Elephant Butte Lake

About

Elephant Butte Lake State Park encompasses New Mexico's largest body of water, the 40-mile-long Elephant Butte Reservoir formed by a dam on the Rio Grande. The park offers extensive camping facilities with 173 developed campsites spread across several distinct campground areas: Desert Cove, Quail Run, Lions Beach, and South Monticello. Most developed sites feature water and electric hookups with 30-amp and 50-amp service available, while eight sites offer full hookups including sewer connections. Beyond developed camping, the park provides over 1,150 primitive camping opportunities including beach camping and boat-in camping options. Facilities include restrooms with flush toilets and showers, vault toilets in some areas, an RV dump station, boat launch ramps, marina, and playground. The Visitor Center operates daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The reservoir is renowned for bass fishing, particularly largemouth and smallmouth bass, as well as catfish, walleye, and striped bass. Water recreation includes boating, waterskiing, jet skiing, and swimming. The surrounding high desert landscape offers scenic views and wildlife watching opportunities. Day-use hours run from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Directions

From I-25 (northbound or southbound), take Exit 83 and turn onto NM State Road 195 South. Continue approximately 4-5 miles to the Visitor Center at 101 Highway 195, Elephant Butte, NM 87935.