El Vado Lake Boat Ramp provides access to El Vado Reservoir near Tierra Amarilla, with a main launch located near the park office featuring a large parking lot that rarely backs up, plus a secondary smaller launch near the Rio Chama mouth (closed during low-water periods).

Note that motorized boating access has been temporarily restricted due to dropping water levels and safety concerns; check current park status before visiting, as the lake is currently open only for non-motorized vessels like canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.