Southern New Mexico's Underrated State Park Near Las Cruces Has A Cactus Garden, Camping, And Fishing

While deserts are often the first thing that comes to mind when picturing New Mexico, there are stunning waterways that help wildlife and vegetation thrive throughout the state. In southern New Mexico near the city of Las Cruces, an underrated state park offers a desert oasis beside the mighty Rio Grande. Sitting at an elevation of 3,962 feet, Leasburg Dam State Park was established in 1971 for public recreation centered around the diversion dam built in 1908. The park offers breath-taking desert scenery with short hiking trails, a cactus garden full of native life, and a mountain backdrop. While water levels may vary in the Rio Grande, fishing, swimming, and paddling are popular activities when levels are high. Leasburg Dam State Park also boasts a visitor center with exhibits, an observatory, bird and night sky education programs, and a playground. "This is a sweet hidden gem in South Central New Mexico," a visitor said.

Located in Radium Springs, Leasburg Dam State Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to sundown for a small fee. The cooler months from October to April are the best time to visit for birding, while spring and fall are ideal for fishing. Given its proximity to White Sands National Park, Leasburg Dam is a great addition to an outdoor vacation for desert and river fun. Out-of-state travelers flying into the region should book their flight to Las Cruces International Airport, only half an hour from the park. Pets traveling with their owners are allowed throughout the park and for overnight camping stays. The state park supports tent, RV, and trailer camping, but does not offer primitive camping. Those who do not wish to camp can find plenty of nearby hotels and lodging options in Las Cruces. 

Camping is the best way to soak up the sun and explore everything Leasburg Dam State Park has to offer. The park is home to the Greasewood, Cholla Loop, and Cactus Patch campgrounds. There are 29 individually numbered campsites in the park for tents, RVs, and trailers. Most sites have water and electric hookups, and two are wheelchair-accessible. There is an RV dump station and vault toilets located around the park for comfort and convenience. 

"Lovely desert campground," one Google reviewer shared. "Only stayed here one night passing through but the campground was great. There is a trail by the campground that will take you to the Rio Grande with a little swim area. Campground was nearly full but very quiet. Pretty surroundings with the mountains and river." Camping reservations can be made online in advance. If you prefer to stay near White Sands National Park, camping is free in New Mexico's Organ Mountains.

Leasburg Dam State Park has a modest 2.25 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. These paths include an interpretive trail and a vibrant cactus garden with a 0.16-mile trail through native desert plants. "The cactus were blooming while we were there and they were stunning. I really appreciate the interpretive signs with the names of plants. There are lots of rabbits there, plenty of picnic tables overlooking the river and a big group campground," a past visitor said. The cactus garden is also a great location for birdwatching. Some of the residents are sparrows, woodpeckers, long-billed curlew, verdin, Wilson's snipe, black phoebe, canyon towhee, rock wren, and ducks. The 1.3-mile Upper and Lower Mogollon Trail is also an excellent loop path for those wanting to explore more of the region's scenery and riverside habitats. 

The Rio Grande is a thrilling location for water recreation when levels are high enough to support such activities. While motorized boats are not allowed in Leasburg Dam State Park, paddling is welcomed for those with a canoe or kayak, with life jackets being required for all boaters. While it is not as relaxing as soaking in the scenic New Mexico hot springs, swimming is also permitted strictly in the north day-use area. A word of warning, however: Swimmers are not allowed within 150 feet of the Leasburg Dam for their own safety. "The real treat is the Rio Grande's cool running water! It is cool when you get in, but feels nice as you acclimate to it. Most visitors like to wade knee to waist deep in the rapidly moving water," a past visitor shared. 

Fishing is another popular activity allowed only in the south day-use and trail area of Leasburg Dam State Park. There is also an ADA fishing site located along the 0.34-mile ADA-accessible Lower Mogollon Trail. "The place was really nice and very clean! Cool place if you want a good fishing spot on the Rio," a reviewer said. Some of the most commonly caught local species on the Rio Grande include bass, catfish, and panfish. Rainbow trout is also occasionally stocked in the park by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish during the cooler months when water conditions are suitable. Some anglers may prefer the slower pace of lake fishing, which can be found less than an hour north in Caballo Lake State Park, New Mexico's underrated state park with boating and beaches. Keep in mind that a New Mexico fishing license is required for angler age 12 and older, which can be bought online.