Skip to main content
Site Open
Recreation Region: Quemado Ranger District

Cove Day Use Area

This day use area provides visitors with a nice easy lake access.

It is primarily a lake access area with a large parking area suitable for day use only.  Boat parking is available.

 

Current Conditions
Generally open year-round, though snowy and icy conditions in winter may limit access.

General Information

Potable water is not available from October 1 to April 30.

ATV use is not allowed in Quemado Lake Recreation Area.

Closest Stores:
The only location to purchase a fishing license is the Apache Creek Store in Apache Creek, NM located 25 miles south of the Quemado Lake area on Highway 32. The other option is to purchase your fishing license prior to visiting the area.

Year-round

Dawn to dusk

No pass required

Permits are required for commercial or organized uses.

Day use only.
Hunting is not allowed in the recreation area.
OHV/ATV use is prohibited in the recreation area.

There is no fee for use of the day use area

Pets must be leashed in developed sites within Quemado Lake Recreation Area.

Please contact the Gila National Forest Supervisors Office at 575-388-8201 for information about outfitters and guides who are authorized to operate on the forest. 

Quemado Office Building

Address: #3 Lyle Loop, P.O. Box 159 Quemado, NM 87829
Phone: (575) 773-4678
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:00 am - 4:00 pm (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Directions

Just west of Quemado, NM, head south on New Mexico Highway 32 for 14.2 miles to Quemado Lake/New Mexico Highway 103 sign. At the sign go east on Highway 103 for 4 miles to where Forest Road 13 (gravel) begins.

 

Parking

Ample parking

Facility and Amenity Information

Accessibility

Restrooms

Restrooms are not available at this site.

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Horse/Pack Animal Information

Horse/Pack animals are not allowed at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Hiking Info

Fishing Access Trail #144 circles Quemado Lake on a gentle grade for hiking opportunity. It also connects with Lake Overlook Trail #132, Largo Canyon Trail #14 and other trails that connect to other recreation sites within the recreation area.

Last updated April 4th, 2025