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Established Camping

Desert Cove Campground — Elephant Butte Lake State Park

2 Reviews

Warning 8 Alerts are In Effect

There are 8 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

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

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).

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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.

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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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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
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55 min away

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1 hr 50 min away

Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

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

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

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4.0

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2 Reviews

B
Reviewed Sep. 21, 2025

It's okay

We stayed the days at site 8. Very easy access for our 28 ft bumper pull. Electricity and water worked great, and the public bathroom/shower was new, clean, and easily accessible. We did notice mice in the campsite and this probably contributed to us finding a rattlesnake in front of the door to the bathroom one night. The lake level is super low and the fishing was slow.

Site8
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Desert Cove Campground — Elephant Butte Lake State Park by Bob F., September 21, 2025
  • Review photo of Desert Cove Campground — Elephant Butte Lake State Park by Bob F., September 21, 2025
  • Review photo of Desert Cove Campground — Elephant Butte Lake State Park by Bob F., September 21, 2025
Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
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
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Desert Cove Campground — Elephant Butte Lake State Park by Teresa T., December 5, 2024
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Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available at Elephant Butte Lake State Park?

Desert Cove Campground at Elephant Butte Lake State Park offers spacious sites with water and electric hookups. The campground provides well-maintained sites suitable for various camping setups, including RVs up to 28 feet. The sites are nicely spaced, providing privacy between campers. Besides Desert Cove, Elephant Butte State Park contains multiple camping areas with differing amenities. Winter camping is particularly pleasant with excellent opportunities for walking and biking throughout the park.

What areas of Elephant Butte State Park are shown on the park map?

The Elephant Butte State Park map displays multiple camping areas including Desert Cove Campground, which offers water and electric hookups. The map also shows the extensive lake area (though water levels can vary significantly), hiking and biking trails throughout the park, day-use areas, boat ramps, and public facilities like bathrooms and showers. For the most current park map with detailed information about all recreation areas and amenities, check with park rangers upon arrival or visit the New Mexico State Parks website.

Are there cabin rentals available at Elephant Butte?

Elephant Butte Lake State Park does not offer cabin rentals within the Desert Cove Campground area. The park primarily caters to tent camping and RV camping with hookup sites. For indoor accommodations, visitors would need to look at nearby towns such as Truth or Consequences for hotels, vacation rentals, or private cabin options outside the state park boundaries. Always verify accommodation options directly with the park before planning your trip.

Where can I swim at Elephant Butte Lake State Park?

Swimming at Elephant Butte Lake State Park is typically available in designated areas along the shoreline, though water levels can fluctuate significantly and have been reported as low as 5% capacity at times. While Desert Cove Campground itself doesn't provide direct water views or immediate lake access, the park contains numerous access points to reach swimming areas. Check with park staff about current water conditions and the best swimming locations during your visit, as these can change seasonally based on water levels.

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