Boating is the main attraction, but the river below the dam is a world class trout fishery due to the cold water outflow.
Bring all your food with you, as the nearest large grocery store is in Bloomfield about 30 miles away from the main campground.
And speaking of the campgrounds, there are a handful to choose from with almost 250 sites in total.
Starting at the easternmost, you will find Sims Mesa. It is about an hours drive from the main campground but only a short boat ride from the main campground.
There are 46 sites available, a restroom with showers, and a marina with gas. 19 sites can be reserved and 19 have electricity.
Here is a view of Sims Mesa from the main campground across the lake. If you look close you can see snow on the mountains in the background.
OK. Heading back south on HWY 527, you turn right on 64 and right again on 539 to get to the dam.
Just after crossing the dam, a sharp left turn will lead you to Cottonwood Campground. Follow the signs, it is about eight miles. You will pass through a tiny town with a tiny grocery store and then head up the left side of the river back toward the dam.
There are 47 sites here, all with electricity, along with two modern restrooms. Half the sites can be reserved. 16 through 30 offer some shade from the cottonwoods overhead.
Our favorite site was 25. A large pull through near the river with plenty of privacy.
A short walk to the shaded picnic table.
Freddy liked it.
If you don't have a boat and want a chance at trophy trout, this is a great place.
Heading back towards the dam and turning left at the top will take you to the the Pine River Site and the Visitor Center.
When the new visitor center was built it was constructed with quite a bit of reclaimed materials, including the beams above and the rocks on the right.
There are four camping areas here, and the first one is Pine Main Campground. It consists of 78 sites, 56 with power and 6 with full hookups. Reservations are available year round at 31 spots. There are two restrooms with showers, a playground and a group shelter that can be reserved.
The sites vary between pull throughs and back ins and many offer views of the lake.
Pinon Loop is next, with 18 tent sites and a vault toilet.
These guys had a spot at the tip, with great views of the lake.
Next up is Cedar Loop with 22 sites and a full restroom. Reservations can be made at 8 spots.
Several of the sites offer magnificent water views.
Lastly is Juniper Loop. It contains 35 sites and a couple of vault toilets.A group site is available.
Many spots have lake views and 11 can be reserved.
Freddy liked site 139. Privacy coupled with a nice look at the lake.
Same with the group site. What a cool place to hang out with friends.
The focal point of the Pine River Site is the Navajo Lake Marina. In fact, it was named Large Marina of the Year by Marina Dock Age Magazine over 12,000 other marinas nationwide.
Our visit coincided with New Mexico Safe Boating Week. The Governor made a proclamation and Cheryl and Christina talked about it.
Basically it boiled down to common sense. There are too many preventable deaths and injuries occurring on the state lakes and rivers. Don't operate any watercraft under the influence and make sure everyone wears flotation devices. See, it really is simple.
I have been a boater for a long time and there were plenty of them to check out.
I gravitated towards the fishing boats. I mean, being dragged around behind a boat until you fall down can be fun, but I prefer the pursuit of fish.
The marina offers a myriad of watercraft rentals. Check out their website to learn more.
How about a big houseboat to cruise the coves?
Or if you just want to hang at the marina, check out the Aqua Lodge.
Nifty!
There is a store stocked with all kinds of goodies and a cafe serving up tasty dishes.
Or you could take a ride in a bumper boat while pursued by the local carp.
Navajo Lake State Park is a destination not to be missed.
Regards,
Greg and Freddy
