June targeted for opening of new Grindstone Lake campground

• Parks director says campground will add another dimension to the already popular recreation area

Ruidoso village councilors were expected to approve a contract Tuesday with Triangle S Construction for $292,366 to create a new campground at Grindstone Lake, targeted to open in June 2019.

Kerry Gladden, public information officer for the village, said Thursday Parks and Recreation Department officials recently completed the design of a campground at the lake that also acts as the main water supply reservoir for the village. Grindstone is a popular fishing, boating, bird watching and swimming spot. Hiking and biking trails circle the lake and connect to the Lincoln National Forest.

The project work has been advertised, and Parks Director Rodney Griego was on the agenda to request approval of a contract for construction at the council's Dec. 11 meeting.

The project is scheduled to begin soon and will be completed in 150 days, as weather permits, Gladden said. The expected opening date is early June. The campground project will include 22 tent campsites and six sites for RVs up to 15-feet in length.

The new campground area also will include picnic tables, showers, restrooms and parking. Site rentals will utilize a self-pay station on the campsite. Campground rules and rentals will be monitored by parks and recreation staff along with local law enforcement.

Prior to the campground construction, a crew from the street department will build an access road to the campground. The purpose of the new access road is to bypass the current entrance on Sunrise Court to eliminate potential traffic issues on the neighboring streets.

“We are very excited to see this project underway,” Griego said. “Having campsites at Grindstone Lake will add another dimension to this already amazing recreational area.”

For more information about the new campsites and related fees, contact the Ruidoso Parks and Recreation Department at 575-257-5030.