The park contains a group of sinkholes that range in depth from 17 to over 90 feet. The water is very clear in the largest lake and the depth makes it popular for divers.
Let's start our tour at the north end.
If you turn left at the ranger station you will find a series of small lakes at several primitive camping spots.
First is Cottonwood Lake followed by Mirror Lake.
Next up is tiny Devil's Inkwell Lake and Figure Eight Lake.
And some nifty campsites.
Finally, there is Pasture Lake with a few choice spots to camp.
From here the road loops back to the ranger station or you can walk the Bluff Trail down to the day use area at Lea Lake, the main campground.
The trail is a little over 3/4 of a mile and along the way is Lost Lake. It is a shy lake and asked not to be photographed so you will have to visit it yourself.
Anyway, if you head back to the ranger station and turn left, you will find Lea Lake. Directly across from the entrance is the Wetlands Trail.
This interpretive trail is about a half mile loop containing a stretch of elevated boardwalk. Freddy and I walked it every morning and most evenings. There are many informational signs.
Several structures that look suspiciously like hunting blinds are along the trail, but that is not allowed so don't even think about it.
The wetlands are sustained by an outlet from Lea Lake.
Here are some images from different days.
Heading across the street to the main campground you will find the day use area to your left.
There are neat little coves that cut into the shoreline. Perfect place to hang out on a warm day.
The playground and volleyball courts and one of the group shelters are also found in this area.
Between the day use area and the campground is a large pavilion built by the CCC in the 1930's.
The floats delineate a sandy cove for swimming and playing.
The stone water tower is very photogenic.
Especially at sunset.
Freddy was a little nervous when we first entered Lea Lake Campground.
"What about dogs?"
"You will be fine. Just walk upright and keep your sunglasses on."
Turns out this is a very dog friendly campground.
The restroom in the campground has hot showers but could could use a little love.
Another shelter sits in the middle of the camping loops.
There are 32 sites in the campground with electricity. About a dozen can be reserved. Sites one through six also have sewer hookups and there are three tent sites as well.
Let's take a look from above.
To the right is the day use area and on the left is the campground.
The weather has been interesting during our stay here. From the 90's to the 40's. From thunderstorms to double rainbows.
The views of Lea Lake are always amazing.
And kids having fun never gets old.
Freddy made lots of new friends, both human and canine.
He showed them how to shake off water.
But his favorite thing to do was swim in the clear slightly saline water. Chasing a ball.
With Roswell nearby to take care of all your shopping needs, fun trails, a clean sandy beach and paddle board and pedal boat rentals in the summer, this is definitely a park worth visiting.
Freddy does not want to leave. But he would miss me. I think. I hope so anyway.
Regards,
Greg and Freddy
