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Bottomless Lakes
Overview
Bottomless Lakes State Park offers a striking contrast to the surrounding New Mexico desert. Established in 1933 as the state’s first state park, it protects a unique chain of nine deep cenotes that appear bottomless due to their intense greenish-blue color. These sinkholes, created by collapsing underground caves, range from 17 to 90 feet deep. They create a vibrant aquatic environment in an otherwise arid landscape, making it a refreshing and fascinating stop for travelers exploring the Pecos River Valley.
Location & Surroundings
Located just 14 miles southeast of Roswell, NM, the park is beautifully nestled against high red sandstone bluffs. The transition from the flat desert plains to these sudden, deep pools of water is visually stunning and geologically significant. Visitors are surrounded by Chihuahuan Desert scrub, offering wide-open horizons and spectacular New Mexico sunsets. The remote feel of the park provides a quiet atmosphere and excellent opportunities for stargazing once the sun sets over the nearby rugged mesas.
Amenities & Park Features
The Lea Lake Campground is the primary hub for RV travelers, providing the most convenient access to the water. Most sites are equipped with 30 and 50 amp electrical hookups along with fresh water connections. The park features well-maintained restroom facilities and hot showers, ensuring a comfortable experience for those staying several days. A central dump station is available for waste management, and the paved pads are designed to accommodate various rig sizes while offering scenic views of the surrounding bluffs.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy swimming and non-motorized boating in the clear waters of Lea Lake, which remains a popular spot for kayaking and paddleboarding. For a truly unique experience, it is one of the few places in the state that allows scuba diving in its deep cenotes. Beyond the park, the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell provides a fun cultural excursion, while the nearby Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers a sanctuary for migratory birds and local wildlife.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal destination for nature-focused RVers who prioritize scenic beauty and a quiet, natural atmosphere over resort-style commercial amenities. It is perfect for families who enjoy water-based recreation and travelers eager to explore the unique geological wonders of the Southwest. If you are looking for a peaceful home base that balances outdoor adventure with proximity to the quirky attractions of Roswell, this state park offers a memorable and budget-friendly stay.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
User Reviews
B K
Exceeded all my expectations. The rangers at the visitor center were very friendly and gave us good information and the small museum / information area over there was very helpful in understanding the history and geology of the area. The pools were fantastic and were very easily accessible. We did a day trip, but would love to camp here someday. You need to get a 10$ day pass either with cash or online (QR code available at site).
Travis Dotson
It may have been due to visiting near the end of the season, but the area appeared somewhat run-down. Several buildings had broken windows, and both the restroom and play area were infested with wasps. The highlight of the visit was the beautiful view of the lake framed by striking red cliffs. We also discovered another lake within the park; however, it was mostly dried up and had a noticeable sulfur odor.
Texas Wanderer
My family and I had a wonderful time camping here! We stayed in a tent at the campground and really enjoyed how spacious it was. We booked a site with electric and water hookups, plus our spot included a picnic table and some nice shade. The restroom and shower facilities were clean and the showers had good pressure and plenty of hot water, which was soothing after a long day outdoors. During our stay, the campground was peaceful, with everyone keeping to themselves and no noisy campers around. The only odd thing was that someone (likely a park employee) decided to use a leaf blower at 5am, circling the park and waking everyone up. That was definitely unexpected! Other than that, the park itself is absolutely beautiful and full of scenic trails, rocky canyons, and great photo opportunities for anyone who loves nature and wildlife. The lakes are clear and refreshing, with designated swimming areas. We also saw park rangers making their rounds, keeping everything in check, which made us feel safe. We enjoyed our stay and highly recommend visiting or camping here, especially in the Fall season.
A L
This was a nice, quiet park to stay in while we visited the Roswell area. There is a Camp Host, and Bathrooms were attended to daily. Each site had a standing charcoal grill just outside of a covered picnic table. There was a nice boardwalk across the street, and the lake/ beach were empty (we stayed during the week M-W) Also, there was dispersed camping outside of the Lea Lake Campground, near the Visitor Center. We did not go into the visitor center though! A good place to stay for travelers needing some rest :)
Patrick Nugent
We went during the week on a Tuesday. It was empty for the most part. Very pleasant and quiet. We picked a shaded picnic area and spent 4 hrs just enjoying the scenery and cool water of Lea lake. It was a 90° day but the breeze was perfect! Amazing geology!