Map of Navajo Reservoir - New Mexico, New Mexico
bordeveloped sitenew mexico

Navajo Reservoir - New Mexico

Bureau of Reclamation · New Mexico

data verified May 2026 (1 day ago)

Overview

Navajo Reservoir is a large BOR impoundment in northwest New Mexico and southwest Colorado. The dam was completed in 1963 and holds water across nearly 23 square miles at full pool. The reservoir sits surrounded by arid, rugged terrain typical of the Four Corners region.

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Recreation at the reservoir is managed by New Mexico State Parks. Contact them at 505-632-2278 for current site-specific rules, fees, and access conditions. BOR reservoirs typically charge day-use and camping fees. Rates and policies vary by location and season.

The lake stretches 35 miles up the San Juan River. Additional arms reach up the Pine and Piedra rivers. Multiple boat ramps and marinas provide water access. Northern pike, catfish, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, and Kokanee salmon are present in the reservoir. Below the dam, the San Juan River flows about 4 and a half miles through state park land. Trophy rainbow trout fishing happens here under special regulations.

Three visitor centers are operated around the lake. Two are in New Mexico and one is in Colorado within Navajo State Park. Each contains exhibits on the dam's construction, local natural history, and Native American cultures.

The elevation is 6,085 feet. Surrounding scenery ranges from high desert shrubland to pinyon-juniper forest. Summers are warm and winters are cold, with potential snow.

Verify current rules, camping availability, and access conditions with New Mexico State Parks before arrival. Conditions and policies change. Data verified May 2026.

Plan your visit

  • Shelter type
    Developed site
  • Stay limit
    Verify with agency
  • Fee
    Free
  • Best for
    RV and tent camping

Access

drive-in
regular vehicle access
walk-in
short walk from parking
hike-in
backcountry, multi-hour trek

Features

for campers
  • toiletsunknown
  • potable waterunknown
  • fire ringsunknown
  • picnic tablesunknown
  • trash serviceunknown
for vehicles
  • dump stationunknown
  • hookupsunknown
  • pull-through sitesunknown
  • rv length infounknown
  • paved accessunknown
Bureau of Reclamation camping rules
reservoir-area camping rules, usually fee-based.

Conditions and access

coordinates
36.81409, -107.61317
AgencyBureau of Reclamationreported May 2026TypeDeveloped sitereported May 2026StateNew Mexicoreported May 2026

Nearby sites

drive time from nearby cities

drive times from NM cities populate once the mapbox directions ingest runs in phase d. expect 5 nearest cities within 250 miles.

Questions about Navajo Reservoir - New Mexico

Is camping at Navajo Reservoir free?
No. Navajo Reservoir is managed by New Mexico State Parks and charges fees for camping and day-use. Rates vary by location and season. Contact New Mexico State Parks at 505-632-2278 to confirm current fees and availability before you arrive.
How long can you camp at Navajo Reservoir?
Stay limits depend on the specific campground or area within the reservoir. New Mexico State Parks manages recreation here. Contact them at 505-632-2278 for exact rules on your intended site.
Do you need a reservation to camp at Navajo Reservoir?
Yes. Navajo Reservoir is a developed site managed by New Mexico State Parks. Reservations or permits are typically required, though policies vary by campground. Contact New Mexico State Parks at 505-632-2278 to check availability and book ahead.
Is there water at Navajo Reservoir camping areas?
Water availability varies by campground. Most developed campgrounds at Navajo Reservoir have water service, but specific sites may differ. Contact New Mexico State Parks at 505-632-2278 to confirm water access at the area where you plan to camp.
What are the road and vehicle access conditions at Navajo Reservoir?
The reservoir sits at 6,085 feet elevation in high desert terrain near Farmington, New Mexico. Most areas are accessible by standard vehicle. Winters can bring snow and may affect access. Contact New Mexico State Parks at 505-632-2278 to confirm current road conditions and any seasonal restrictions.
Is Navajo Reservoir open year-round for camping?
The three visitor centers operate year-round. Camping availability and seasonal closures depend on the specific campground. Winters at 6,085 feet can bring snow and impact access. Contact New Mexico State Parks at 505-632-2278 for current camping seasons and availability.

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