Elephant Butte Lake

Open — Open year-round with reservations available through the New Mexico State Parks system. Visitor center open daily 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

About

Elephant Butte Lake State Park encompasses New Mexico's largest lake and state park, providing extensive camping and water recreation opportunities. The park features 173 developed campsites spread across four campground areas including Desert Cove, Quail Run, Lions Beach, and South Monticello. Most sites offer electric and water hookups, with eight sites providing full hookups including sewer. The park caters to RVers with big rig-friendly sites and can accommodate large recreational vehicles. The lake attracts boaters of all types, from kayakers to houseboats, with multiple marinas, boat ramps, and beach camping opportunities. Anglers enjoy fishing from accessible piers or boats, while the 15 miles of trails offer hiking and mountain biking. Facilities include restrooms with showers, vault toilets in primitive areas, an RV dump station, group camping areas, playgrounds, and a visitor center. The dramatic desert landscape features deep blue water surrounded by mountain peaks, creating a stunning setting for outdoor recreation.

Directions

From I-25 take exit 83, turn onto NM State Road 195 South. Northbound traffic goes 4.2 miles and turns left off 195 to the Visitor Center. Southbound traffic goes 4.6 miles and turns left off 195 to the Visitor Center. After the Visitor Center/Entrance, enter the traffic circle and take the 3rd exit for Ridge Road. Campgrounds are along Sumac Road. For South Monticello Campground, take exit 89 onto Rock Canyon Road heading east for about 7 miles.

Nearby Campgrounds