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Santa Cruz Lake Recreation Area

Thirty miles north of Santa Fe, New Mexico, the snow-fed waters of the Rio del Medio and the Rio Frijoles begin a 2,000-mile journey and a 7,000-foot descent to the Gulf of Mexico. For a time they gather at Santa Cruz Lake at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains near Chimayo, behind the 125-foot Santa Cruz Dam. Built in 1929 by the Santa Cruz Irrigation District, the dam is 535 feet across and 90 feet deep at the overflowing spillway. The lake covers 121 surface acres with water in the…

  • State: New Mexico
  • Managed by: Bureau of Land Management
  • Coordinates: 35.98050000000006, -105.91441999999995

Nearby & related campgrounds

  • Santa Cruz Lake Recreation Area Day Use
  • Espanola Ranger District
  • Atalaya- Lower Trailhead
  • National Trails Office Regions 6, 7, & 8
  • Los Alamos Visitor Center
  • Juniper Campground (NM)
  • Aden Hills Off-Highway Vehicle Area
  • Angel Peak Scenic Area
  • Cabezon Wilderness Study Area
  • Cebolla Wilderness Area
  • Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway
  • Continental Divide National Scenic Trail
  • El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail
  • El Malpais National Conservation Area

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Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Cruz Lake Recreation Area reservable?

Santa Cruz Lake Recreation Area is primarily first-come, first-served. Use the availability view to gauge how busy it is before you go.

Where is Santa Cruz Lake Recreation Area?

Santa Cruz Lake Recreation Area is located in New Mexico. See the map for its exact location and directions.

How do I book a campsite at Santa Cruz Lake Recreation Area?

Pick your dates on the availability calendar, then reserve through the official booking link. You can also set an alert and we'll notify you if a sold-out date opens up.

Check campsite availability