289 votes

Elephant Butte Lake State Park

101 NM-195, Elephant Butte, New Mexico 87935 USA

Independent
Credit Cards
Accepted
Pet Friendly
Wheelchair
Accessible
Public
Restrooms

“Hike and Swim in Elephant Butte!”

Elephant Butte is a reservoir on the Rio Grande that was built by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation in 1916. There are historic structures at Damsite that can be visited. The reservoir was a project to provide power and irrigation to south-central New Mexico, and west Texas. This is the largest reservoir in New Mexico. The name "Elephant Butte" was given due to a butte that has the shape of an elephant. This is one of the few lakes in New Mexico that host White Pelican Colonies. In June 2014, the skulls and tusks of a three million year old Stegomastodon was found by park visitors and was excavated by The Museum of Natural History and Science in Albuquerque and State Parks. It eventually will be on display at the Museum.
Fishing is a popular recreational activity on the reservoir, which contains striped bass, largemouth bass, crappie, walleye, and catfish.

If you like camping and boating then Elephant Butte lake is for you. There is plenty of water and plenty of beach room. Elephant Butte Lake can accommodate watercraft of many styles and sizes: kayaks, jet skis, pontoons, sailboats, ski boats, cruisers, and houseboats. Remember to wear your life jacket. Boat safe and boat smart! Besides sandy beaches, the State Park offers campgrounds, restrooms, picnic areas, playgrounds, and developed sites with electric and water hook-ups for RV's.

Park Elevation 4,527 ft
Make a reservation on the New Mexico State Parks reservation website.

Reviews of Elephant Butte Lake State Park

3 people have reviewed this location

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Reviewed by
PuggyK

2 Reviews
1 Helpful

August 02, 2014

There isn't much to see or do if you don't have a boat or other water sport equipment.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Martha Brogdon

41 Reviews
10 Helpful

April 04, 2018

Rated 5.0

This is one of our favorite Parks in New Mexico, just awesome, clean, spacious sites with the most wonderful view of the lake and vast sandy beaches. Camphosts are very helpful.

We purchased a out of State Annual NM Camping Permit (valid 12 months from month of purchase) paid 225.00, now we only pay 4.00 per night for electric and water, you can't beat that.

We stayed at Elephant Butte Lake State Park which has multiple campgrounds for the first time in January of 2018 at the LIONS BEACH CAMPGROUND LOOP C SITE #84, we loved it so much we came back in February and camped at LOWER RIDGE ROAD SITE #1, these 2 sites are only available with reservations, both have electric and water, a easy accessible dump site is available at Quail Run. We stayed a third time in March and took our chances without reservation and found a spot at LIONS BEACH CAMPGROUND LOOP B, again with electric and water. These sites are first come first serve, if you find an open spot you can stay 1 day or up to 14 days, then you have to leave the park for 6 days before you can return. We travel in a 30 foot fifth wheel with a very energetic Jack Russell that just loved the beach.

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Reviewed by
JessLambert

18 Reviews
9 Helpful

October 12, 2016

Rated 3.0

When I was there it the lake had dried up a noticeable amount but the dam was something to look at. All in all its a lake but I saw a number of rental places on the way up.

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