Clayton Lake

Clayton Lake State Park is located about 12 miles northeast of Clayton, NM. Unlike most reservoirs created for irrigation purposes, this 170 acre lake was made as a habitat for migratory waterfowl.

It is hard to believe that a lake exists here as you approach through the grasslands until you are right on top  of it.

In addition to excellent fishing, the park contains one of the most extensive collection of dinosaurs tracks in North America.

Let's take a peek inside the Visitor Center.

Did I mention the fishing?

How about the state record Walleye caught in 1989. 16 pounds, 9 ounces.

Or a 17 pound, 5 ounce Catfish landed in 1987.

Pretty nifty.

Next to the visitor center is a modern restroom with showers.

This is the path I took there every morning. Notice anything under the big tree?

Here is a closer look.

Freddy calls them long legged cats.

Also in that area is the group shelter.

There are over 40 camp[sites available in 5 areas. The electric loop has 5 that can be reserved. Numbers 3 to 7.

A favorite area for the kids is the Rock Garden loop. Fun places to climb and play.

The point rewards you with great views.

Freddy liked it.

And everybody liked Freddy.

There is a nature trail at the west end of the park that takes you down to Seneca Creek where it enters the lake.

This is a perfect place to paddle.

Enjoy a bench in the shade!

Just below the electrical sites are the boat ramp and docks. Powered boats are allowed at trolling speed only.

To the right of the boat ramp is the trail to the dinosaur tracks.

Freddy and I walked this every morning, and that is the time to take photos of the tracks. You want the sun shining at a low angle to give the tracks some contrast.

You cross over the dam.

And past my favorite sunset spot.

All the way to information kiosk. (Freddy calls it the Love Shack. He likes the B 52's"

Plenty of information here.

Now let's go down to the tracks.

Please stay on the boardwalk. There are more signs here.

Awesome, as Christina would say.

Here is a view of the campground from across the lake.

And looking directly back at the Love Shack from the point.

Now let's go back to my favorite sunset spot.

And add some fishermen.

What a way to end the day. Freddy agrees.

Storms. I like storms. Everything seems just so clean and fresh afterward.

We had a couple during our stay.

As the last and largest wound down and I was relaxing in my trailer reading a book, Freddy gave me a nudge.

"Hey Greg!"

"What? I'm busy."

"There are some dogs playing outside. I want to play!"

I peeked out my window. Yep, there were some dogs. Also a big mud puddle.

"Do you promise to not get wet?"

"Yes."

"I mean it."

"I hear you. Let's go!"

So we went outside to visit the other dogs.

Yeah.

Regards,
Greg and Freddy