- Ute Lake State Park
The best camping in Ute Lake State Park, NM
Ute Lake State Park: A Haven for Water Sports and Scenic Camping.
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Ashley
2 weeks ago
Tent
Art City in Tucumcari is hands-down one of the most memorable camping spots I’ve ever visited. The campsites are spacious and private, the bathrooms are spotless, and the outdoor kitchen actually makes cooking fun. Everywhere you look, there’s inspiring art tucked into the desert landscape, making wandering around feel like a mini adventure. The energy is relaxed and creative, and sunsets here are unforgettable. It’s more than camping—it’s an experience that sticks with you long after you leave.
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Joseph
November 2025
19 ft Class B
We van camped in a beautiful spot under the cottonwoods with access to water & power. We loved exploring the art work during the day & at night. Some really cool lit up night time pieces!!! The kitchen, bath house & toilets were immaculate & had plenty of hot water. The manager was so knowledgeable about the art!! We highly recommend!!!
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Ginger
October 2025
17 ft campervan
I initially booked my spot for 2 nights and extended it to 6. The art is phenomenal and everything else has been meticulously thought out and executed. The staff and Matty were extremely friendly, welcoming, and gracious. Everything, from the compostable toilets to showers and kitchen, sets this camping spot apart from any others I have been to. I truly fell in love with Art City and I highly recommend it.
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Michael
October 2025
Tent
B, the caretaker made me feel right at home. The art installations were lovely. The sauna was perfect for the chilly desert night. Am absolutely going to come back through when in the area.
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John
October 2025
20 ft Class B
Art city is an amazing place to stay- beautiful. Outdoor art installations are illuminated at night for fantastic viewing. All the amenities are first class including hot showers, bathrooms, kitchens, etc. Well done, Matty, I hope it continues to go well you are a trailblazer!
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C
October 2025
Tent
Matty's Art City camp is my favorite when traveling the I40 Rt66 corridor. EZ to locate and close enough to town to explore and stock up. The staff is upbeat and helpful. Fellow campers and I agree that the shared spaces are fantastic. The art exhibits are over the top and I loved the young dog greeting me. Always something new, very pleasant 2 night Oct. stay Thanks
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Laura
October 2025
15 ft campervan
Beningo ( sp sorry) , our host was wonderful. He gave us such insight into Art City and his commitment was so real! We loved walking at night through the art installations but knowing some of the history behind the pieces made it so much better .
The facilities for cooking were most excellent .
The company enjoyable !
And the stars at night were inviting.
I would say “ stay more than a night for sure !”
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Kim
October 2025
18 ft Class C
With pets
You have to see it to believe it. Art City is such a joy to visit. I kept having to book more nights because I just couldn't leave that hot tub under the stars. The art installations that are spaced out all over the property are lit up so gorgeous at night. Bonus points because some of the art you can actually climb onto!!!! The bathrooms are soooo nice, full flush toilets and you will love the art in the bathrooms. Shower area and kitchen are both beautifully designed and functional. Cannot recommended this place more!!!!
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Lisa
October 2025
20 ft pop-up camper
Art City is a fun place to stay and I highly recommend it for anyone who’ll be in the Tucumcari area. We only stayed one night but could have easily stayed a few. The art is crazy fun and is perfect for anyone who likes to explore outdoors. The amenities are top notch for a camp and the hosts are super nice and helpful. They even went so far as to lend us tools to fix a bike. Just go when you get a chance!
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Kimberly
October 2025
18 ft campervan
Had such a great time at this beautiful place that I kept booking additional nights. Gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. A walk around the grounds is a dream, it's filled with art and sculptures!!! Some you can climb!!!!! Can't recommend a weekend stay and book a dip in the hot tub. Was able to relax and unwind here!!!! 10,000 thumbs up!!!!
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Tim
October 2025
Tent
What a great spot! Cool art, great amenities, great experience!
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Donna
October 2025
23 ft travel trailer
This place feels magical. When I saw the Paradisium Forest it brought tears to my eyes. The care of collecting and then cutting each piece of wood to make something beautiful felt very grounding to me. Thank you Bendingo, for a nice evening.
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Lesley
October 2025
Tent
Absolutely wonderful place to stay! Beautiful, clean, well kept grounds with clean and easy to use facilities. The art installations were incredible. We will definitely be back!
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Mark
October 2025
36 ft fifth wheel
This place is absolutely phenomenal. The art is well displayed and illuminated for two hours after dark or till batteries run low. The hot tub and sauna are a must do. Very clean environment but the weeds are pretty high. upon entry it states watch out for snakes but we did not see any. We did see several wild turkeys wandering around in the morning. The hostess very accommodating and showed the ropes of the property well. The art has all been displayed at burning man and is a must see.
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Deborah
October 2025
Tent
This is such a great location. I camped here during a move across country, so I only walked around for a bit in the evening. This would be a great place to linger for a few days, and I plan to be back.
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Diane
October 2025
35 ft travel trailer
With pets
Lovely, eclectic area with many art installations. We were the only campers on the site. We were greeted and directed to our site. We took advantage of the spa package, sauna and wood burning cedar hot tub. Perfect end to a long day of driving.
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Logan
September 2025
16 ft car
This place was very unique and a cool. I stopped in for a night. Hot tub and hot showers. Everything looked clean. Host was very nice and gave me a tour of the place. Only thing is be careful following google maps takes you to the wrong place however there is a giant signs taking you right to the place. My fault for relying on technology instead of my eyes!
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phelan
September 2025
Tent
our host Beningo was the raddest dude ever! hope i am spelling this correctly! i have traveled all over the world and never seen a spot quite like this. from the “air ocean” wind sounds that shake all the leaves, the gang of wild turkeys cruising around, the beautiful trails and stellar fkn art displays… to being close enough to town to cruise 10 minutes to get a great cup of coffee from jackalope or hit the lowe’s supermarket and make dinner w the onsite shared facilities. not only can you camp. but the place is immaculate. the amenities blew me away. i am tired of typing. JUST GO HERE!
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Kelley
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Super awesome amenities. Great art!! Loved walking around at night and in the morning.
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Kelli
September 2025
19 ft Class B
I think I had an idea that it would be a little more established, but ultimately we had everything we needed, including fantastic modern outdoor showers and both composting and flush toilets. But you are not here for the camping amenities, you are here for the ART experience, and it is amazing. We spent the early evening walking the paths to see all the surprises in the forest. When the sun set we grabbed a glass of reverse osmosis water from the kitchen, took our flashlights and made the night rounds where all the Art is lit up, including some pieces we didn't even notice in the daytime. Much of it is interactive but all of it is interesting and engaging. Some of the pieces are truly incredible. The entire camp becomes a wonderland of moving lights and strange apparitions when the sun sets. Highly recommended for adventurous art and experience lovers. Absolutely you must walk around after dark. We had a peaceful nook in a grove of trees and had a great dark night of camping. Matty was very accommodating.
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Other options near Ute Lake State Park
The best camping in Ute Lake State Park, NM guide
Overview
About
Ute Lake State Park, a reservoir along the Canadian River, offers crystal blue waters and a day (or more) of adventure for those who want to go with the flow! Hire a fishing guide at the marina to take you out and show you all the secret spots or simply rent a boat and soak up the sun! Those wanting to camp have lots of variety (including an RV-only campground) and many of the campsites will put you right at the trailheads for amazing canyon hikes that overlook the reservoir and meander through the desert; just be sure to slather on that sunscreen and bring lots of water! A chill spot in the hot desert, Ute Lake is a cool down you can look forward to!
When to go
The ideal time to visit Ute Lake State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer months can be quite warm, making early morning or late afternoon the best times for outdoor activities.
Know before you go
- Check the park's website for any alerts or closures before your visit.
- Always wear a life jacket when participating in water activities.
- Accessibility options are available; contact the park office for more information.
- Remember to pack sunscreen and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Facilities such as restrooms and picnic areas are provided for your convenience.
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