Clayton Lake State Park sits on 471 acres in Union County, tucked into the high plains of northeastern New Mexico where the landscape opens up into vast grasslands and volcanic mesas. The park centers around Clayton Lake, a small reservoir fed by Seneca Creek that draws anglers chasing rainbow trout, channel catfish, and bass — particularly productive in spring and early fall when the water temperatures are ideal.

What sets Clayton Lake apart is its world-class dinosaur trackway. Over 500 fossilized footprints from at least eight different dinosaur species are preserved in a sandstone layer near the lake’s spillway, dating back roughly 100 million years to the Cretaceous period. An elevated boardwalk lets visitors walk directly above the tracks, with interpretive signs identifying each species. It’s one of the most accessible and well-preserved trackways in North America.

The park’s remote location also makes it exceptional for stargazing. Designated a Dark Sky Park, Clayton Lake offers some of the darkest skies in New Mexico, with regular astronomy programs and a small observatory on-site. The Milky Way is visible to the naked eye on clear nights.

Camping facilities include both developed sites with electric hookups and primitive spots closer to the lake. The campground is modest but well-maintained, with restrooms and a small picnic area.

Visit in late spring through early fall for the best combination of mild weather, fishing conditions, and clear night skies. Winter brings cold winds off the high plains, though the solitude has its own appeal.

Explore Nearby

• Clayton Lake State Park — Dark Sky Site in New Mexico
• Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in North Carolina
• Talimena Scenic Drive — Scenic Byway in Arkansas
• Ouachita National Forest — National Forest in Arkansas, Oklahoma