Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area, New Mexico
Posted by Jody on August 27, 2012
Today’s Featured Writer: Kristie McLin

Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area, New Mexico
Carlsbad is for Children!
This summer we spent our vacation in Carlsbad, New Mexico.
When people think of Carlsbad, they mostly think of the Caverns, which is no surprise. Carlsbad Caverns National Park boasts “Beauty and Wonder; Above and Below.” But we spent all of our time at the Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area.

Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area
There is a beach on the Pecos River here that is very kid friendly. At first, the kids were a little worried about swimming in something that was not a pool, but some really friendly local kids helped them jump right in! We took walks along the river, played at several of the play structures, visited the skate park and recreation center, and had lovely picnics. The kids had so much fun playing that they wanted to come back to play at the park the next couple of days instead of seeing the Caverns.

Shade, picnic tables, pedal boats and cafe at the beach. Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area

The beach at Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area
Since I know we will be back in Carlsbad soon, this was not a hard request to fill. The grown-ups had a great time watching the kids play while relaxing under big shade trees and covered picnic areas.

Lifeguard stand at Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area

Island at the beach, Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area
The kids had so much fun playing at all the different play structures and swimming in a river that they certainly will be requesting that we come back soon!
Grace said
Looks good!
Jody said
We all had such a good time. And I’ll bet most visitors don’t even realize that Carlsbad has a beach!
alainaflute said
Wow! It’s been a long time since I’ve visited Carlsbad! I remember loving playing at its great riverside parks…and swimming, too! 🙂 Thanks for the post!