
Leasburg Dam State Park
A peaceful desert oasis along the Rio Grande, offering shaded campsites and scenic trails for hiking and birdwatching.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Mild temperatures, fewer crowds

Leasburg Dam State Park
Best Time
Mild temperatures, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A peaceful desert oasis along the Rio Grande, offering shaded campsites and scenic trails for hiking and birdwatching.
"Lovely desert campground with great views and covered picnic table areas."

🚗 Easy RV Access
Many sites are pull-through, making it big-rig friendly. Water & electric hookups available.
🚶♀️ Scenic Hiking Trails
Explore trails along the river for beautiful views and a chance to spot wildlife.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Covered Campsites
Campground
Enjoy shaded picnic tables at your RV site, offering comfort even on hot desert days.

Rio Grande River Access
Trails near campground
Hike to the Rio Grande for scenic views and a refreshing dip in a small swim area.

Desert Scenery & Mountains
Throughout the park
Experience picturesque desert landscapes with stunning mountain backdrops.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Campsite Early
Understand Park Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy RV Access
Many sites are pull-through, making it big-rig friendly. Water & electric hookups available.
🚶♀️ Scenic Hiking Trails
Explore trails along the river for beautiful views and a chance to spot wildlife.
💰 Affordable Stays
Camping fees are budget-friendly, with sites costing around $14/night.
💧 Flush Toilets & Showers
Basic amenities are available, though shower cleanliness can vary.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy RV Access
Many sites are pull-through, making it big-rig friendly. Water & electric hookups available.
🚶♀️ Scenic Hiking Trails
Explore trails along the river for beautiful views and a chance to spot wildlife.
💰 Affordable Stays
Camping fees are budget-friendly, with sites costing around $14/night.
💧 Flush Toilets & Showers
Basic amenities are available, though shower cleanliness can vary.
🛶 Kayaking on the Rio Grande
Join guided kayaking trips for an adventurous way to experience the river.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Leasburg Dam State Park for its well-maintained, shaded campsites and peaceful atmosphere. The trails leading to the Rio Grande are a highlight, offering river access and a swim area. While some note that shower cleanliness can be inconsistent, the overall experience is highly positive, especially for RV campers seeking affordable and comfortable stays.
"This is a well maintained campground. Each RV site had a small shelter over the picnic table.
There are several trails for hiking around the campground. However, this particular park doesn't have access to the lake."
Penny Schaefer
"Large camp spots each spot comes with a covered table pavilion they do have flush toilets and showers but we were there a week and never saw them clean the showers."
Larry Brackley
"Lovely desert campground. Only stayed here on night passing through but the campground was great. Cement pad, water and electricity, covered picnic table, dump station. Everything we needed for one night. There is a trail by the campground that will take you to the Rio Grande with a little swim area.
Campground was nearly full but very quiet. Pretty surroundings with the mountains and river."
Cathy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Leasburg Dam State Park is conveniently located about 15-25 minutes north of Las Cruces, New Mexico. It's a short drive, making it an easy day trip or a great basecamp for exploring nearby attractions like White Sands National Park.
Public transport options are limited for reaching Leasburg Dam State Park. It's best accessed by private vehicle. Consider ride-sharing services if you're not driving.
From Las Cruces, take I-25 North and exit at Leasburg. Follow the signs to the park entrance. The park is well-marked from the highway.
Yes, there is ample parking available within the park, especially at the campground and trailheads.
Yes, day-use visitors are welcome to enjoy the park's trails and river access. There may be a day-use fee.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific entrance fees can vary, camping fees are generally affordable, around $14 per night for sites with hookups. Day-use fees may apply for non-campers.
The park is typically open year-round, but specific hours for facilities like restrooms and showers may vary. It's advisable to check the official New Mexico State Parks website for the most current information.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for RV sites with water and electricity, as they are popular and tend to fill up quickly.
Yes, you can typically book campsites online through the New Mexico State Parks reservation system. It's best to book in advance to secure your preferred spot.
The park occasionally hosts events like 'Ghost Stories around the Campfire,' offering unique experiences for visitors. Keep an eye on the park's schedule for upcoming activities.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy hiking on scenic trails, paddling or kayaking on the Rio Grande, bird watching, and camping. The park offers a peaceful desert escape.
While there isn't direct lake access from the campground, trails lead to the Rio Grande where you can find a small swim area.
Yes, there are several trails for hiking around the campground and leading to the Rio Grande, offering picturesque desert and river views.
Absolutely! The park's location along the Rio Grande makes it a great spot for bird watching, with various species to observe.
Yes, the Rio Grande offers opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding. Outdoor Recreation sometimes offers guided trips.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Leasburg Dam State Park does not have on-site restaurants or food services. It's recommended to bring your own food and supplies for camping and day visits.
The nearest dining options will be in the towns of Radium Springs or Las Cruces, which offer a variety of restaurants and cafes.
Campfires are generally permitted, but always check for current fire restrictions. Some events, like 'Ghost Stories around the Campfire,' are organized by the park.
Yes, most campsites come equipped with covered picnic tables, providing a comfortable spot for meals. There are also general picnic areas available.
Given the desert environment, consider bringing non-perishable items, plenty of water, and ingredients for easy-to-prepare meals. Grilling at your campsite is a popular option.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning desert landscapes, mountain vistas, and the Rio Grande river. The shaded campsites and river trails offer great photographic opportunities.
Landscape photography, wildlife photography (especially birds), and astrophotography (due to dark skies) are popular. The dramatic storm clouds are also a frequent subject.
The desert setting provides beautiful light for both sunrise and sunset. The mountains create a dramatic silhouette against the colorful sky.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A tripod is recommended for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits. Always check park regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Camping here is affordable and offers a chance for families to disconnect and enjoy the desert landscape. Remember to pack plenty of water and sun protection. While there aren't extensive playgrounds, the natural environment itself provides plenty of space for kids to explore and play.
🚐 RV Campers
With a dump station on-site, managing waste is convenient. The quiet atmosphere of the campground, even when busy, contributes to a relaxing experience. Booking well in advance is crucial, as these desirable sites are highly sought after.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
The park's relatively undeveloped nature allows for a more immersive experience in the natural environment. The combination of desert terrain and the riparian zone of the Rio Grande creates diverse habitats to discover.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping at Leasburg Dam State Park
While the park is named for the dam, it's important to note that direct lake access for swimming or boating is not available from the campground. Instead, trails lead to the Rio Grande River, where a small swim area can be found. This offers a refreshing alternative for water activities. The park's desert setting provides a unique camping experience, with mountain views adding to the scenic beauty.
Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for sites with hookups, as they are very popular and tend to fill up quickly. This ensures you secure a spot in this sought-after desert oasis. The park's affordability, with sites around $14 a night, makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.
Exploring the Rio Grande
For those seeking water activities, the Rio Grande offers opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding. While the river's flow can vary, it provides a refreshing escape, especially during the warmer months. A small swim area is accessible via the trails, offering a place to cool off. The presence of the river also supports a diverse range of bird species, making it a prime location for bird watching enthusiasts.
It's important to be aware of river conditions and safety. Always check local advisories before entering the water. The natural beauty of the Rio Grande, combined with the surrounding desert landscape, creates a unique and tranquil environment for exploration and recreation.
Photography Opportunities
The park is also a haven for wildlife photography, particularly for birdwatchers who can spot numerous species along the river. The changing storm clouds often create dramatic skies, adding an element of dynamism to landscape shots. Photographers can find unique perspectives from the hiking trails that meander through the park and along the riverbanks.
For those interested in capturing the night sky, the park's relatively remote location offers excellent stargazing opportunities. With minimal light pollution, the Milky Way can be a spectacular sight. Remember to bring appropriate gear, such as a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a tripod for low-light photography, to make the most of the photographic potential.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit