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New Mexico
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New Mexico State Parks

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New Mexico
Southeast Region
Brantley Lake State Park
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BRANTLEY LAKE STATE PARK
BRANTLEY LAKE STATE PARK
33 East Brantley Lake Rd.
Carlsbad, New Mexico   88221

Phone: 505-457-2384
Reservations: 877-664-7787
Email: park email button icon
Brantley Lake State Park, a southern desert park, is a refreshing place to fish and enjoy other water sports. The visitor center includes historical exhibits about the Wild West Town of Seven Rivers
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Bike Trailsyes
 Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
Swimming
1. Brantley Lake State Park offers a designated swimming area on the largest lake in southeastern New Mexico.
2. No lifeguards are provided, so visitors swim at their own risk.
3. Swimming is not allowed near boat ramps or docks for safety reasons.
4. The park's sandy beach provides easy access to the water and space for sunbathing between swims.
5. Visitors can enjoy warm waters during summer months due to high temperatures in this region of New Mexico.

Boating
The park offers a wide range of boating options for visitors. There is a boat ramp available, allowing easy access to the water for all types of vessels including motorboats, sailboats and canoes. Fishing boats are also common due to the lake's abundant fish population which includes species such as largemouth bass and catfish. For safety reasons, there are certain areas where swimming or wading is not permitted when boats are present.
Fishing
Fishing:

Anglers can catch a variety of warm water fish such as largemouth bass, walleye, channel catfish, white bass, bluegill, and crappie.


Location
Brantley Lake State Park is located near Artesia, Carlsbad

Picnicking
Brantley Lake State Park offers numerous picnic tables, grills and shelters. Some areas provide stunning lake views for a scenic meal.
Bicycling
Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of trails, though caution is advised due to uneven terrain and potential wildlife encounters. The park's main road offers paved cycling options but be aware of vehicular traffic. Off-road biking opportunities are available too; however, the rocky desert landscape requires careful navigation. Always wear protective gear when riding in this area for safety reasons. Check weather conditions before setting off as sudden changes could make paths treacherous.
Birding
The park offers birdwatching opportunities with over 200 species, including roadrunners and bald eagles. Bird checklists are available.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
September 8 First visit by Rick & Irma
park review stars; one to five One of the Rangers told us it was flooded and not much access for bank fishing. My wife Irma and I caught 6 largemouth in about 45 minutes. That was great!
August 25 Great time for boating
park review stars; one to five The lake is near full capacity and we are due for more rain so the lake is very good for boating.
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Area Campgrounds
Carlsbad RV Park & Campground
4301 National Parks Highway
Carlsbad, NM
575-885-6333
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Brantley Lake State Park is 12 miles north of Carlsbad via US 285 and 4.5 miles northeast on Eddy County Road 30.

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New Mexico
54

New Mexico State Parks

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