Water Sports & Fishing Near Farmington
Where the high desert meets world-class waterways — three rivers, two lakes, and endless adventure
Farmington, New Mexico is where the desert meets the water. Sitting at the confluence of three rivers — the San Juan, the Animas, and the La Plata — and within 25 miles of two premier lakes, Farmington offers a depth and variety of water recreation that surprises first-time visitors and keeps seasoned anglers and paddlers coming back year after year. Sundowner Mobile Home & RV Park at 219 Airport Dr puts you within a 30-minute drive of every waterway on this page, making it the ideal base camp for a fishing trip, a family lake day, or a full week of water sports exploration across the Four Corners region.
Three Rivers, One City
Farmington is the only city in New Mexico where three rivers converge
The geography that defines Farmington is its water. The San Juan River flows from the east, fed by snowmelt from the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. The Animas River arrives from the north, winding down through Durango and Aztec before joining the San Juan in Farmington. The La Plata River, the smallest of the three, completes the confluence from the northwest. Together, these waterways create a network of fishing holes, kayaking runs, swimming spots, and riparian corridors that support an extraordinary range of outdoor recreation — all at an elevation of 5,395 feet in the heart of the high desert.
San Juan River
The San Juan River is the crown jewel of the region's waterways and one of the top fly fishing destinations in the United States. The tailwater section below Navajo Dam — known as the San Juan River Quality Waters — stretches for 3.75 miles of catch-and-release water that consistently produces rainbow trout, brown trout, and cutbow trout in the 16- to 22-inch range. The cold, clear water released from Navajo Dam maintains temperatures between 42 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, creating ideal conditions for a prolific insect population and trophy-class fish. The Quality Waters are located approximately 25 miles east of Sundowner Park. Read our complete guide to fly fishing the San Juan River.
Animas River
The Animas River cuts through the heart of Farmington, and the city has built a world-class greenway along its banks. The Animas River Trail offers paved and unpaved paths for walking, cycling, and wildlife viewing, while the river itself provides seasonal kayaking, tubing, and swimming. The Animas River Water Park area is a family-friendly destination for splashing around during summer months, and community events like river cleanups and float trips bring locals and visitors together throughout the warm season. The Animas River Greenway trailhead is just 5 minutes from Sundowner Park. Explore the Animas River recreation guide.
La Plata River
The La Plata River is the most intimate of the three, flowing through the western side of the Farmington area. While it does not support the same level of recreation as the San Juan or Animas, the La Plata provides seasonal fishing opportunities, bird-watching along its riparian corridors, and peaceful walking trails. During spring runoff, the La Plata can offer surprisingly good smallmouth bass fishing near its confluence with the San Juan.
Two Lakes, Endless Possibilities
From a neighborhood lake to nearly 25 square miles of open water
Lake Farmington
Lake Farmington sits right within the city limits, open year-round for fishing and seasonal recreation. During summer months, "The Beach at Lake Farmington" transforms the lakeshore into a family water park with water trampolines, inflatable slides, and kayak and paddleboard rentals. Surrounding trails offer mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding with views of mesas and desert wildlife including hummingbirds, eagles, and great blue herons. Lake Farmington is just 10 minutes from Sundowner Park.
Lake Farmington GuideNavajo Lake State Park
Navajo Lake is a destination-scale body of water — nearly 25 square miles of surface area nestled in the pine-covered hills east of Farmington. The lake offers full-service marinas, boat ramps, houseboat rentals, waterskiing, sailing, and some of the best bass fishing in the Southwest. Three distinct recreation areas — Pine, Sims Mesa, and the San Juan River — give visitors a range of experiences from lakeside camping to tailwater fly fishing. Navajo Lake State Park is approximately 25 miles from Sundowner Park.
Navajo Lake GuideBest Seasons for Water Sports Near Farmington
With 300+ days of sunshine, there is almost always something to do on the water
Spring (March through May)
Spring is prime time for fly fishing on the San Juan River Quality Waters, as midge hatches are heavy and trout are actively feeding. Rivers run higher with snowmelt, creating exciting kayaking conditions on the Animas River for experienced paddlers. Lake Farmington reopens its trails for mountain biking and hiking as wildflowers begin to bloom. Water temperatures at Navajo Lake are still cold, but bass fishing picks up in the shallows as days grow longer.
Summer (June through August)
Summer is the peak season for water recreation across the board. The Beach at Lake Farmington opens with water trampolines, slides, and rental kayaks and paddleboards. Navajo Lake is at its best for waterskiing, wakeboarding, sailing, and swimming. Tubing on the Animas River is a beloved local tradition, and the Animas River Water Park area buzzes with families cooling off. San Juan River fly fishing remains productive year-round, though summer mornings and evenings are the best windows.
Fall (September through November)
Fall brings cooler air and golden cottonwoods along every river corridor, making it arguably the most beautiful season for water recreation in the Farmington area. San Juan River fly fishing enters another peak period as Blue-Winged Olive hatches drive aggressive surface feeding. Navajo Lake sees fewer crowds, making it ideal for peaceful bass fishing and boating. The trails around Lake Farmington are perfect for hiking and mountain biking in mild temperatures. Migratory birds, including bald eagles and sandhill cranes, begin appearing along the rivers.
Winter (December through February)
Winter does not shut down water recreation in Farmington — it just shifts the focus. The San Juan River Quality Waters fish well all winter, with midge patterns producing steady action even on the coldest days. Water temperatures below Navajo Dam remain constant year-round, so trout are always active. Lake Farmington stays open for shore fishing. Navajo Lake is quieter but still accessible for fishing from the bank or by boat on mild days. Farmington's 300+ days of sunshine mean that many winter days are clear, crisp, and comfortable for outdoor activity.
Water Activities at a Glance
A quick guide to what you can do and where to do it
Fly Fishing
The San Juan River Quality Waters below Navajo Dam are a world-class fly fishing destination. Expect rainbow, brown, and cutbow trout averaging 16 to 20 inches. Guide services are available, and the tailwater fishes well all 12 months of the year. San Juan River fishing guide.
Bass Fishing
Navajo Lake is the go-to for bass fishing in the region. Smallmouth and largemouth bass thrive in the lake's rocky structure, with spring and fall offering the best topwater action. Lake Farmington also supports a healthy warm-water fishery including bass, catfish, and bluegill.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Lake Farmington and the Animas River are the top spots for flatwater and moving-water paddling. The Beach at Lake Farmington rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboards during summer months. The Animas River offers gentle Class I and II sections through town.
Boating & Waterskiing
Navajo Lake is the region's premier boating destination with nearly 25 square miles of open water, full-service marinas, and multiple boat ramps. Waterskiing, wakeboarding, and sailing are all popular from May through September. Navajo Lake boating guide.
Swimming & Tubing
The Beach at Lake Farmington is the area's best swimming spot, complete with water trampolines and inflatable slides. Tubing on the Animas River is a summer tradition in Farmington — bring your own tube or pick one up at local outfitters. Navajo Lake also offers swimming at designated beach areas.
River Walking & Wildlife Viewing
The Animas River Greenway provides miles of paved and unpaved paths perfect for walking, jogging, and cycling alongside the river. Bird-watchers will find great blue herons, bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, and hummingbirds along the riparian corridors. Animas River recreation guide.
Why Stay at Sundowner Park for Your Water Sports Trip?
Central location, full hookups, and everything you need to recharge between adventures
Sundowner Mobile Home & RV Park sits in an ideal position for accessing every waterway in the Farmington area. The Animas River Greenway is a 5-minute drive. Lake Farmington is 10 minutes away. The San Juan River Quality Waters and Navajo Lake State Park are both within 25 to 30 minutes. You will not find a more convenient home base for a multi-day water sports itinerary in the Four Corners.
All 34 RV sites at Sundowner include full hookups with 30/50 AMP electric, water, and sewer connections. After a day on the water, take advantage of free WiFi, on-site laundry, a 24-hour fitness center, the game room, and shaded BBQ gazebos. Rates start at $270 per week or $575 per month — no nightly stays, which means our park stays quiet, clean, and welcoming for extended-stay guests who want to explore at their own pace.
Whether you are here for a week of fly fishing on the San Juan, a summer of lake days at Navajo Lake, or a season of paddling and trail riding around Lake Farmington, Sundowner Park gives you a comfortable, affordable, and centrally located home in Farmington. Check out our RV spaces and amenities or contact us to reserve your site.
Free: Fishing & Water Sports Guide
San Juan River fly fishing, Navajo Lake adventures, and kayaking the Animas — your complete water sports planner.
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