Navajo State Park – Arboles, CO and New Mexico

Navajo State Park is centered around the gigantic Navajo Lake which extends south into New Mexico. The lake is over 25 miles long. Water recreation is king here with fishing, swimming and boating of all types permitted.

Navajo State Park is a jewel for water recreation in the southern Rockies. It’s showcases the massive Navajo Lake, which continues for 20 miles south into New Mexico. It’s considered Colorado’s largest lake that’s not entirely in the state, otherwise the biggest is Blue Mesa Reservoir near Gunnison.

The park is situated in Southwest Colorado, south of and in between, Pagosa Springs and Durango . Most of the land around the park is part of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation . Navajo Reservoir is well-spread out with several different access points. Though the biggest chunk of the park is in New Mexico, you’ll be able to rent a boat, camp and do quite a few things in Colorado.

There are several campgrounds situated around the park, all within walking distance to the lake. Camping fees vary for either basic site, electric hookup, or full-service.

Activities at Navajo Reservoir

Boating: Navajo Lake is open year round for boating. 15,000 surface acres of water; Power boats, personal watercraft, sailboats, sailboards and water skiing. Jet skiers can access an area of about 20 miles from the boat ramp to the dam. The marina has pontoon, fishing and ski boats available for rent.

Two River Marina – Located in Arboles, CO, boat rentals available. 1526 County Rd 982, Arboles, CO 81121; 970-883-2628
Navajo Lake Marina – Located in New Mexico, boat rentals available. #42 CR 4110, Navajo Dam, NM 87419; 505-632-3245

Cabins: 3 full-service, 2 bedroom log cabins available for rent. Heated in winter, swamp coolers in summer. One of the cabins allows pets for additional fee and remains open year round.

Camping: Open year round; 118 RV and tent sites. Reservations

Carracas Campground – 41 RV sites up to 55 ft, with electric.
Rosa Campground – 39 RV sites up to 55 ft with electric, water, sewer hookups, 8 tent sites overlooking the lake.
Tiffany Campground: 25 RV sites up to 25 ft, 6 tent sites overlooking lake.
Primitive Campsites: 19 sites for tents or small RVs, first come, first serves located at Windsurf Beach and Arboles Point.

Fishing: Great fishing year round, from either boat or shoreline. Catfish, crappie, large & small-mouth bass swim in shallows and near lake surface. Kokanee salmon, northern pike, and varieties of trout are found in deeper water. In addition to the reservoir, fishing is available in the San Juan River, which empties into Navajo Lake.

Hiking: There are 5 designated trails in the park, and miles of trails outside the park that follow the San Juan River.

Horseback Riding: Permitted along the San Juan River off Co Rd 500.

Hunting: Deer, elk and bird hunting are permitted during established seasons in certain parts of the park.

Picnicking: Picnic sites at Windsurf Beach primitive campground and 2 group sites available for reservations.

Swimming: Permitted in the lake, however, there is no swim beach.

Whitewater Rafting: Some rafting occurs on the San Juan and Piedra rivers in the park. Better rafting can be found in Durango or Pagosa.

Winter Recreation: Snowshoeing and cross country skiing, when conditions permit. Campgrounds remain open.

Ancient rock art on display outside Visitor Center.