Brantley Lake State Park

Brantley Lake State Park is a 1,200-acre recreation area built around a reservoir in the Pecos River Valley. Limestone cliffs and desert plants frame the shoreline, with multiple zones for boating, camping, and fishing spread throughout the grounds.

The park was established in 1989 when Brantley Dam was built to replace an older structure that no longer met safety standards. This dam project shaped how water has been managed in the region ever since.

The reservoir transformed how people in this valley use water and land, creating a new gathering place. Today visitors see this balance between human needs and the desert environment reflected in how the park is organized.

Access to recreation areas is easy through boat ramps and camping zones scattered across the grounds for different activities. Water levels and desert conditions change with the season, so plan your visit accordingly.

The eastern shore has three caves carved into gypsum deposits, each with its own distinctive formation. These hidden underground spaces offer a surprising discovery for visitors exploring beyond the water's edge.

Location: Eddy County

Inception: 1989

Website: https://emnrd.nm.gov/spd/find-a-park/brantley-lake-state-park

GPS coordinates: 32.55140,-104.38400

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:08