Cochiti Lake)
Cochiti Lake offers a wealth of lakeside activities and recreation, and it's less than an hour's drive from Santa Fe. It features crystal clear water with the dramatic Jemez Mountains towering in the backdrop. This lake is overseen as a managed reservoir, but that does not prevent the recreation that's possible, including kayaking, fishing, and paddleboarding. One of the attractions here is seeing the Cochiti Dam, one of the 10 largest dams in the country; it plays a crucial role in the Rio Grande watershed. Close by is Cochiti pueblo, a cultural hub that invites one to witness traditional arts, pottery, and feast days showcasing Native American heritage. There are popular attractions, like the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, with its unusual rock formations and slot canyons. Cochiti is friendly, with local cafes and shops where visitors can enjoy real Native American food and traditional crafts, thus making the area even more attractive, especially with popular eateries like the Stone Kiva Restaurant to visit.
Hobbs (Green Meadow Lake)
Green Meadow Lake may be small, but it provides plenty of water activities, such as boating and fishing. Located in the southeastern New Mexico desert, Hobbs is a popular destination for comfortable accommodation to enjoy all the amenities of this body of water. Boat owners are attracted by the fact that it's teeming with bass and catfish. Protected spaces and parks add to the attractiveness and versatility of the area, adding hiking, walking, and wildlife photography. Hobbs has become an entertaining city with unique attractions, such as the Western Heritage Museum & Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame, where people can learn about ranching history and cowboy life. For dining out, Tia Juana's Mexican Grille & Cantina serves traditional Mexican plates, while Ranchers Steakhouse & Buffet is famous for tasty cuts of meat.
Tucumcari (Conchas Lake)
To the nature lover, the tranquil waters of Conchas Lake, lying near Tucumcari, shouldn't be missed. Several coves and inlets, perfect for fishing, boating, and camping, ring the lake. Walleye, crappie, and bass are in ample supply, making this a favorite of fishermen. A network of trails in Conchas Lake State Park spreads out to allow broad views over this water's rugged cliffs and arid country surroundings, making it an attractive retreat on New Mexico's high plains. The style made famous by the older towns that once lined the historic Route 66 is still prevalent in this town. This community has many old, neon-lit signs, nostalgia-oozing motels, and even a Route 66 Museum to showcase the effect of this historic highway upon American culture. One can eat locally at Watson's BBQ, with its enormous portions, and score some quirky souvenirs at the TeePee Curios. Even if Conchas Lake is the star, Tucumcari provides an exciting mix of history and attractions.
Silver City (Lake Roberts)
With Gila National Forest (featuring nationally recognized attractions, including the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument) as its backdrop, Lake Roberts near Silver City offers relaxing access to fishing, canoeing, and wildlife observation. The lake is renowned for trout and catfish, and fishermen abound from all over the country to catch large creatures in its depths. It has campgrounds and clear trails leading to the Gila Wilderness, which offers hot springs, rugged landscapes, and wild beauty. Everything can be found in Silver City, from galleries, restaurants, and shops like Birdwell’s Little Quail Boutique or Little Toad Creek Brewery & Distillery. For those focused on the rich history of the community, begin at the Silver City Museum, which presents the town’s mining history. The small town enlivens considerably for the Silver City Blues Festival, held annually in May, offering live music, crafts, and local foods.
Bloomfield (Navajo Lake)
When you seek out Navajo Lake, you will not have to look hard to find Bloomfield nearby. The massive body of water is popular among boaters, kayakers, and fishermen for catching kokanee salmon and smallmouth bass. Nature lovers from the southwest are drawn to the park's decent campgrounds, hiking paths, and beautiful vistas. Those camping in the park or staying long enough for dusk can see one of the most breathtaking sunsets against the colorful desert landscape. When you head into the nearby community of Bloomfield, you will see that it is culturally rich. For instance, there are interesting old structures, remnants of the Ancestral Puebloans (Anasazi) at various places, such as Salmon Ruins and Heritage Park. In Bloomfield, small diners or cafes can be found where one may taste the local dishes, like those found at Grandma’s Kitchen Restaurant or Big Boys Burgers & BBQ.
Conclusion
From the quiet shores of Conchas Lake to the picturesque waters of Caballo Lake, each of New Mexico's lakeside or near-lake communities provides history, culture, entertainment, and eccentricity. Your journey exploring the lakes across the Land of Enchantment will bring you face to face with the classic nostalgia of Route 66 through Tucumcari to more rowdy annual events, like the Silver City Blues Festival. In many ways, lakeside towns in New Mexico provide a way to see a New Mexico that's often left out of typical travel guides.
