Navajo Lake State Park is New Mexico’s second-largest lake, spanning 35 miles into Colorado with over 150 miles of shoreline. Located 40 miles east of Farmington, this 15,600-acre reservoir is a Four Corners destination for world-class fishing, camping, and water sports, supported largely through the full-service Navajo Lake Marina.

A mere 30 miles east of Farmington, New Mexico, you’ll find Navajo Lake State Park, a true haven offering water sports, camping, fishing, hiking, history, and family-friendly water activities for your next New Mexican vacation.

Dreaming of a seamless camping and boating getaway? Looking for the best New Mexico fishing spots? Wondering where to camp where you can enjoy a wide range of lakeside activities? Navajo Lake State Park? 

Look no further than Navajo Lake, home to the exceptional Navajo Lake Marina. Considered one of the finest watersports marinas in the region, this spot is your one-stop shop for outdoor fun in the Four Corners.

Navajo Lake Marina takes care of the details so you can focus on relaxation and enjoyment. Secure your boat in a convenient slip or easily rent a watercraft and stock up on fuel and supplies. Plus, with the largest selection of powered and non-powered boat rentals in the state, Navajo Lake Marina will help you find the perfect craft for your adventure.

About Navajo Lake

Navajo Lake, New Mexico’s second-largest, stretches over 35 miles within the state and extends approximately five miles into Colorado. With 165 miles of shoreline and depths nearing 400 feet (wondering how deep is Navajo Lake? That’s your answer!), this impressive recreational paradise offers some of the region’s best boating, fishing, hiking, and camping at the Navajo Dam recreation area.

Day users or overnight campers will find family-friendly trails for hiking and biking as well as challenging trails for the more experienced. You can also explore the backcountry, add to your birdwatching list (165 species of birds have been sighted at the state park), or just marvel at the sight of wildlife in its natural habitat (perfect things to do with kids at Navajo Lake!).

The lake offers panoramic views of pristine shorelines and lands covered in piñon, juniper, and cottonwood bosques, making it a standout among New Mexico vacation destinations.

Many areas within Navajo Lake State Park are wheelchair accessible so everyone can join in on the fun.

Navajo Lake History

Long before Navajo Lake existed, this area was home to various Native American groups stretching back thousands of years. Archaeological evidence shows that Paleo-Indians were here as early as 9,000 B.C.E., followed by the Archaic people, Ancestral Puebloans, and later the Navajo, Ute, and Jicarilla Apache.

The Navajo people have a lasting connection to this region, having lived in the area for centuries. You can still find traces of their early settlements, like cool arrowheads, pottery, and the remains of their homes, called hogans or rock shelters (but leave what you find in place because it is illegal to take anything from a state park). They were skilled hunters and farmers, living off the land.

A significant event in Navajo history was their forced relocation to Fort Sumner in eastern New Mexico in 1864. This was a difficult time, and many lives were lost. However, the Navajo people persevered and returned to their homeland around the San Juan Basin in 1868.

Spanish and other European settlers came to the area, leaving behind trails, ranches, and homesteads from the 1800s. The old ghost town of Rosa, which dates back to the early 19th century, is now underwater, having been flooded when Navajo Lake was created. It’s just one of several historical sites hidden beneath the lake’s surface.

Navajo Lake State Park was established in 1962 when the Bureau of Reclamation completed the Navajo Dam, one of the largest earthen dam structures in the country. It backs up the San Juan and Pine rivers, and when full, the reservoir impounds 15,600 acres of surface water.

The Full-Service Navajo Lake Marina

Experience the best of Navajo Lake at Navajo Lake Marina, a top-tier boating facility in New Mexico. Can you rent boats at Navajo Lake? Yes! Rent top-notch boats, like pontoon boats, and other motorboats, and find all the necessary fuel and supplies for enjoying the lake’s clear and sparkling blue waters.

Near Navajo Lake Marina you’ll also find a visitor center, interpretive exhibits, developed campgrounds, and a day-use area. Adding to the appeal are the exceptional Navajo Lake houseboats rentals for an unparalleled on-the-water experience.

Camping to Meet Everyone’s Needs

Navajo Lake, its Navajo Lake campground, and its first-class marina are the haven for everyone seeking an outdoor adventure, including excellent New Mexico RV camping options.

The shores of Navajo Lake are dotted with campgrounds, ensuring ample options with picnic tables, accessible restrooms, and in some cases, cozy cabins. You’ll find ample opportunity to relax on a beach, boat or fish, hit hiking and mountain biking trails, spot wildlife, ride horses, or just splash around in the water!

Along its 150 miles of shoreline are seven state-managed campgrounds with 244 developed campsites and primitive sites along the beach, ideal for group camping.

Campsites around the lake vary in amenities. While many offer electric and sewage hookups, primitive sites provide only cleared areas. Per-night camping fees range from $10 to $45, depending on the services you choose.

Park amenities include restrooms with water, showers, water toilets, and vault toilets. How to reserve a campsite at Navajo Lake? It’s simple, just reserve your campsite in advance through the New Mexico State Parks reservation system.

At night, settle back and be mesmerized by star-filled skies unlike any you see in the city. In winter, when snow covers the ground, you can even snowshoe and cross-country ski at Navajo Lake State Park.

Safe to Swim

Is swimming allowed in Navajo Lake? Absolutely! For those seeking to cool off, Navajo Lake offers numerous safe swimming areas. More adventurous visitors can explore the underwater world with scuba diving, perhaps even encountering a northern pike up close.

World-Class Fishing Abound

Wondering about the best time to fish at Navajo Lake? While fishing is excellent year-round, spring and fall typically offer the best catches. 

Wonder which fish you can catch in Navajo Lake? The lake is teeming with variety! Navajo Lake is a renowned fishing destination, yielding impressive catches of crappie, Kokanee salmon, northern pike, and both large and smallmouth bass, as well as bluegill and catfish. Anglers regularly hook trophy-sized smallmouth bass, northern pike, and Kokanee salmon.

Downstream from the dam, the San Juan River offers excellent fly fishing for rainbow and brown trout. Notably, a 4.25-mile stretch of the river is designated “Quality Waters,” a special catch-and-release area that attracts anglers globally, known for its trout averaging over 17 inches. For the best experience, consider hiring Navajo Lake fishing guides who know all the hotspots.

You can conveniently buy your fishing license online. 

Directions to Navajo Lake Marina

Navajo Lake is located approximately 40 miles east of Farmington, New Mexico. To get there, take US Highway 64 east and then turn north onto New Mexico Highway 511.

Navajo Lake State Park FAQ – Four Corners Outdoor Adventure

Head to Navajo Lake!

This land has witnessed countless adventures, etched into its history by those who camped, hiked, and fished here before. Now, it’s your turn to become part of that story. Create your own unforgettable memories at Navajo Lake, one of the top Four Corners tourism destinations.

While you’re there, visit Navajo Lake Marina for the state’s largest selection of powered and non-powered rentals (including houseboats), plus all the fuel, supplies, expert advice, and information you need to have an amazing time on your New Mexico lake vacation!