Heron Dam and reservoir are part of the San Juan Chama Project. The reservoir is on Willow Creek just above the point where Willow Creek enters the Chama River. Recreation at Heron Reservoir is managed by New Mexico State Parks under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation. The Park is open 24 hours. There is a visitor center containing interpretive exhibits. The recreation area is a fee area. No food service or lodging within park. Lodging available in Chama. Sailing club concessionaire. Year-round fishing for rainbow and lake trout. Kokanee salmon season is Nov. 1 - Jan. 31. West end of lake closed 6:00pm - 12:00pm in winter when Department of Game and Fish employees gather kokanee spawn. There is stream fishing downstream from dam. State fishing license and trout stamp required. Boating must conform to New Mexico regulations. Boating restrictions limit motors to "no wake" speed.

Heron Lake State Park is 11 miles west of Tierra Amarilla via US highways 64 and 84 and NM 95.