Stage II Fire Restrictions: Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove is prohibited. The use of devices fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three (3) feet of the device. Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.

Attention: The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is warning visitors to avoid water contact at Clayton Lake State Park after samples confirmed the presence of harmful algae and toxins. Harmful algae blooms, or HABs, occur when certain types of algae grow excessively in water, posing potential health risks to people and animals. HABs can appear blue, bright green, brown or red and may resemble scrum or floating grass clippings on the water’s surface. These blooms can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals. Samples collected by NMED show the presence of harmful algae and toxins in Clayton Lake.

NMED advises visitors to take the following precautions:

Do not drink untreated surface water.

Do not swim, wade, paddleboard or water ski.

Do not bring dogs or other animals to the lake or hiking areas along the shoreline.

Avoid areas of algae when boating.

Stay away from algae deposited on the shoreline.

Rinse fish with clean water before cooking thoroughly and eat only the fillet portion.

Supervise children and prevent them from entering the lake or playing near algae on the shoreline.

If you suspect an algae-related illness, call the New Mexico Poison Information Center at 800-222-1222.

For animal illness, call 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661

ATTENTION: Clayton Lake State Park and Dinosaur Trackway has closed access to the boat ramp and is prohibiting the use of motorized boats due to dropping water levels and concerns. The lake is still open for non-motorized vessel use such as canoes or kayaking, and the boat ramp will be reopened to motorboats when lake level conditions improve. Please follow up with Park Staff as needed for update details.

ATTENTION: Due to the construction work to replace vault toilets at Clayton Lake State Park & Dinosaur Trackways, the vault toilets at the dinosaur parking lot, the camp cove, the south loop and the rock gardens will be closed. The comfort station and the double vaults at north point and the nature trail will be accessible. Please take caution of the construction work that is going on while in the park. For updates please ask Park Staff during your visit.

ATTENTION:: To ensure compliance with ADA regulations, vehicles parked at handicap campsites must visibly display a valid handicapped placard or possess a license plate indicating handicapped status; otherwise, relocation will be required.

Attention: The use of off-highway motor vehicles (OHVs) is prohibited in New Mexico State Parks, as stipulated by the NM OHV Act and State Park Regulations (NMSA 66-3-1011, 16-2-33 19 NMAC Ch 5 Sec 2.16 A).

Attention: Please bring proof of your reservation with you to your campsite.

NO SHOW POLICY : THE CUSTOMER MUST CONTACT THE PARK TO ADVISE THEM OF LATE ARRIVAL THE SITE WILL BE RELEASED FOR RESERVATIONS / FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED ON THE SECOND DAY AFTER 4:00 P.M.. NO REFUND WILL BE DUE.

ATTENTION: Make it your goal to extinguish hot coals. If your campfire is too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave. Drown it with water, stir it with a shovel, and repeat until your campfire is out cold! Learn more from Smokey Bear.