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New Mexico
60

New Mexico State Parks

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USA Parks
New Mexico
Southeast Region
Oliver Lee Memorial State Park
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Oliver Lee Memorial State Park © MRobison / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Oliver Lee Dog Canyon Ranch
Oliver Lee Memorial State Park © theturquoisetable / CC BY-SA 2.0
Oliver Lee Memorial State Park © G. Thomas at English Wikipedia / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The western escarpment of the Sacramento Mountains of southern New Mexico, looking south from Dog Canyon above Oliver Lee State Park.
Oliver Lee Memorial State Park © s_mestdagh / CC BY-SA 2.0
Oliver Lee Memorial State Park © theturquoisetable / CC BY-SA 2.0
Oliver Lee Memorial State Park © goingslo / CC BY 2.0
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OLIVER LEE MEMORIAL STATE PARK
OLIVER LEE MEMORIAL STATE PARK
409 Dog Canyon Road
Alamogordo, New Mexico   88310
(lat:32.7476 lon:-105.9182) map location

Phone: 575-437-8284
Set against the dramatic Sacramento Mountains, this park features a historic ranch house, quiet camping in the Chihuahuan Desert, and pools of water under the cottonwood trees of Dog Canyon. Springs flow year-round and ferns cling to the sides of mossy rocks. The water in Dog Canyon has attracted people to the area for millennia.

The park's namesake, Oliver Milton Lee 1865-1941 was a colorful figure in New Mexico history. In 1893 he settled at the mouth of Dog Canyon and built an extensive house at his ranch headquarters. At its peak, his holdings reached about one million acres. Oliver Lee explored ways of bringing water to the dry Tularosa Basin and was instrumental in establishing the town of Alamogordo. Lee is also credited for using his influence to attract the railroad to the area.

Oliver Lee's home at Dog Canyon Ranch has been completely rebuilt from ruins. It is authentically furnished providing visitors with a glimpse of Lee's life at the ranch. The house is open to the public by guided tour only. Please see our events page for the current schedule.
Camping
The campground, just southwest of the mouth of Dog Canyon, is dry and rocky with desert grasses, mesquite, ocotillo, creosote, yucca, and various species of cacti. The sites vary widely in elevation offering privacy and incredible views across the Tularosa Basin. Reservation and first come first served sites are available. Group camping is available. Please call the park office to reserve the group area.


Location
Oliver Lee Memorial State Park is located near Alamogordo

Picnicking
Oliver Lee Memorial State Park offers picnic areas with tables and grills. Some sites have shelters for shade or rain protection.
Birding
Birdwatchers can explore two trails, Dog Canyon Trail and Riparian Nature Trail. Over 140 bird species have been identified here including rare birds like the golden eagle and peregrine falcon. The park's diverse habitats attract a variety of migratory birds throughout the year.

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Area Campgrounds
Alamogordo Roadrunner Campground
412 24th Street
Alamogordo, NM
Nearby Hotels
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New Mexico
60

New Mexico State Parks

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