Bottomless Lakes State Park
Discover New Mexico's first state park, a desert oasis featuring unique sinkhole lakes perfect for swimming, kayaking, and exploring.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Bottomless Lakes State Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover New Mexico's first state park, a desert oasis featuring unique sinkhole lakes perfect for swimming, kayaking, and exploring.
"A beautiful natural lake against the red rock cliffs, a great family swimming hole."
🚗 Entrance Fee Details
There's a $10 per car entrance fee, even if you're just passing through. Plan accordingly!
☀️ Beat the Desert Sun
New Mexico is hot! Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and hats. Shaded picnic areas are a lifesaver.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lea Lake
Lea Lake Recreation Area
The main swimming spot, perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot New Mexico day. Rent a paddleboard or just relax by the water.
Devil's Inkwell
Devil's Inkwell
A deep, dark sinkhole lake offering a glimpse into the park's unique geological formations. Great for photos!
Lazy Lagoon
Lazy Lagoon
The first of the 'bottomless' lakes, this cenote showcases the park's sinkhole origins. A beautiful, serene spot.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Unique Geology & Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Entrance Fee Details
There's a $10 per car entrance fee, even if you're just passing through. Plan accordingly!
☀️ Beat the Desert Sun
New Mexico is hot! Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and hats. Shaded picnic areas are a lifesaver.
🏊♀️ Swimming Spot
Lea Lake is the primary swimming area. The water can be surprisingly cold, even on hot days! 
🛶 Water Rentals Available
Rent paddleboards, pedal boats, and life jackets during the summer months for fun on the water.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Entrance Fee Details
There's a $10 per car entrance fee, even if you're just passing through. Plan accordingly!
☀️ Beat the Desert Sun
New Mexico is hot! Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and hats. Shaded picnic areas are a lifesaver.
🏊♀️ Swimming Spot
Lea Lake is the primary swimming area. The water can be surprisingly cold, even on hot days!
🛶 Water Rentals Available
Rent paddleboards, pedal boats, and life jackets during the summer months for fun on the water.
🥾 Trail Safety for Kids
Stick to well-marked trails, especially with small children. Some areas are for viewing only.
🦟 Nighttime Critters
Be aware of flying insects, like cockroaches, at night.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Bottomless Lakes State Park for its unique geological formations and refreshing swimming opportunities at Lea Lake, calling it a beautiful desert oasis. However, some find the park's amenities lacking and the entrance fee steep, with one reviewer noting the sand is muddy and not recommending swimming.
"We went during the week on a Tuesday. It was empty for the most part. Very pleasant and quiet. We picked a shaded picnic area and spent 4 hrs just enjoying the scenery and cool water of Lea lake. It was a 90° day but the breeze was perfect! Amazing geology!"
Patrick Nugent
"We called to see what the chances were there was a spot open for just one night. We got lucky and were pleasantly surprised by this cute tucked away spot. A very desert appeal with a beautiful natural lake against the red rock cliffs. A great family swimming hole and we’ll walk the short mile hike this morning."
Marsha Green
"It's a place that looks beautiful from a distance, but when you get there, it's not. Entrance costs $10 per car, whether you're entering or leaving. The sand is muddy, and the water is still flowing. I don't recommend swimming. If you're going to barbecue, I recommend getting up early. I think it's the only place within a 100-mile radius that the locals have to enjoy."
Luis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bottomless Lakes State Park is conveniently located about 20 minutes southeast of Roswell, New Mexico. Take US-285 S and follow signs for the park. It's an easy drive and a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Public transport options are very limited in this rural area. It's highly recommended to have your own vehicle or rent a car to reach Bottomless Lakes State Park.
Having your own car is best for navigating between the different lakes and trailheads within the park. Once at a lake, walking and hiking are great ways to explore.
Yes! Bottomless Lakes State Park is often visited on the way to or from White Sands National Park, making it a great stop for a refreshing break.
Yes, the park has RV camping spots, some with hookups. It's a popular destination for RV travelers looking for a unique desert oasis.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is $10 per vehicle. This fee is charged per entry, so be mindful if you plan to leave and re-enter.
The park is generally open year-round during daylight hours. Specific facilities like restrooms and rental stations may have seasonal hours. It's always a good idea to check the official New Mexico State Parks website for the most current information.
For day use, advance booking is typically not required. However, if you plan to camp, especially during peak season, reservations are highly recommended as spots can fill up quickly.
Information on discounts is not widely publicized. It's best to inquire directly with the park or check the New Mexico State Parks website for any potential senior, military, or other discount programs.
No, only Lea Lake is designated for swimming. Other lakes like Devil's Inkwell and Lazy Lagoon are primarily for viewing and appreciating the unique geology.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming at Lea Lake, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, picnicking, hiking, biking, and fishing (seasonal). Scuba diving is also an option for certified divers.
The name is a bit of a misnomer! The lakes are actually deep sinkholes formed by collapsed underground caves. Lea Lake, for example, is about 90 feet deep and fed by an underground aquifer.
The water in the lakes, especially Lea Lake, is known to be quite cold, even on very hot days. It's refreshing but can be a shock!
Yes, there are hiking trails around the park, offering scenic views of the lakes and the surrounding desert landscape. The trails are generally short and easy, suitable for families.
While it's a desert environment, you might spot various birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Keep an eye out for local flora adapted to the arid conditions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants within the park itself. Visitors typically bring their own food for picnics. There are designated picnic areas with tables.
The park offers several shaded picnic areas, particularly around Lea Lake. Arriving early, especially on weekends, is recommended to secure a good spot.
Yes, barbecue grills are available in designated picnic areas. Remember to follow all park regulations regarding fires and grilling.
The closest major town with grocery stores is Roswell. It's advisable to stock up on food and drinks before heading to the park, as options are limited once you're there.
While not in the park, Roswell offers various dining options. Many locals suggest enjoying a picnic within the park to fully appreciate the natural setting.
📸 📸 Photography
The unique sinkhole lakes themselves are incredibly photogenic, especially Lazy Lagoon and Devil's Inkwell. The contrast of the blue water against the desert landscape is stunning.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Midday sun can be harsh.
The overlooks near the different lakes provide excellent vantage points. Walking along the trails can also reveal hidden photographic gems.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check with New Mexico State Parks for current rules regarding drone operation within the park boundaries to avoid any issues.
Focus on the sinkhole formations, the clear (though cold) water, and the surrounding desert flora. Pecos diamonds and crystals can also be found glistening in the sun.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The park's trails are generally easy and suitable for short family hikes, offering a chance to explore the unique sinkhole geology. 🚗 Budget Travelers
While water rentals are available, simply enjoying the swimming at Lea Lake or exploring the scenic viewpoints can be done for free once the entrance fee is paid. It's a beautiful natural attraction that doesn't break the bank.📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
+1 Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for dramatic shots. Keep an eye out for local flora and fauna, and explore the trails for diverse perspectives of this natural wonder. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of Bottomless Lakes
+2The name 'Bottomless Lakes' is a bit of a misnomer, as the lakes do have bottoms, but they are exceptionally deep. For instance, Lea Lake is approximately 90 feet deep and is fed by an underground aquifer. This unique formation creates a striking contrast between the vibrant blue water and the arid desert landscape, making it a visually captivating destination.
Visitors can learn more about this fascinating geological history through interpretive signs within the park. The park is also recognized as the first State Park in New Mexico, adding to its historical and natural significance.
Activities and Recreation
+1Beyond swimming, the park is excellent for kayaking and canoeing, allowing exploration of the lake's serene waters. For those interested in underwater exploration, scuba diving is permitted for certified individuals. Anglers can also enjoy fishing during the designated season, typically from November to March.
On land, the park provides opportunities for hiking and biking on its trails, which offer scenic views of the unique lake formations and the surrounding desert environment. Picnicking is a popular pastime, with several shaded areas available. For those looking to extend their stay, camping facilities, including RV sites with hookups, are available.
+2Visiting with Families
+1The park's trails are generally short and easy, making them suitable for little legs. Parents can enjoy a pleasant family hike while taking in the unusual scenery. Picnic areas are plentiful, providing a comfortable spot for a family meal amidst nature. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as dining options within the park are limited.
While the water can be quite cold, it's a welcome relief from the New Mexico heat. It's advisable to bring water shoes for the kids, as the lakebed can be a bit rocky. Overall, it's a memorable and engaging experience for families seeking a break from the desert heat.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit