Established Camping
South Monticello Campground — Elephant Butte Lake
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!
Due to current conditions, Stage II Fire Restrictions are now in effect at the state park. This prohibits building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove. Visitors can, however, use devices fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. These devices must only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device. Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building. An exception to the campfire ban allows campfires on the lake shoreline in areas cleared of flammable vegetation for at least 100 feet.
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.
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.
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.
South Monticello — Elephant Butte Lake State Park, near Elephant Butte, New Mexico, is a solid choice for campers looking for a peaceful escape with essential amenities. The campground offers spacious sites equipped with picnic tables and shelters, making it easy to enjoy meals outdoors while staying protected from the elements.
Visitors appreciate the clean facilities, including a well-kept bathhouse with hot showers and flush toilets. Many sites come with water and electric hookups, which means you can leave the generator at home. As one camper noted, “For what you get at this campground, it’s a bargain at twice the price.”
Outdoor activities abound, with hiking and biking trails accessible right from the campground. The nearby Rio Grande offers opportunities for fishing and boating, while the stunning night sky provides a perfect backdrop for stargazing. Campers have raved about the views of the Milky Way on clear nights, making it a great spot for those who love to gaze at the stars.
If you need supplies or a bite to eat, the small town of Truth or Consequences is just a short drive away, offering everything from groceries to hot springs. With its tranquil atmosphere and convenient amenities, South Monticello is a great spot for a relaxing camping trip.
Description
State Park
Elephant Butte Lake State Park
SANTA FE, NM - 208 MILES.
New Mexico is beginning our Outdoor Recreation Plan and needs your input! The plan will:
- Address the state and nation's outdoor recreation trends and their economic impacts
- Inventory the state's resources and address how best to protect them
- Help determine the state's priorities for awarding federal funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund
Location
South Monticello Campground — Elephant Butte Lake 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
33.31426801 N
107.1924844 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiFair
- VerizonGood
- AT&TAvailable
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- WiFi
- 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
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 29 min from Las Cruces
- 1 hr 58 min from Albuquerque
- 2 hrs 4 min from El Paso
- 2 hrs 43 min from Santa Fe