Recreation at Brantley Dam, Reservoir, Brantley Project, is managed by New Mexico State Parks under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation. The State Park is open 24 hours year round. There is a visitor center 4.5 miles from park entrance at U.S. 285. Good access roads. No concessionaires. No food service. No lodging within park. Nearest communities from park entrance are Carlsbad, 12 miles south and Artesia, 24 miles north. Year-round fishing for white bass, catfish, largemouth bass, walleye, and crappie however,due to recent findings of DDT in certain species of fish evaluated and tested by the NM Environment Department, State Parks recommends catch and release only.. There are hiking trails and water skiing. Scuba diving for game fish is permitted. Boating must conform to New Mexico regulations.