🌤 Weather at Bottomless Lakes State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32–86 °F | 60–96 °F | 29–87 °F | 21–62 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Bitter Lakes Wl Refuge, 12 mi away, elevation 3,664 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Official Guide: Bottomless Lakes State Park — New Mexico’s first state park (est. 1933), located southeast of Roswell — featuring nine deep, spring-fed sinkholes (cenotes) ranging from 17 to 90 feet deep, swimming and scuba diving at Lea Lake (the largest), year-round camping (tent + RV), desert hiking trails with panoramic Pecos Valley views, and striking blue-green waters set against dramatic red bluffs.
Bottomless Lakes State Park holds the distinction of being New Mexico’s first state park, established in 1933. Despite its name, the lakes aren’t actually bottomless — the illusion was created when 19th-century cowboys couldn’t reach the bottom with their ropes, and the deep blue-green color from aquatic plants reinforced the mystery. The park’s nine sinkholes are fed by underground springs and set against striking red sandstone bluffs, creating an otherworldly desert landscape.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | ~15 miles SE of Roswell, NM |
| Established | 1933 — New Mexico’s first state park |
| Lakes | 9 sinkholes (cenotes) — 17 to 90 ft deep |
| Swimming | Lea Lake only — sandy beach, seasonal lifeguards |
| Camping | Year-round — Lea Lake + Lower Lakes campgrounds |
| Scuba | Permitted at Lea Lake — unique sinkhole diving |
The Lakes
| Lake | Details |
|---|---|
| Lea Lake | Largest — swimming, scuba, non-motorized boating, beach |
| Devil’s Inkwell | Fishing allowed — stocked seasonally (Mar–Nov) |
| Pasture Lake | Fishing allowed — stocked seasonally |
| Other Lakes | Viewing only — no swimming or fishing |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Swimming | Lea Lake — sandy beach, pavilion, seasonal lifeguards |
| Scuba Diving | Lea Lake — unique cenote diving, good visibility |
| Kayaking/SUP | Lea Lake — non-motorized only |
| Fishing | Devil’s Inkwell + Pasture Lake only — NOT Lea Lake |
| Hiking | Red Bluff, Wetlands Boardwalk, Skidmarks, Desert Uplands Loop |
| Camping | Lea Lake CG (hookups, showers) + Lower Lakes (primitive) |
| Bird Watching | Wetlands Boardwalk — excellent for birding |
Trails
| Trail | Details |
|---|---|
| Red Bluff Trail | 2–3 mi round trip — panoramic Pecos Valley + sinkhole views |
| Wetlands Boardwalk | ~0.5 mi — accessible, birding, wildlife |
| Skidmarks Trail | 3+ mi — hiking + mountain biking, moderate |
| Desert Uplands Loop | ~1 mi — elevated views of lakes + desert flora |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the lakes actually bottomless?
No — the lakes range from 17 to 90 feet deep. The “bottomless” legend originated when 19th-century cowboys couldn’t reach the bottom with their ropes. The deep blue-green color caused by aquatic plants and algae reinforced the illusion of infinite depth.
Can I fish at Lea Lake?
No — fishing is NOT permitted at Lea Lake. Fishing is only allowed at Devil’s Inkwell and Pasture Lake, which are stocked seasonally from March through November.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Brantley Lake State Park (elsewhere in the state) and Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park (elsewhere in the state).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for New Mexico state parks online at newmexicostateparks.reserveamerica.com.
⛺ Camping at Bottomless Lakes State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Lea Lake Campground: 32 sites with hookups (6 full hookup, 26 water/electric). Lower Lakes Area: 10 developed sites, vault toilets. No stated park-wide total or RV length limit. |
|---|---|
| Reservations | newmexicostateparks.reserveamerica.com; no fee amounts stated. |
| Special sites | Group shelters at Lea Lake campground and day-use area; 24 picnic shelters; Historic Lea Lake Pavilion; seasonal pedal boat/paddleboard/lifejacket rentals (Memorial Day–Labor Day). Fishing not permitted at Lea Lake — only at Devil's Ink Well and Pasture Lake (stocked Mar–Nov). |
| Season notes | No cabins/yurts, pet policy, or water shut-off/winter service info stated. |
Camping questions about Bottomless Lakes State Park
Can you camp at Bottomless Lakes State Park?
Lea Lake Campground: 32 sites with hookups (6 full hookup, 26 water/electric). Lower Lakes Area: 10 developed sites, vault toilets. No stated park-wide total or RV length limit.
How do you reserve a campsite at Bottomless Lakes State Park?
newmexicostateparks.reserveamerica.com; no fee amounts stated.
Source: emnrd.nm.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Bottomless Lakes State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed at most New Mexico state parks and must be on a leash at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash required at all times, maximum 10 feet in length
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Only service dogs are allowed at Rio Grande Nature Center and Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Parks; pets may not be left unattended
Are dogs allowed at Bottomless Lakes State Park?
Pets are allowed at most New Mexico state parks and must be on a leash at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via emnrd.nm.gov. More: New Mexico state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Bottomless Lakes State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
