Lake Farmington offers outdoor lovers a variety of adventures within the city limits! The lake is open year-round for fishing and camping, and seasonally for boating and swimming. When visiting Lake Farmington make time to explore the mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding trails. Bird watching is also a popular activity at Lake Farmington. A variety of hummingbirds, eagles, hawks, and heron frequent this city oasis.
Main Street/NM 516, Farmington, NM
505- 599-1197 or 599-1400
Fishing at Lake Farmington
Lake Farmington is a popular fishing spot, year-round. Species in the 250-acre lake include rainbow trout, largemouth bass, catfish, and even pike. The lake is open to the public from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. For New Mexico fishing regulations and license information, visit New Mexico Game and Fish or call (888) 248-6866. A New Mexico fishing license can be purchased online. Lake Farmington's official rules, as set by the City of Farmington are also available online.
Night Fishing
Night fishing is allowed at Lake Farmington. To fish at the lake after the standard operating hours the lake access fee must be paid before gates close at 10:00 pm. An additional night fishing permit is also required and may be purchased at the Main Entrance, Farmington Aquatic Center, or Farmington Museum & Visitor Center. Call 505- 599-1197 or 599-1400 for additional information.
Boating and Swimming at Lake Farmington
Boats, Kayaks, and Paddle Boards
Lake Farmington is open to electric and non-motorized boating. The 2020 boating season is scheduled to be April 11 - October 25. Watercraft must be inspected before launched into the lake. The Boat Inspection Station will be open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Watercraft passes are available at the lake after boat inspection. Boat inspection is free and there is no additional watercraft cost after the daily or seasonal lake fee is paid. Contact the Farmington Aquatic Center (505-599-1167) or Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs (505-599-1197) for clarification on services.
Kayaking and Paddle Boarding are popular summer activities at Lake Farmington. The San Juan College Equipment Rental Center offers affordable equipment rentals, call (505) 566-3221 for details.
The Beach
Due to COVID Public Health Orders, The Beach is closed until further notice. Due to this closure, swimming is permitted at Lake Farmington.
The Beach is a fun and safe area for swimming! Lifeguards are on duty, there are also lap lanes, water slides, a water trampoline, and several fun water play features. The Beach is open 12:00 to 6:00 pm, seven days a week through early August and Saturday and Sunday only, to September 1. The last day of the season will be on Labor Day. There is no entrance fee for The Beach, once the daily or seasonal lake access fee is paid.
The Beach is also available for private party rentals between 6:00 and 8:00 pm daily, during the operating season. Rental includes on-duty lifeguard staff. Contact the Farmington Aquatic Center for reservations at (505) 599-1167.
Camping at Lake Farmington
Lake Farmington features a 21-site dry campground (5 large RV sized sites). Facilities are open year-round and include vault toilets, fire rings, grills, and picnic tables. Utilities and potable water not available. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is a limit of 6 people per site. Pets are permitted and must be leashed. Visit Fmtn.org for additional information or call Farmington Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs at (505) 599-1197.
Lake Farmington Camping Fees
- $10 per night fee, this includes the lake access fee for 1 vehicle
- $5 fee per additional vehicle
Lake Farmington Access Fees
A daily fee is collected at the main entrance of Lake Farmington, from 7:00 am to7:00 pm. Access after hours must be paid via the self-pay station. Visit the City of Farmington's website for additional information. Season passes are available at Lake Farmington Main Entrance, the Farmington Aquatic Center, and the Farmington Museum & Visitor Center.
- $1 per person, good on the day of purchase
- $50 annual pass (per vehicle)
- $5 per night camping fee
Directions to Lake Farmington
Lake Farmington, shown as Farmington Lake or Beeline Reservoir on some maps, is located east of Farmington on Main Street/NM 516. The turn off for Lake Farmington is accessed from NM 516/Main Street, across the street from the Farmington Flea Market. PLEASE NOTE: Google Maps and MapQuest directions list a route via Flora Vista, Road 3535 and Road 3544. We do not recommend this route. If you need assistance with directions, contact the Farmington Convention & Visitors Bureau (505) 326-7602 or 800-448-1240.