Sumner Lake State Park

Sumner Lake State Park sprawls across 6,700 acres of eastern New Mexico high desert, where the Pecos River backs up behind Sumner Dam to create a striking blue reservoir carved into red sandstone bluffs. Located in De Baca County, roughly 16 miles northwest of Fort Sumner, the park offers a genuine escape from crowds — this is not a destination overrun by tourists, and that solitude is part of its appeal.

The lake itself is the main draw. Anglers come for walleye, largemouth bass, catfish, and white bass, with walleye fishing particularly productive in spring and fall. Boating is popular across the reservoir’s 4,500 surface acres, and designated swim beaches give families a place to cool off during New Mexico’s hot summers. The surrounding terrain rewards hikers and wildlife watchers with views of mesas, arroyos, and occasional sightings of mule deer, pronghorn, and roadrunners.

The park offers developed campgrounds with electric hookups, restrooms, and sheltered picnic areas, as well as primitive camping spots closer to the water for those who prefer a quieter setup. RVs are welcome at several sites.

Visit between April and October for the best weather, though spring and early fall strike the ideal balance — warm days, cool nights, and fewer visitors than the peak summer months. Summers regularly push past 95°F, so plan water activities accordingly.

Sumner Lake rewards travelers willing to venture off the interstate. It is uncrowded, unpretentious, and unmistakably New Mexican.

Explore Nearby

• Santa Fe National Forest — National Forest in New Mexico
• Lincoln National Forest — National Forest in New Mexico
• Navajo Nation Transportation Development Committee — Scenic Byway in New Mexico
• Bureau of Land Management Back Country Byway — Scenic Byway in New Mexico
• The Organ Mountains Wilderness Area — Public Land in New Mexico