Sumner Lake State Park

Overview

This sparkling blue lake, with a rocky shoreline and gently rolling hillsides of juniper, provides a refreshing change from the grasslands of New Mexico’s eastern plains. Sumner Lake State Park attracts boaters and anglers, and the park serves as a base for visiting the historic sites of the area, particularly the grave of notorious outlaw Billy the Kid.

Getting There

To get to Sumner Lake State Park from the town of Fort Sumner, take U.S. 84 northwest 10 miles, then go west on N.M. 203 for 6 miles.

Relax at the sparkling blue lake, while gazing at the rocky shoreline and gentle rolling hillsides of juniper. Sumner Lake State Park provides a refreshing change from the grasslands of New Mexico's eastern plains. Created by damming the Pecos River, Sumner Lake provides irrigation water for a large area, causing the lake level to fluctuate greatly. Nevertheless, boaters flock to Sumner Lake from May to September. Both powerboats and sailboats use the lake, and windsurfers take advantage of the spring winds. As the lake level changes, sandy beaches appear, and those with boats can often find secluded little coves with protected swimming areas. Although not exactly a forest, there are trees, including junipers, and cottonwoods, plus prairie grasses and several varieties of cactus.

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