Established Camping
Lower Ridge Road — Elephant Butte Lake State Park
Warning 8 Alerts are In Effect
There are 8 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
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. Campfires are allowed on the lake shoreline in areas cleared of flammable vegetation for at least 30 feet
Visitors can use the dump station and comfort station at Desert Cove.
Currently there is no access to the lake at S. Monticello. The lake level is low.
The newly renovated Ridge Road Comfort Station will open on Wednesday Aug 14. Desert Cove Comfort Station will close on Aug 14 for renovation. Showers and restroom facilities will be available at Ridge Road, Rock Canyon and Monticello for the duration of the renovation. Vault toilet facilities are available across the street from Desert Cove or at Lion Beach campground.
ADA sites must DISPLAY Handicapped Placard or have License Plate with Handicapped signage, or will be asked to relocate
OHV's are not allowed to be operated within the Park boundaries.
Please bring proof of your reservation with you to your campsite.
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.
Lower Ridge Road — Elephant Butte Lake State Park, near Elephant Butte, New Mexico, is a sprawling campground that offers a mix of camping experiences, from RV sites with hookups to more rustic options right on the beach. With amenities like drinking water, electric hookups, and picnic tables, it caters to a variety of campers looking for comfort and convenience.
The campground is known for its stunning views and access to outdoor activities. Visitors rave about the fishing and boating opportunities, with a marina nearby and trails for hiking. One camper noted, “If you like to fish or have a boat, this is the place for you!” The area is also dog-friendly, making it a great spot for families traveling with pets.
While the facilities are generally clean and well-maintained, some campers mentioned that the restrooms could use more attention, especially during busy weekends. However, the beautiful sunsets and the chance to camp right by the water make it worth it. As one reviewer put it, “The view from our spot was very nice and the site had water and electricity.”
Whether you’re looking to relax by the lake or embark on an adventure, Lower Ridge Road offers a welcoming atmosphere for all types of campers. Just be prepared for a bit of a crowd on weekends, especially if you’re aiming for those prime beach spots!
Description
NM State Parks & Recreation
Elephant Butte Lake State Park
This state park has 173 developed campsites, beach camping and boat-in camping. If you like camping, fishing, boating, or just being outdoors, Elephant Butte is for you. There is plenty of water and plenty of beach room and this is New Mexico's largest State Park. Besides sandy beaches, the State Park offers restrooms, picnic areas, playgrounds, and developed sites with electric and water hook-ups for RV's. Park Elevation 4,527 ft
Location
Lower Ridge Road — Elephant Butte Lake State Park is located in New Mexico
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
33.18831482 N
107.20278982 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonFair
- AT&TAvailable
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Yurts
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 14 min from Las Cruces
- 1 hr 49 min from El Paso
- 1 hr 59 min from Albuquerque
- 2 hrs 44 min from Santa Fe