Notable Campgrounds
- Best for beachside camping: Three Sisters Campground has secluded primitive camping for tents or RVs right by the lakefront.
- Best for boat access: South Monticello Campground has lakeside tent and RV campsites with electric and water hookups, and a boat ramp nearby.
- Best for RVs: Quail Run Campground has pull-through sites suitable for RVs up to 40’ with electric hookups and access to a dump station.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- You can reserve sites at the park’s developed campgrounds and primitive campsites online via the New Mexico State Parks website.
- Online reservations can be made up to six months in advance.
- Campsites can book up as fast, especially for holiday weekends, so book at least three months in advance.
When to Go
When the mercury soars in summer, New Mexicans make a beeline for the lakeshore, so don’t expect to have the lake to yourself. Holiday weekends can get crowded, especially on the 4th of July—the fireworks display over the lake is legendary!—and several popular events and festivals are held around the lakeside throughout summer. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, mild temperatures make it possible to camp through all four seasons, but some campgrounds close from late fall through spring.
Know Before You Go
- Elephant Butte Lake State Park sits five miles north of Truth or Consequences along I-25, about a 2-hour drive from both Albuquerque to the north and El Paso to the south.
- Day passes are required for all vehicles entering New Mexico State Parks, and campsite booking fees also apply. Visitors arriving on foot or by bike can enter for free.
- You can bring your own boat or watercraft to Elephant Butte Lake, and there are several marinas, boat ramps, and rental outlets dotted around the lake. Fishing licences are required to fish on the lake.
- Facilities at Elephant Butte Lake include restrooms, picnic areas, playgrounds, RV dump stations, and a Visitor Centre. Paid wifi is available in the park. The adjoining town of Elephant Butte has a general store, gas station, and restaurants.
- There are accessible restrooms, campsites, piers and trails at Elephant Butte Lake State Park.
Elephant Butte Lake State Park
Desert oasis meets lakeside paradise at New Mexico’s largest lake.
Its name isn’t the only thing that’s memorable about New Mexico’s biggest lake and largest state park. On the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert, this man-made oasis is the place to cool off from the summer sun. Bring your sailboat, kayak, or jet ski (or rent one) and take to the water; try your luck fishing for bass, catfish, and salmon; relax on the sandy lakeside beaches; or hike and bike along the lakeshore. Campers are spoiled for choice, with five developed campgrounds and several primitive camping areas on the beach.
Its name isn’t the only thing that’s memorable about New Mexico’s biggest lake and largest state park. On the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert, this man-made oasis is the place to cool off from the summer sun. Bring your sailboat, kayak, or jet ski (or rent one) and take to the water; try your luck fishing for bass, catfish, and salmon; relax on the sandy lakeside beaches; or hike and bike along the lakeshore. Campers are spoiled for choice, with five developed campgrounds and several primitive camping areas on the beach.
Activities in the park
11 campgrounds in Elephant Butte Lake State Park
Are you into hiking, fishing, and biking? Then look no further than Three Sisters Campground. Located in the picturesque Elephant Butte Lake State Park right on the edge of the lake, you’ve got tons of activities right at your feet sure to keep you occupied whether you’re wanting some desert adventuring or some good old fashioned R&R. Read more...
Feel the cool lakeshore breeze and inhale some seriously fresh air as you set up camp at Desert Cove Campground. Nestled in the heart of Elephant Butte Lake State Park, this RV-friendly spot has got you covered, so you can sit back, relax, and chill in the New Mexico sunshine. Now that’s what we’re talking about. Read more...
Wanna camp in one of Elephant Butte Lake’s most central spots? Make the most of your time on the lake and pitch your tent at Lost Canyon Campground. Right on the lake, you’re just a few small steps from all of the sweet lakeside activities you could dream up, like fishing, boating, and swimming. Read more...
Drive on down to Quail Run Campground and get a feel for the breathtaking natural beauty of New Mexico in one of Elephant Butte Lake State Parks’ many lovely campgrounds. You’re right around the corner from fishing, swimming, and hiking trails that are just waiting to be explored. Travelling in style? No worries—this RV-friendly spot has got all t Read more...
Camp right on the edge of Elephant Butte Lake at South Monticello Campground. For great lakeside views and some serious natural beauty, these sites are RV-friendly and have got all the hookups you could ever need. This spot is perfect if you want to combine camping and fishing into your dream trip… what could be better?Read more...
Need a campground with all the fixin’s? They’ve got you covered over at Lions Beach Campground. This RV and vehicle-friendly spot is right in the middle of the action at Elephant Butte Lake State Park, meaning you’re never too far from some sweet hiking and fishing. Set up camp in style and get ready to relax and recharge. Read more...
More primitive than other Elephant Butte Lake campgrounds, Club Cove Campground is perfect if you’re looking to kick back and enjoy nature the good old fashioned way. You’re still right around the corner from all of the sweet activities at Elephant Butte Lake… we’re talking fishing, hiking, and biking opportunities all within a few minutes away. Read more...
Fancy some camping right alongside the Elephant Butte Reservoir? North Highlands Campground might be just what you’re looking for. If you want to get away from the RV-ers but still get all of the great hiking and fishing opportunities of Elephant Butte Lake Park, this campground can’t be beat. Set up camp and get ready to relax. Read more...
Set up camp at the South Highlands Campground of Elephant Butte Lake State Park and soak up the peace, quiet, and natural beauty of the New Mexico desert. Keep cool at the nearby Elephant Butte Lake with some fishing or swimming, or venture deeper into the desert and wander through the totally picturesque landscape at your leisure. Read more...
Want to relax and chill at Elephant Butte Lake State Park a little bit further from the crowds? Paseo del Rio Campground is located on the southernmost part of the lake, perfect if you’re looking for a bit of extra breathing room. This camp spot is right along the banks of the Rio Grande, meaning you’ve got a truly picturesque piece of New Mexico Read more...
Looking to do some camping in the seriously gorgeous Elephant Butte Lake State park away from the RV’s? Long Point Campground is a primitive spot right near the lake. Try your hand at fishing for trout, wandering through the many nearby hiking trails, or even just spend your days soaking up that New Mexico sunshine. Read more...
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Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
When the mercury soars in summer, New Mexicans make a beeline for the lakeshore, so don’t expect to have the lake to yourself. Holiday weekends can get crowded, especially on the 4th of July—the fireworks display over the lake is legendary!—and several popular events and festivals are held around the lakeside throughout summer. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, mild temperatures make it possible to camp through all four seasons, but some campgrounds close from late fall through spring.
Know Before You Go
Public campgrounds (book externally) —