Six Mile Dam

Now a renowned birding and fishing area, Six Mile Dam serves as an example of the power of cooperation and persistence. Once known as a party spot and a place to dump trash, these lands are now used for hiking, kayaking, fishing, picnicking, and birding after years of effort by the BLM Carlsbad Field Office, the City of Carlsbad, non-profits, industry partners, and public volunteers to provide improvements to the area. Six Mile Dam is considered one of the best marsh areas remaining in the Pecos Valley and more than 300 species of birds have been spotted in the area.

Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)

  • The entrance into Six Mile Dam is a gravel road. There are several picnic tables along the road on concrete paths with extended to allow someone in a mobility device to comfortably sit.  

    • There are no established trails at Six Mile Dam. To enjoy this area visitors must be able to navigate across either the gravel road or the uneven ground that leads down to the water’s edge.

Adventure is at Your Fingertips

Know Before You Go  

Fees 

  • None 

Facilities  

  • There are 10 shaded picnic tables with extended ends.  

  • There are no restrooms or potable water at Six Mile Dam. 

Nearby Amenities  

  • The nearest gas stations and stores are in Carlsbad, ~7 miles away via Forni Road and Grandi Rural Road. 

Seasons/Hours 

  • Open year around. 

Special Rules  

  • No overnight camping is allowed.   

  • Pets must be on a 6-foot leash. Please dispose of their waste. 

  • Do not allow pets to harass local wildlife.  

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

 BROCHURES, MAPS, AND PUBLICATIONS 

  • N/A 

Wildlife in Area  

  • Shorebirds 

  • Wading birds 

  • Hawks 

  • Marsh birds 

Phone

575-234-5972

Email

BLM_NM_PDO_Mail@blm.gov

Activities

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DAY USE AREA
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WATER ACCESS
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BIRDING
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FISHING
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HIKING
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KAYAKING
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PADDLE BOATING
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PHOTOGRAPHY
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PICNICKING

Addresses

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

Geographic Coordinates

32.383489, -104.145815

Directions

From Carlsbad, New Mexico head south on S Canal St/US Hwy 285 S for 1.5 miles. Turn left onto NM-216E and drive for 4.3 miles before turning left on Forni Rd. Follow Forni Road for 1.4 miles before reaching Six Mile Dam.

Fees

No

Stay Limit

Day Use