Navajo Lake State Park
Nearly 25 square miles of open water, world-class fishing, and full-service marinas — 25 miles from Sundowner Park
Navajo Lake State Park is the big-water destination of the Four Corners region. Created by Navajo Dam on the San Juan River, the lake stretches across nearly 25 square miles of surface water and reaches into the pine-covered hills of northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. It is New Mexico's second-largest lake, and it offers the kind of boating, fishing, and lakeside recreation that draws visitors from across the Southwest. At approximately 25 miles from Sundowner Mobile Home & RV Park in Farmington, Navajo Lake is close enough for a day trip and compelling enough for a week-long stay.
Three Recreation Areas, One Massive Lake
Pine River, Sims Mesa, and the San Juan River area each offer a distinct experience
Pine River Recreation Area
The Pine River area on the north side of the lake is the most developed section, home to the main marina with fuel docks, boat slips, and a convenience store. This is where most boaters launch, and it provides the easiest access to the widest sections of the lake. Campgrounds with electric hookups, restrooms, and dump stations are available. The Pine River arm of the lake is popular for waterskiing and wakeboarding due to its broad, open water.
Sims Mesa Recreation Area
Sims Mesa, on the south side of the lake, offers a quieter and more remote experience. The marina here is smaller but well-maintained, with boat ramps, a dock, and basic supplies. Sims Mesa is a favorite among bass anglers who appreciate the rocky coves and structure along the southern shoreline. Camping at Sims Mesa tends to be less crowded than Pine River, making it ideal for those seeking a more secluded lake experience.
San Juan River Area
Below Navajo Dam, the San Juan River area is ground zero for fly fishing. The Quality Waters stretch 3.75 miles of catch-and-release water that produces trophy trout year-round. This area includes the Cottonwood and Texas Hole access points, along with facilities for day-use visitors and anglers. The river and the lake are two completely different experiences, and many visitors spend time at both during a single trip. See our San Juan River fishing guide.
Boating at Navajo Lake
From pontoons to powerboats, sailboats to houseboats
Navajo Lake is the premier boating destination in the Four Corners region. With nearly 25 square miles of surface water and 150 miles of shoreline, there is room for every type of vessel and every style of boating. The lake is large enough for waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and sailing, yet its sheltered coves and inlets also offer calm water for pontoon cruising and kayaking.
Both the Pine River and Sims Mesa marinas offer paved boat ramps and parking for vehicles with trailers. If you do not have your own boat, houseboat and pontoon rentals are available through the marinas and local outfitters. Houseboat rentals are a popular option for families and groups looking to spend multiple days on the water — you can anchor in a quiet cove, fish off the deck, swim off the back, and sleep under the stars without ever returning to shore.
Waterskiing and wakeboarding are at their best from May through September when water temperatures and air temperatures are both comfortable. The Pine River arm tends to have the smoothest water in the early morning hours, making it a favorite for slalom skiers. Sailors will find consistent afternoon winds, particularly during spring and early summer, and the lake's size provides genuine open-water sailing conditions.
New Mexico boating regulations require all motorized vessels to be registered and operators born after January 1, 1989, to carry a boater education card. Personal flotation devices are required for all passengers under 13. Fuel is available at the Pine River marina.
Fishing at Navajo Lake
Bass, trout, pike, kokanee salmon, and more
Navajo Lake is one of the most productive fisheries in New Mexico, supporting a diverse range of species that includes smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, and channel catfish. The lake's rocky structure, deep water, and abundant forage create conditions that grow fish to impressive sizes.
Smallmouth bass are the marquee species at Navajo Lake. The rocky points, submerged boulders, and steep drop-offs that line much of the shoreline provide ideal habitat, and fish in the 3- to 5-pound range are common. Spring and early summer, when bass move into the shallows to spawn, offer the best topwater action. Crankbaits, jigs, and drop-shot rigs are all productive year-round.
Northern pike are the apex predators of Navajo Lake, and anglers targeting them use large swimbaits, spoons, and jerkbaits along weed lines and in the back of coves. Pike over 30 inches are caught regularly. Kokanee salmon provide an exciting fishery from late summer through fall when they congregate near the dam and in the deeper sections of the lake.
A valid New Mexico fishing license is required. Special regulations apply to certain species — check the current New Mexico Department of Game and Fish proclamation before your trip. Bait, tackle, and fishing licenses are available at the marina stores and at outfitters in Farmington.
Swimming, Camping & Lakeside Accommodations
Spend a night — or a week — at the lake
Swimming at Navajo Lake is permitted in designated areas, and on a hot summer day, there is no better way to cool off. The lake's clear water and gradual shoreline at certain access points make for comfortable swimming conditions from June through September. Always supervise children and be aware of boat traffic in areas near launch ramps and marinas.
Camping at Navajo Lake State Park is available at both the Pine River and Sims Mesa recreation areas. Sites range from primitive tent sites to developed sites with electric hookups, water, and access to restrooms and dump stations. Reservations are recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods, as popular sites fill quickly.
For those who want lakeside accommodations without camping, houseboat rentals provide a unique alternative. Several local outfitters offer houseboats that sleep 6 to 12 people, complete with kitchens, bathrooms, and sleeping quarters. It is a floating vacation home anchored in whatever cove you choose.
Many of our guests at Sundowner Park split their time between the lake and our full-hookup RV park in Farmington. The 25-mile drive takes about 30 minutes, making it easy to spend a full day at Navajo Lake and return to Sundowner's amenities — hot showers, laundry, free WiFi, and a comfortable site with full hookups — each evening. It is the best of both worlds: big-lake adventure by day and full-service comfort by night.
Plan Your Navajo Lake Boating Weekend
A suggested itinerary from Sundowner Park
Day 1 — Arrive and Explore: Drive from Sundowner Park to the Pine River marina (about 30 minutes). Launch your boat or rent a pontoon. Spend the afternoon cruising the Pine River arm, finding a cove to swim and fish. Return to Sundowner Park for dinner and rest.
Day 2 — Full Lake Day: Head out early for bass fishing along the rocky points near Sims Mesa. Ski or wakeboard during midday when the lake is warmest. Explore the upper reaches of the San Juan arm, where the canyon walls narrow and the scenery becomes dramatic. Pack lunch on the boat and make a full day of it.
Day 3 — River and Return: Before heading home, stop at the San Juan River Quality Waters below the dam for a morning of fly fishing. Even a couple of hours on the tailwater can produce memorable catches. Pick up supplies in Bloomfield on the drive back to Farmington. Arrive at Sundowner Park by early afternoon with time to relax, do laundry, and plan your next adventure.
Whether you bring your own boat, rent one at the marina, or simply fish from the shore, Navajo Lake delivers a big-water experience that feels worlds away from the desert — even though it is only 25 miles from your full-hookup site at Sundowner Park. Check out our RV spaces and amenities or contact us to reserve.