Red Bluff Reservoir

Right on the Texas Border, the Red Bluff Reservoir provides access to the Pecos River and boat access to the reservoir created by the Red Bluff Dam. The area provides recreation opportunities including camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, equestrian use, and wildlife observation.

Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)

  • Visitors can take the road most of the way down to the ramp, and both Catfish and Whitebass Road are paved. There is a short section of dirt road visitors must travel to reach where the bank slopes, but this can be done by car.  

    • The bank itself stretches across a long area. Visitors must be able to navigate the unlevel ground. Also, be aware that packed dirt may crumble in sections. Visitors must avoid debris and climb down or hop to launch a water vessel into the water. Plus, visitors must be able to sit, stand or paddle for extended periods of time in the elements. 

Adventure is at Your Fingertips

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO 

Fees 

  • None. 

Facilities 

  • There is no potable water at the ramp site. 

  • There are no restrooms at the ramp site. 

  • Public boat ramp. 

Nearby Amenities  

  • The nearest gas stations and stores are located in Loving, N.M., 21 miles north via U.S. Route 285. 

Season/Hours 

  • Open year-round.  

  • At certain times of the year the water gets low and may not be accessible for motorized watercrafts.  

Special Rules  

  • Please practice Leave No Trace. Any trash you bring in please pack out.  

  • No fireworks, discharge or use of firearms, or any other weapons. 

  • Follow local fire guidelines, do not leave fires unattended and put out completely after each use. 

  • No glass bottles on the ramp, along or in the river.   

  • Pets must be on a 6-foot leash.  

BROCHURES, MAPS, AND PUBLICATIONS 

  • N/A 

Wildlife 

  • Shorebirds 

  • Great Blue Herons 

  • Turkey Vultures 

  • Killdeer 

Phone

Activities

Iconograph of a water waves
WATER ACCESS
Iconograph of a bird perched on a branch.
BIRDING
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BOATING
Iconograph of a two people paddling a canoe.
CANOEING
Iconograph of a tent.
DISPERSED CAMPING
Iconograph of a fish head and a fishing hook on a line
FISHING
Iconograph of two people wearing backpacks and using walking sticks
HIKING
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HORSEBACK RIDING
Iconograph of a person paddling a kayak.
KAYAKING
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PHOTOGRAPHY
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PICNICKING
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WILDLIFE VIEWING

Addresses

Carlsbad Field Office
620 E. Greene Street
Carlsbad
New Mexico
88220

Geographic Coordinates

32.003379, -103.98086

Directions

From Loving, New Mexico head south on US Highway 285 S for 21.2 miles. Turn left onto Catfish Road and follow the road for 2.7 miles until you encounter Pecos River.

Fees

No

Stay Limit

14 Days