Oasis State Park, nearly 200 acres, is located just north of Portales in the Llano Estacado of central eastern New Mexico and northwestern Texas, a flat, treeless region of sandy soils, where the tallest vegetation is typically yucca. When the wind blows, which it frequently does, the most noticeable plant is the Russian thistle. Dead tumbleweeds are the only vegetation edging the park’s 3-acre artificial pond; they often obscure trails and may cover the entire sand dune area.

Yet, there are some large mature trees, both deciduous and conifer, shading park camping and picnicking sites, acting as a slight windbreak, and providing roosting and nesting places for birds. Depending on who are the camp hosts, a feeder may be out at their site near the showers.

Oasis State Park is set among cottonwood trees, shifting sand dunes, and a small fishing lake. Although fishing is the park’s main draw, it also has several hiking trails, a peaceful and shady campground, and an abundance of birds.

The AllTrails website has a description and map of a hike at Oasis State Park.