Clayton Lake State ParkAbout Clayton Lake State Park
Clayton Lake State Park is a New Mexico state park near the town of Clayton, known for a small reservoir and an exposed dinosaur trackway. The site combines outdoor recreation with paleontological interest.
The park offers fishing and boating on the reservoir, camping and picnic facilities. A short interpretive trail leads to a rock slab in the shoreline where dinosaur footprints are preserved and presented with signage; the prints are most easily seen when water levels are low.
The park was established to provide public recreation and to conserve the fossil-bearing shoreline where the tracks occur.
Situated near Clayton in northeastern New Mexico, the park lies on the High Plains close to the New Mexico border with Oklahoma and Texas.
- Track viewing tip: The dinosaur footprints are best viewed when reservoir levels drop, so check local conditions before visiting.
- Visitor facilities: Facilities include a boat ramp and maintained campsites, making the park useful for fishing and overnight stays.
What to See#
- Dinosaur trackway: Exposed dinosaur footprints preserved in shoreline rock that are accessible by a short interpretive trail; tracks are most visible when reservoir water levels are low.
- Reservoir and boat launch: A freshwater reservoir used for fishing and boating, with a boat ramp and shoreline access for anglers.
- Campground and day-use areas: Campground and picnic areas that provide basic overnight facilities for visitors and anglers.
Best Time to Visit Clayton Lake State Park
Spring and autumn offer the best balance of moderate temperatures and birding activity.
Weather & Climate near Clayton Lake State Park
Clayton Lake State Park's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -7°C to 31°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -7° - 9° | -4° | 7 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -6° - 11° | -2° | 8 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -2° - 15° | 3° | 19 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 2° - 19° | 10° | 28 mm | - | - | 5.8 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 7° - 24° | 15° | 53 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 12° - 29° | 21° | 55 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 15° - 31° | 23° | 73 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 15° - 30° | 22° | 66 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 10° - 26° | 18° | 44 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 4° - 21° | 12° | 23 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -3° - 14° | 2° | 13 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -6° - 9° | -3° | 8 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Clayton Lake State Park
Clayton Lake State Park is in northeastern New Mexico, accessible via US-87 and state roads from Clayton, NM. The park is a short drive from the town center; check state park services for directions and seasonal advisories.
Tips for Visiting Clayton Lake State Park
- Visit at sunrise to catch waterfowl activity on the lake and to avoid midday winds.
- The park is known for fossils and dinosaur tracks in nearby areas - check local interpretive signs for geology points of interest.
- Camping spots fill on holiday weekends; reserve early if planning overnight stays.