Set against the rugged beauty of the northern Chihuahuan Desert, Caballo Lake State Park is a prime destination for horse campers looking to experience the wide-open spaces and fascinating history of southern New Mexico. Located on the shores of Caballo Lake, this unique state park offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and rich cultural heritage. Named for the Caballo Mountains—where wild horses once roamed—the park is a tranquil oasis in an otherwise arid desert landscape.
A Historical and Natural Treasure
Caballo Lake, a reservoir on the Rio Grande, was created in the 1930s as part of the New Deal Program, transforming this desert region into a year-round recreational paradise. The area surrounding the lake is rich with both natural and cultural history, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the geological formations and ancient life preserved in the sedimentary layers around the lake. Evidence of prehistoric plant life, ancient faunal remains, and human habitation dating back thousands of years adds a deep sense of history to the park.
The desert mountain ranges around Caballo Lake provide a striking contrast to the sparkling waters of the reservoir, making this a perfect spot for horseback riding, hiking, and exploring New Mexico’s captivating wilderness.
Horse Camping and Equestrian Trails
For horse campers, Caballo Lake State Park offers the ideal setting to explore the vast desert landscape and rolling mountains on horseback. The park features horseback riding trails that allow visitors to venture out and enjoy the diverse terrain, from rocky trails to gentle slopes with views of the Rio Grande Valley.
The park’s facilities are well-suited for equestrians, with camping areas offering electric hook-ups, group shelters, showers, and R.V. pull-through sites. Whether you're bringing a tent or an RV, Caballo Lake State Park provides everything needed for a comfortable stay, including restrooms, dump stations, and access to fresh water. Horse campers can relax after a day on the trail with the peace of mind that their horses are well taken care of in this welcoming environment.
Year-Round Recreation
Open year-round, Caballo Lake State Park is a favorite destination for those seeking adventure and relaxation. In addition to its horseback riding opportunities, the park offers a wide variety of recreational activities, from boating and fishing on Caballo Lake to hiking and nature walks along the desert trails. Boat ramps make it easy for visitors to launch kayaks or boats for a peaceful day on the water, while picnic areas and playgrounds make it a family-friendly destination.
Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy casting their lines into the lake, which is known for its abundance of fish species, making it a great spot for anglers of all skill levels. After a day of activity, the park's group shelters and scenic viewpoints provide an ideal place to relax and take in the surrounding beauty of the Caballo Mountains.
Rich Cultural History
Exploring Caballo Lake State Park also offers a fascinating look into the area's ancient past. The surrounding desert is not only home to diverse wildlife and flora but also holds plant fossils and faunal remains that provide a glimpse into life millions of years ago. Human history is just as rich here, with evidence of civilizations that lived along the Rio Grande Valley thousands of years ago.
The park's Visitor Center is an excellent starting point for learning more about the park’s history, geology, and unique ecosystem. Visitors can deepen their understanding of the area's significance while enjoying the park's many recreational offerings.
Plan Your Stay
Whether you're an avid horse camper or simply looking to explore the serene beauty of southern New Mexico, Caballo Lake State Park is a destination you won’t want to miss. With its well-maintained equestrian trails, rich cultural heritage, and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, it offers something for everyone.
Facilities and Amenities at Caballo Lake State Park
- Developed sites
- Electric hookups
- Water
- RV Dump station
- Restrooms
- Showers and vault toilets
- Visitor exhibits
- Equestrian trails
- Equestrian campsites
Cost Details:
- Call for details
Notes:
- Caballo Lake State Park is open all year, with the exception of those areas which are seasonally closed, or those areas or facilities which are closed temporarily for maintenance or safety purposes.
- The office is generally open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
- Gates Open 24/7
- Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM – 7:00 AM
- Contact Details: 575-743-3942 and abdon.aguirre@emnrd.nm.gov
If you want to discover and explore other campsites and horse trails, here are some of them that you may visit:
Dona Ana, New Mexico - Picacho Peak Via Box Canyon Loop Trail
Apache Kid Wilderness - San Mateo Peak via Apache Kid Trail (#43)
Caballo Lake State Park requires reservations for overnight accommodations. For more information, please visit their page on Top Horse Trails - Caballo Lake State Park