A few sensations can match the feeling of wonder and serene contentment brought about by gazing upon a sprawling vista of pitch-black nighttime sky dotted with countless stars. Stretching from north to south, New Mexico offers exceptional star-gazing opportunities that leave even seasoned observers awestruck when contemplating their cosmic position. However, among these locations, Clayton Lake State Park stands out as the state’s premier designation: It was recognized as New Mexico’s initial certified International Dark Sky park — a distinguished status it has maintained for over 15 continuous years.
Nestled in the remote northeast corner of New Mexico, approximately a 2.5-hour drive away,
Amarillo (the largest Panhandle city in Texas)
, Clayton Lake State Park remains decidedly secluded. Endless stretches of open terrain and countless roadways might lead you to doubt your path toward the park’s entry, yet the destination justifies the trek. In this location, New Mexico’s stratified shale and sandstone formations extend into the vast expanse of the Great Plains, where swirling clouds and twinkling stars mirror off the calm waters of man-made Clayton Lake.
Located above 5,000 feet in altitude, the Star Point Observatory provides opportunities to view celestial objects using a 14-inch Meade telescope. Nonetheless, due to minimal light pollution, many constellations and even the Milky Way become visible without optical aid. Don’t forget to inquire at the visitor center about “Star Parties” and other activities, or explore what’s happening within the park itself.
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For viewing the darkest night skies, make sure to schedule your visit during the new moon period.
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Stroll Among Dinosaur Tracks at Clayton Lake State Park
Even though the nighttime sky is incredibly stunning and rivals anything else,
The top U.S. national parks for stargazing
Clayton Lake State Park attracts visitors with its remarkable dinosaur footprints, which rank among the finest preservation examples in the country. Here, you can explore more than 500 traces left behind by these prehistoric creatures about 100 million years ago when they crossed what was once an ancient sea channel. Some prints also reveal where dinosaurs lost footing in the soft mud but managed to regain balance using their tails.
Guests have the opportunity to get an up-close look at the tracks via a 1-mile round-trip trek leading to a series of wooden walkways laid across the dinosaur track site. This path offers educational details about the animals that once inhabited this area and teaches how to identify traces left behind by meat-eating versus plant-eating dinosaurs. Remember that these elevated pathways offer no shade; therefore, make sure to apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and carry additional water as precautions for your brief journey.
The park draws various types of guests, such as those on road trips, dinophile admirers, and fortunate wanderers who unexpectedly come across something extraordinary. A guest within
Tripadvisor
The website effectively transports you back in time, allowing you to envision the creatures that roamed this area during their travels.
Explore Lakeside Camping and Various recreational Activities at Clayton Lake State Park
Even though the rugged coastline lacks sand beaches, Clayton Lake State Park is perfect for activities such as fishing, camping, boating, kayaking, and birdwatching. Compared to more congested areas,
Elephant Butte Lake State Park, also known as New Mexico’s “Jewel of the Desert,”
At Clayton Lake, annual visitor numbers reach just 65,000. Despite this low traffic even during weekends, the park provides a serene environment for discovering the area’s volcanic rock structures and enjoying time out on the lake. While guests can use the boat ramp to put in both powered and unpowered vessels, rental services are not provided at the site.
To fully enjoy the park, you should consider staying overnight at one of the 26 campgrounds scattered across the lakeside area; among these, nine have facilities for recreational vehicles and include hookups for both water and power. These camping spots are tucked into craggy rock formations or dense thickets of bushes, providing scenic lake vistas and ample privacy due to their thoughtful spacing. For those preferring more conventional accommodations, you might opt for lodging at the well-regarded Coyote Keeth’s RV Park—or alternatively, check into standard motels such as the Best Western or Super 8, which are located just 12 miles away in Clayton. When hunger strikes, head over to the small town nearby where food choices range from Mexican cuisine at Sí, Señor Tacos to classic morning meals served up at Mock’s Mill.
For those who love fishing, plan your visit from March through October when the 170-acre lake welcomes anglers. You can find channel catfish, largemouth bass, and rainbow trout swimming in these waters. It’s worth noting that the biggest walleye ever caught in New Mexico came out of this very lake in Clayton.
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