WATER Activities

Carlsbad Water Park

Pecos river Recreation Area

Great adventures await at the Pecos River Recreation Area, located in the heart of downtown Carlsbad. Enjoy boating , waterskiing and fishing on Lake Carlsbad, where you can rent kayaks and paddle boats or set out on a boat tour. You'll find plenty of picnic areas, parks, golf courses and a lakeside walkway that meanders for nearly five miles. The area also offers tennis and racquetball courts, along with plenty of playgrounds with grills available for use.

Located along Park Dr., Carlsbad, NM 88220

Pecos River Recreation

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Carlsbad WaterPark

Cool off at the Carlsbad Water Park, a fun family spot on the shores of the Pecos River. Ride the twin speed slides and the 50-foot-tall slide known as “Big Blue,” then take a leisurely float in the lazy river pool. The park includes a zero entry children's play area as well as locker rooms.

Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, Tuesday through Sunday, from 11am to 6pm. Hours will be adjusted mid August-September $5 admission; those under 4 and over 61 get in for free!

Location: 708 Park Drive, Carlsbad, NM 88220

Carlsbad Waterpark

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Sitting Bull Falls

Recreation Area

The Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area is a rare gem in the hot desert, this oasis offers cool pools of water and the awesome Sitting Bull Falls. Day-use area only. Pavilions, picnic tables, water, and restrooms provided. Access to many trails can be found from this site.

From US285 north of Carlsbad, turn west onto NM137. Continue on NM137 for about 20 miles until you find County Road 409. Turn right on this road and continue. The Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Site is at the end of this road.

Daytime Use Fee:
- $5 per vehicle, up to ten people

- $10 per vehicle, 10+ people

- Free entry with Senior/Golden Age/Access/America the Beautiful

(575) 885-4181

Sitting Bull Falls

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Brantley Lake State Park

By day, Brantley Lake State Park is a popular spot for boating, canoeing, kayaking and fishing. At night, however, the focus turns to the skies, where stunning sunsets and a canopy of stars take your breath away.

Located less than 20 miles from Carlsbad, this southernmost lake in New Mexico is a great spot for hiking, bird watching, picnicking and camping.

(575) 457-2384

Brantley Lake State Park

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Carlsbad Splash Pads

Carlsbad has TWO SPLASH PADS!!

1. Bob Forrest Youth Sorts Complex (open Mon-Sat 9am until the final game ends)

2. Carlsbad Beach Area off of Park Drive near the bandshell (open 7 days a week 8am to 8pm)

Carlsbad Splashpads

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six-mile Dam

Nestled approximately six miles from Carlsbad at the end of Forni Rd.

This area on the Pecos River is a haven for migratory birds, a great place to fish, & "one of the best kept secrets in southeast NM! The area proudly hosts the "Steve West Birding Area” Steve West was a long-time educator and birding enthusiast who contributed a great deal to this community

From the intersection of Highway 62/285 and E Wood Avenue, head east on E Wood Ave (CR 216) for 3 miles. The road will take a wide long turn to the south. Stay on the main paved road and head south for 1 mile. Take a left on Forni Road. Stay on Forni Road until it dead ends at the dam. From Loving: Take the Pecos Highway (285) north to Carlsbad. Just past mile marker 27, take a right on Grandi Road (CR 706). Drive 2.2 miles and take a right on Forni Road. Stay on Forni Road until it dead ends at the dam.