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Established Camping

Desert Cove Campground — Elephant Butte Lake State Park

Warning 8 Alerts are In Effect

There are 8 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove is prohibited except in State Park developed camp and picnic grounds where grills and stoves are provided by the State Park. The use of devices fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three (3) feet of the device. Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site/improved site, or while standing in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

The South Monticello and Rock Canyon boat ramps are currently closed due to low water levels. We anticipate reopening when water levels increase, and conditions allow.

The use of off-highway motor vehicles (OHVs) is prohibited in New Mexico State Parks, as stipulated by the NM OHV Act and State Park Regulations (NMSA 66-3-1011, 16-2-33 19 NMAC Ch 5 Sec 2.16 A).

Currently there is no access to the lake at South Monticello. The lake level is too low.

To ensure compliance with ADA regulations, vehicles parked at handicap campsites must visibly display a valid handicapped placard or possess a license plate indicating handicapped status; otherwise, relocation will be required.

Please bring proof of your reservation with you to your campsite.

THE CUSTOMER MUST CONTACT THE PARK TO ADVISE THEM OF LATE ARRIVAL THE SITE WILL BE RELEASED FOR RESERVATIONS / FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED ON THE SECOND DAY AFTER 4:00 P.M.. NO REFUND WILL BE DUE.

Make it your goal to extinguish hot coals. If your campfire is too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave. Drown it with water, stir it with a shovel, and repeat until your campfire is out cold! Learn more from Smokey Bear.

Desert Cove at Elephant Butte Lake State Park is situated near Elephant Butte Lake, offering a landscape characterized by sandy terrain and sparse vegetation. Temperatures can range from highs of 90°F in summer to lows of 30°F in winter. Nearby attractions include Elephant Butte Lake for water activities and the Spaceport America Visitor Center for those interested in space exploration.

Description

NM State Parks & Recreation

Elephant Butte Lake State Park

Desert Cove Campground is part of Elephant Butte Lake State Park in New Mexico. 16 campsites, open year round. RVs and trailers between 20 & 40 feet. Each site includes a fire pit, grill, picnic table, electric and water hookups. Amenities shower, dump station, restroom, flush toilets.

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Location

Desert Cove Campground — Elephant Butte Lake State Park is located in New Mexico

Detail location of campground

Directions

From I-25 South or North take exit 83, turn onto NM State Rd 195 South. North bound traffic goes 4.2 miles and turns left off 195 to the Visitor Center. Southbound traffic goes 4.6 miles and turns left off of 195 to the Visitor Center. After the Visitor Center/ Entrance enter the traffic circle and take the 3rd exit for Ridge Road. The campgrounds are along Sumac Rd from there. South Monticello Campground Directions. From I-25 take exit 89 onto Martin Ranch Road/Rock Canyon Road heading east. Follow Rock Canyon road for about 7 miles. This will take you into and back out of Monticello Canyon, across two cattle guards and then to the pay station in the middle of Rock Canyon Road. The entrance to South Monticello Campground is on your left. Do not confuse the State Park campground with signs to the privately owned Monticello RV Park along this same route. You can also follow Rock Canyon North from the City of Elephant Butte to South Monticello Campground approximately 10 miles.

Address

P.O. BOX 13
Elephant Butte, NM 87935

Coordinates

33.18868 N
107.20755 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
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    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Showers
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


Reviews

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1 Review

Reviewed Dec. 5, 2024

Desert Cove is actually a campground and also dispersed camping area

This is a very nicely spaced campground. Can't really see the water from here but the sites have water and electric. The bathroom was being worked on so not open during the visit and the water level is at like 5 % capacity but there are lots of places to walk and bike and camping here in the winter provides very livable temperatures.

Site9
Month of VisitDecember
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  • Review photo of Desert Cove Campground — Elephant Butte Lake State Park by Teresa T., December 5, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Desert Cove Campground — Elephant Butte Lake State Park have RV hookups?

According to TheDyrt.com, Desert Cove Campground — Elephant Butte Lake State Park has 30 amp and 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

Are fires allowed at Desert Cove Campground — Elephant Butte Lake State Park?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Desert Cove Campground — Elephant Butte Lake State Park, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Desert Cove Campground — Elephant Butte Lake State Park have wifi?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Desert Cove Campground — Elephant Butte Lake State Park does have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Desert Cove Campground — Elephant Butte Lake State Park?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is some coverage for AT&T, excellent coverage for T-Mobile, and some coverage for Verizon.

How hard is it to get a campsite at Desert Cove Campground — Elephant Butte Lake State Park?

Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Desert Cove Campground — Elephant Butte Lake State Park. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Desert Cove Campground — Elephant Butte Lake State Park, try setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Desert Cove Campground — Elephant Butte Lake State Park?

There are 16 campsites at Desert Cove Campground — Elephant Butte Lake State Park and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts