Elephant Butte Lake State Park Map and Information
Elephant Butte Lake State Park is open for DAY USE to RESIDENTS OF NEW MEXICO only. In an effort to effectively manage crowds at Elephant Butte Lake the following strategies will be implemented:
- Park is limited to day-use from 6AM-8PM
- Vehicles will be counted at pay booths during entry, and visitation will be kept at 25% capacity, approximately 5000 visitors or 1250 vehicles
- Three areas will be open:
1) Main Area = 600 vehicles;
2) Rock Canyon = 250 vehicles; and
3) Long Point = 400 vehicles
When the park reaches capacity, park officials will hold visitors at entrances and admit visitors one at a time as other visitors leave the park. Visitors will be directed to recreational areas that are under capacity.
The lake offers miles of trails, sandy beaches, and magnificent views along its 43-mile length. Admission / park fees are $5 per car or $15 per bus or tour van. Walk or bike in for free! Annual day use park passes are $40.
About Elephant Butte Lake
New Mexico’s largest body of water, Elephant Butte Lake, is a fisherman’s paradise known for record-breaking black, white, and striped bass, as well as crappie and bluegill.
Elephant Butte Lake State Park encompasses 40,000 acres and has a Visitor Center and camp sites.
There are 3 marinas to serve boaters:
Marinas / Boat Rentals
Dam Site Marina
Kayaks, standup paddle boards, aqualodges, and boat slips.
Marina del Sur
Boat slips are available at Marina del Sur, as are rentals of pontoon boats, pontoon ski boats, and slide boats (3 hour minimum).
Sports Adventure Rentals
Pontoon boats, ski boats, pedal boats, standup paddle boards, wake boards, tubes, rentable by the hour or the day.
The Damsite Recreation Area, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the 1930s, has been designated a Historic District. The site retains the flavor of the lake's historic past and includes cabins, an RV park, rock-lined paths, and the charming (but currently under construction) Dam Site Lodge, housed in the old Administration Building dating from 1911 / the dam-building days.
Wireless internet is available throughout the park (below Monticello point).
Headquarters for Elephant Butte Lake State Park: 575-744-5421.
LAKE LEVELS:
• Elephant Butte Lake water level
• US Army Corp of Engineers Real Time Data for the Rio Grande Basin