The Dam House at Grindstone Lake

Bethany S

2023-11

The hours posted are not accurate. It’s otherwise a nice location. There’s no hours on the building either so no source is reliable if you were hoping for a rental. Try calling before committing your family to plans.

Samantha Saiz

2023-06

My family and I were staying in Ruidoso and we were there from Las Cruces New Mexico getting my daughter from NMSU. We went out to grindstone for fishing loved it me and my daughter tried to hike the mountains but couldn't do it LOL but the fishing was great the weather was great it was a very nice Lake Big Lake full of people only said things Campground wasn't open there's a lot of people pulling in with campers and they had to turn around to leave because the campground was closed but other than that it was really nice like I said Lake was full bunch of people fishing caught a lot of trout

A Golden

2024-01

Beautiful lake and nice hike trail.

Kristen Barreras

2022-05

Beautiful lake and forest combination. This place is good for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. There is no alcohol permitted but I saw many guests that had brought alcohol anyways. It has bathrooms with running water which is great! It is very busy in the summer. 4 stars because you have to haul all of your belongings from parking to the lake. So, if you go far around the lake to find a spot you have to haul your ice chest, canopy, and other belongings. Otherwise, great experience and beautiful views. Our family had a great time!

Oliver Smith

2021-05

The lake is beautiful. Nice waters and super awesome hiking/biking trails all around. You can do it til your heart is content. The only downside is there is A LOT of people there and unfortunately they leave their trash behind. Take the trails to avoid the crowds. During two bike rides I didn’t encounter anyone on them. Such a shame because they offer amazing views.

Dan Sorak

2021-05

What a great place to swim, paddle, fish, bike, or just hang out! Very family friendly and great for picnicking. There's a path all the way around the lake, so there's plenty of lake shore to find a secluded spot for hanging out. The dam is off limits, so you will need to hike or bike around on the trails to get to the far side. There are port-o-lets and trailer-based restrooms on the parking lot side and a ways down the path on the same side of the lake if you follow the wide path, but it is very primitive on the far side with only a single-track hiking/biking trail. We visited in July and the water was cool and refreshing (I would guess about 70°F). Entry fee is $5 per car, but free if you bike in. There's plenty of parking, but if you visit on the weekends, be aware that you may need a reservation. There's a boat launch and boathouse where they rent all sorts of watercraft, from paddle boats (leg-powered), to canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards. When we were there, there was also a food truck serving pizzas and other such food. The lake does not allow motor-powered craft, but I believe that electric fishing boat motors are allowed. Best to check, though. COVID-19: Masks are required, but in my experience, once in, not many people follow the rule.

Ahsan Habib

2021-05

Nice Lake at Ruidoso, NM. In Jan 2021, when we were there, some renovation works on road, base ongoing. Hopefully, after the work, whole place will be more charming. Boating was restricted due to COVID. Overall awesome lake nearby, especially who lives in El Paso TX.

Nicole Aldaco

2024-04

The hours are inaccurate. We have tried to come multiple times and it is closed. Spoke to some locals and they said it's only open during certain times of the year. It would be nice to have the information accurately displayed so I can plan family trips accordingly

Philocaly Artographer

2020-05

I traveled two and a half hours to visit Grindstone Lake in late January for a day trip. In the beginning we were a bit disappointed to wake to a cloudy day, and it didn't let up as we got there either. It definitely added to the charm though as the lake didn't even seem like anything you would normally see in New Mexico! The cold temperatures and the low clouds made for such a unique setting, it was so gorgeous, even as I hope to make another trip in the summer to experience this in warm weather, I most definitely recommend taking the chance to see it in winter as well!

Emily Lobacz

2021-05

Great location! The lake is nice, but it’s slightly dirty, we assume because it was extremely busy. The trails around the lake are perfect for trail running or biking which is why we would definitely return. Recommend going in the off season to truly enjoy this location.

JOHNNY JAILHOUSE

2021-05

Wonderful lake. Full of water . Saw people fishing but we took the trail road. Be prepared with plenty of water some snacks and comfortable shoes.! Have some time to spare. it’s wonderful for singles , furry friends , couples and a bike ride.

Gilbert Aldaco

2024-04

Hours are completely wrong and it's closed. Plans are ruined now. Locals said it was closed September to May !!

gabriel avila

2021-05

Overall a great place to take the family.. Well maintained with many improvements coming. You can fish rent boats, hike and ride some bike trtrails. They have restrooms on site.

Unwanted Commentary

2021-05

Reservations needed for vehicle entry. Parking lot restrooms are hole based so you can use your imagination on what to expect. Other than that it’s a really cute place where you can rent a paddleboard, paddle boat, kayay or canoe. Must have an ID for rental or leave car keys. Saw a couple of people with their own paddleboards and inflatable kayaks. Other than that it’s a cute place where you can swim or fish. If you keep walking away from the loading dock there’s a couple of good places where to jump off from. Better restrooms there too. Very clean. Since no vehicles are able to be taken all the way over there, I would definitely recommend those little pull carts.

Hasib Chowdhury, Ph.D.

2022-05

Good place for kayaking. Reservations are required for entrance. Parking fee is reasonable ($10 per vehicle).

Anna Alday

2021-05

This was gorgeous! This is definitely a place to visit if you are near Ruidoso. The water is clean, the facilities are clean, and the entire area is well maintained. If you plan on going on the weekend, you need to get there early otherwise you will struggle with parking.

Steve Jim

2022-05

Grindstone lake is awesome. Although the Damn House was closed when we visited, the area is simply amazing. What makes it great is it's proximity to mid town Ruidoso. It's about a 5 minute drive. Boating and fishing are available and you can rent kayaks on the lake. An on the lake water recreation area is also available with an inflatable rock climbing feature. I believe the water rec area is $20 per person.

Debbie Lucero

2021-05

Really appreciated the ones at the entrance! Don't appreciate that you "have" to wear a mask in the outdoors! Don't appreciate the fact the don't have a designated area for fishing and one for swimming! You know what happens when there's a lot of splashing where people are fishing?!

Lunker Lord

2023-05

Open to visitors, no reservations required because it is slow season. Make reservations from Memorial day through Labor day.Beautiful scenery but the lake was low and fishing was slow

Helen Hohman

2022-05

We rented Kayaks here last year and went kayaking. It was really fun and wasn’t expensive. They had a military discount also for the kayak rental. The lake is beautiful!

Wendy Harden

2023-05

Absolutely beautiful. Great hiking trail. I could spend the day with a picnic and fishing pole.

Ryan Morgan

2021-05

Smooth rolling trails. Non technical super fun! If you don't want to pay reservation fee run in! The trails are amazing.....get away from crowds takes like 5min. if ya want to sit with people that can also be done here. All texas folks......go Trump! On trails you can be away from this insanity.

Cassie Holm

2021-05

There was some construction or some kind of improvements going on when we came, but it was still very pretty! Nice walk around the lake!

Andrea Baca

2021-05

Excellent location for family fun including 4 legged children. Water sports, hiking, biking, picnics, or just relaxing. Highly recommend.

Ryan Neugebauer

2021-05

This place is gorgeous!!! There's a nice trail to hike on around it as well. Please stop here if you visit Ruidoso!

Jonathan Werner

2021-05

The multiuser trails surrounding the lake are absolutely beautiful and a blast. Highly recommend.

Alan Greenwood

2021-05

By far one of the most peaceful and tranquil lakes to come catch a few fish and swim with them.

Jenny Johnson

2021-05

One of my favorite local places to recharge my batteries! It's gorgeous and incredibly peaceful every time!

Felicia Trujillo

2021-05

Fishing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boats fun for the whole family ! Must check out when visiting ruidoso nm .

Manolo Perez

2021-05

Some nice trails for hiking. From easy to moderate