Swimming holes and camping near water (Las Vegas, Ruidoso: land, best, parks)

[TexasGabe]

I'm making my spring/summer camping trip plans and I am looking for suggestions and information on campgrounds and camping areas near good places to swim. I'm mean beyond the obvious state lake parks and such. I'm talking about mountain/forest campgrounds along good flowing streams, rivers and creeks. I'd like to do some serious hiking and then come back and cool-off without having to go to a separate river access or hot spring. Plus camping next to water is just fun and relaxing. So...favorite New Mexico swimming holes?

[rruff]

Originally Posted by TexasGabe

I'm talking about mountain/forest campgrounds along good flowing streams, rivers and creeks.

NM is dry til ~mid-July. In this area (Ruidoso), they sometimes close the Forest and all public land from May-July. That is closed to access, period. Considering how dry the winter has been, that could happen this year.

The north part of the state around Taos or Las Vegas would be your best bet.