Clayton Lake State Park, near Clayton in Union County in northeastern New Mexico, pairs a quiet fishing lake with one of the most notable dinosaur track sites in the country. Below the lake's spillway, visitors can walk a boardwalk past well-preserved footprints. Managed by New Mexico State Parks, it is a relaxed, dark-sky RV stop where prehistory and a calm lakeshore meet.
Best season — Late spring through fall (high-plains park; check seasonal access)
At a glance
The facts worth checking before you roll out
Conservative, source-minded facts for planning your visit — always worth confirming against current conditions before you travel.
State
New Mexico (Union County)
Nearest town
Clayton
Feature
Dinosaur trackways near the spillway
Managed by
NM Energy, Minerals & Natural Resources — State Parks Division
On the ground
The trackways sit near the spillway below Clayton Lake, where New Mexico State Parks describes some of the finest dinosaur trail drags found anywhere in the United States. A short boardwalk and interpretive signs help visitors make sense of what they are seeing.
Beyond the tracks, the park's visitor center showcases the region's dinosaur history and geology, and the lake itself draws anglers and stargazers — the area is known for dark night skies far from city light.
Confirm current trackway access, visitor-center hours, campground availability, and rig limits on the official New Mexico State Parks page before planning an RV stay here.
Official sources
- New Mexico State Parks — Clayton Lake State Park State parks agency
Nearby & related
Keep planning New Mexico
Sourced costs, campground directories, and the places worth a detour — the next layer of New Mexico trip planning.
- New Mexico RV rental costFuel · camping · tax, sourced
- New Mexico RV-friendly campgroundsHookups, rig limits, booking tips
- Campervan & van rentals in New MexicoVan-life routes, rules & rigs
- National monumentsProtected-land guides
- Scenic landmarksBucket-list overlooks
- Wildlife refugesWildlife-watching stops
- RV lifehacksCamp-smarter field tricks
Planning an RV trip near Clayton Lake State Park & Dinosaur Trackways: An RV Guide?
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