6 Water Getaways for Military Families in the Southwest
by Meredith Flory - July 8th, 2022
For military families that grew up near a coast, getting stationed far from an ocean might give you a feeling of being landlocked. If the military has landed you in a desert, the sand you see is probably not the sort you want between your toes on a blissful summer day.
Luckily for military families stationed in West Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona at places like Fort Bliss, Fort Huachuca, Kirtland Air Force Base, or Holloman Air Force Base, there’s a network of State and National Parks, manmade lakes, and resorts where your family can day trip to get in your summer dose of sunshine and swimming.
Below are six places to get your beach fix in the desert!
Bottomless Lakes in Roswell, NM
Right outside a city more known for aliens, Bottomless Lakes State Park is another unusual phenomenon where sink holes have created beautiful blue water features. The largest, Lea Lake, has a campground, swimming area, and room for water sports. Near several New Mexico military stations, and a few hours from Ft. Bliss, it’s a perfect place to go swimming to beat the heat of the desert.
Balmorhea State Park, TX
The world’s largest spring-fed pool just happens to be in a small town in Texas, just around three hours from Ft. Bliss. While much of Balmorhea State Park has been going through renovations the past few years, the swimming area is open again, but make sure to buy tickets online ahead of time to ensure your spot. With crystal blue water that gets up to 25 feet deep, this is a popular spot for swimmers, divers, and snorkelers. Take a picnic lunch and jump off a diving board into the cool, clear water.
Arizona resorts
If you’re looking for a luxury vacation, major Arizona cities are home to a variety of resorts with poolside drinks and water features for the kids. Some resorts offer military discounts. Visit for a vacation stay, or purchase day passes to the water park amenities. Whether you are stationed at MCAS Yuma, or just passing through Arizona during a PCS move, consider adding an Arizona resort to your vacation!
Arizona Resort and Spa in Phoenix is home to the Oasis Water Park, and offers dining, spa amenities, and recreational options at a gorgeous hotel you can spend the whole week at or explore nearby attractions as well. Military families can access a discount using the code MILITARY online.
Great Wolf Lodges are well known throughout the country, and the one in Scottsdale, AZ offers an up to 25% discount for military and first responders with the code HEROES where an indoor water park allows for play year round.
Water sports in Santa Rosa, NM
Home to multiple lakes, Santa Rosa has several areas designated for swimming fun, and is just shy of 2 hours from Albuquerque in eastern NM. The Santa Rosa Water Park has an inflatable obstacle course. The lake also has slides, paddle boats, and other attractions. Blue Hole has swimming, fishing, and SCUBA diving availability year round at this popular clear water destination. Blue Hole Dive Center has classes, gear, tank refills, and permits for those wanting to continue their SCUBA hobby while stationed inland. Santa Rosa Lake State Park provides a traditional summer lake experience with camping, jet skis, hiking, and wildlife for those that want a woodland summer camp vibe.
El Paso water parks
The City of El Paso, where Ft. Bliss is located, has a system of water parks with day and season passes available. Food must be purchased inside the park, but they are a convenient, affordable place for families living in El Paso to spend a good portion of the summer. Each has its own cute theme! Packages for parties and cabana rentals are available, which could make a great birthday party or idea for a unit get-together.
Nearby Anthony, TX is home to Wet ‘n’ Wild, a large water park with season passes, a wave pool, and bungalow rentals with military discount tickets available at the Ft. Bliss MWR. Enjoy a day on a lazy river, bring your own picnic spread, and experience a wide array of attractions from kiddie level to thrilling slides.
Quiet getaway in Southern NM
If you own an RV or boat, a string of three state parks in Southern NM is a must-know location while stationed in the Southwest. Easy access from several bases make the string of state parks along the Rio Grande a perfect spot for a four-day weekend camp. Percha Dam is a quiet place with RV sites, birdwatching, and fishing. Nearby Caballo Lake offers boating and swimming, while slightly farther north Truth and Consequences and Elephant Butte has swimming, hot springs, and a selection of hotels and RV parks.
While you're traveling, check out our road trip and playlist suggestions for a vacation through the Southwest.
Meredith Flory is a military spouse, homeschool mom, and freelance writer currently living in Texas. She has a master’s degree in children’s literature and her writing has appeared in publications such as Military Families, The Mary Sue, and Augusta Family Magazine. You can follow her on Twitter @Meredith Flory Instagram @merediththemom or check out her website www.meredithflory.com for more info.
