Best Campgrounds near Elephant Butte, NM

Elephant Butte, New Mexico features multiple camping options surrounding New Mexico's largest reservoir. The area includes both established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas, with Elephant Butte Lake State Park offering several developed camping areas including Lower Ridge Road, Lions Beach, and South Monticello campgrounds. RV-specific facilities like Elephant Butte Lake RV Resort provide full hookup sites, while primitive camping can be found at Monticello Road Dispersed Camping. Accommodation types range from tent and RV sites to cabins and glamping options at specialized venues like Hot Springs Glamp Camp and Riverbend Hot Springs.

Seasonal considerations affect the camping experience, with summer bringing high temperatures often exceeding 100°F and increased visitor traffic. Most campgrounds in the region operate year-round, though the lake's water level fluctuates significantly and has been reported at very low levels in recent years. Electric hookups are available at most established campgrounds, while water hookups vary by location. Cellular coverage is generally good throughout the area, with visitors noting "Good cell service with Verizon and AT&T." Permit requirements differ between locations, with state park campgrounds requiring entrance fees while dispersed camping areas like Monticello Road typically remain free but offer minimal amenities.

The lakefront provides the primary attraction for campers, though visitors should be aware of current water conditions. Many developed sites offer concrete pads and gravel sites with convenient lake access, making them popular for boaters and water recreation enthusiasts. Several campgrounds feature modern bathroom facilities and showers, though maintenance quality varies. A recent camper noted, "We stayed at Lions Beach Campground which was very clean. The view from our spot was very nice and the site had water and electricity. Only a couple of minutes to the lake." Some visitors have commented on crowding during peak periods, with one review mentioning, "Campers/tents were side by side at the shore line all the way around the lake." Winter camping provides more solitude and moderate temperatures, making it an excellent option for those seeking a quieter experience.

Best Camping Sites Near Elephant Butte, New Mexico (53)

    1. Lower Ridge Road Camping Area — Elephant Butte Lake State Park

    29 Reviews
    Elephant Butte, NM
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 744-5923

    $30 / night

    "It’s desert cove in the elephant butte campground. There are other campgrounds but this is the one I chose. It’s a short walk to the lake and there is a teal nice trail to walk my dogs."

    "Elephant butte is great for a short getaway. You can rent kayaks, jets skiis & more while you're there. I bring my own kayak and go at least 2X a year."

    2. South Monticello Campground — Elephant Butte Lake

    16 Reviews
    Truth or Consequences, NM
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 744-5923

    $30 / night

    "South Monticello Campground is part of Elephant Butte State Park. It is very quiet compared to Lions Beach and definitely the rowdy beach camping further South on the lake."

    "It’s inside the Elephant Butte lake state park, but seems to be a dispersed site. No one around. No amenities. There is a vault toilet maybe a half mile away. There are pay stations around."

    3. Elephant Butte Lake RV Resort

    8 Reviews
    Elephant Butte, NM
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (575) 744-5996

    "A very short drive to Elephant Butte State Park. Site was pretty level, very quiet and peaceful. Staff was very easy to get a hold of during business hours. Security patrols the park regularly."

    "We pulled in to Elephant Butte RV Park in the dark, called the security number, and he directed us to a spot. It was easy to hook up, to pull in, easy to pull out with our 36’ 5th wheel."

    4. Riverbend Hot Springs

    7 Reviews
    Elephant Butte, NM
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 894-7625

    "While the campground itself isn’t much to write home about (just a parking lot across the street), quick access to the pools, the environment, and the scenery are simply amazing."

    "The hook ups are all There and it’s easily accessible to the hot springs , but don’t expect any privacy or space. You’re paying for a parking space to have access to the hot springs ."

    5. Monticello Road Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    Truth or Consequences, NM
    10 miles

    "You can go all the way to the old camp grounds for the upper end of Elephant Butte reservoir, but you might struggle getting back up the hill with anything bigger than a teardrop."

    "Vast desert with mountains in distance. Flat pull out 1 mile from I25."

    6. Hot Springs Glamp Camp

    6 Reviews
    Elephant Butte, NM
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 740-6775

    $50 - $75 / night

    "It’s tucked away and such a cozy and slow place to stay. We stayed in a campsite for 5 nights. Highly recommend more than one day so you can enjoy the springs and the town!"

    "It is only a short walk to Main Street but it is very quiet at night. Highlight: It includes access to incredible mineral water baths built out of kitschy farm troughs!"

    8. Quail Run Campground — Elephant Butte Lake State Park

    2 Reviews
    Elephant Butte, NM
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (575) 744-5923

    $30 / night

    "I love the Elephant Butte State Park and have stayed around 4 times. February 2024 I spent a week there in my small travel trailer."

    "Good view of the lake and a decent amount of birds flying around. Good place for a family vacation but not a great place to get back to nature."

    9. Lions Beach Campground — Elephant Butte Lake State Park

    2 Reviews
    Elephant Butte, NM
    1 mile
    +1 (575) 744-5923

    $30 / night

    "Had to duck in here one afternoon to avoid 70 mph cross winds on the highway.  What a find!  Loops A, B, and C of Lions Beach are terraces high above Elephant Butte Lake.   Spectacular lake views!   "

    "According to their website, the B loop is waterfront, but that just means it has the best water view, we are about three quarters of a mile from the actual lake. The actual campground is very quiet."

    10. Desert Cove Campground — Elephant Butte Lake State Park

    2 Reviews
    Elephant Butte, NM
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (575) 744-5923

    $30 / night

    "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"

    "The lake level is super low and the fishing was slow."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 53 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Elephant Butte, NM

178 Reviews of 53 Elephant Butte Campgrounds


  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Truth or Consequences Camp on Rio Grande

    Good for a night

    Very limited spots, right off the road so road noise can be a factor. You will get some cows across the river that wander through. It's good for a night but I wouldn't seek it out as a destination

  • Kevin K.
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Palomino Campground — Caballo Lake State Park

    Smallest campground ever

    There are 3 different campgrounds at this Caballo Lake State Park. The Palomino campground is 7 full hookup sites with a host and a bathroom with showers. Very clean and well spaced. There are nice lake views.

  • B
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Desert Cove Campground — Elephant Butte Lake State Park

    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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Elephant Butte Beach Front Sites

    Elephant butte: lions beach front

    Lions beach has first come first serve beach front dispersed camping available, how ever to enter the park you must pay an entree fee of $15 for non- NM residents per night.

  • Tj R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 7, 2025

    Lions Beach Campground — Elephant Butte Lake State Park

    Pretty view, far from water

    We stayed on the B loop in spot 86, with a 40 foot motorhome. It was easy to get in and out. We have a water hook up and a thirty amp.Hookup but no sewer. According to their website, the B loop is waterfront, but that just means it has the best water view, we are about three quarters of a mile from the actual lake.

    The actual campground is very quiet. There's more fifth wheels in class c.Motorhomes down on the actual beach dispersed camping. It looks like a ton of fun but a little risky driving on the sand. I talked to a guy that had to get towed out of the sand yesterday. People are loading their boats and jet skis right on the beach.

    The RV site has a nice concrete pad with a cover over it and a picnic table. There are a few little trees as well.

    Great cell service for AT&T and Verizon

  • Francis W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2025

    Appaloosa Campground — Caballo Lake State Park

    Very clean and kept

    This is a campsite predominantly for RV and fifth wheels, but can accommodate tent camping. It’s quite expensive for an overnight camp outing but also doesn’t shut the gate to set up late at night. The morning is gorgeous looking over the lake…can’t find many hikes around it though.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2025

    Truth or Consequences Camp on Rio Grande

    Great Overnight Stay

    Right along the river. Many pull-offs to choose from. Take your pick. Most are flat. Some are shaded. We use solar for charging and had plenty of sunshine!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2025

    Upper Gallinas Campground

    Such a nice location to visit and view what nature has to offer

    I really enjoyed the scenery here, there are restrooms and a long stream that you could sit next to and see all the creatures that are in the stream. The ground is solid for RV’s

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2025

    Kingston Campground

    Beautiful scenery, environment and vibe

    Me and my gf fell in love with this camping spot, the weather was nice when we were there, cute wild or domesticated animals walk the space not aggressive just cute and helpful with the leafs and cycle of vegetation foods/leafs in the area.


Guide to Elephant Butte

Elephant Butte Lake State Park surrounds New Mexico's largest reservoir at an elevation of 4,300 feet. The water level fluctuates seasonally, with the lake currently at about 5% capacity according to recent reports. Despite low water levels, the park offers multiple camping options with varying degrees of amenities and access to recreational opportunities.

What to do

Kayaking options: Bring your own kayak or rent one at Elephant Butte Lake State Park. The Rio Grande provides an alternative when lake levels are low. "My favorite part is grabbing a floaty and float down to caballo lake a smaller lake that connects by river," shares Christy L.

Hiking and biking trails: Access trails directly from South Monticello Campground for desert exploration. "There is a great hiking and mountain biking trail right out of the campground which winds between all the other park roads, picnic areas and amenities on the western side of the lake," notes Shari G., who adds that "the trail is relatively new and in most areas is graveled."

Wildlife viewing: Observe desert wildlife throughout the park, especially at quieter campgrounds. "Wildlife: Qual, Dove, Lizards, Rabbits, Deer and more," reports Jonathan M. about his experience at the park.

Hot springs soaking: Visit one of several hot spring facilities in nearby Truth or Consequences, just 5 miles south. The mineral waters provide relaxation after outdoor activities. "They have multiple pools to chose from and for privacy. They have running water and showers too," explains Alyssa L.

What campers like

Affordability: State park camping remains budget-friendly compared to private facilities. "For only $4 a night includes 30Amp and water. I have about 20 channels available, wifi works well and no problems with my Verizon service," reports Joseph W.

Winter camping: Many campers prefer the park during off-peak months for milder temperatures and fewer crowds. "This very popular state park, on the edge of the Elephant Butte reservoir, is a great wintertime get away," writes one visitor to South Monticello Campground. Another adds, "camping here in the winter provides very livable temperatures."

Dispersed camping options: For campers seeking more solitude and flexibility, free camping areas provide alternatives to established campgrounds. "Free camping (14 days) on the riverside! Amazing. Perfect for van life. Space for big rigs too but only a couple big turnaround spots so just be strategic about it," notes Johnny W. about riverside camping options.

Views: Many campsites offer scenic vistas across the lake basin and surrounding mountains. "Loops A, B, and C of Lions Beach are terraces high above Elephant Butte Lake. Spectacular lake views! Loop B (sites 66 thru 79) is particularly sweet because the sites back up to the edge of the terrace for gorgeous lake views right from your camper window," reports Stuart O.

What you should know

Shower facilities: Quality varies significantly between campground loops. "The showers are the push button type where you only get 60 seconds of water at a time, which is ok, but the facilities are very run down and clearly not cleaned too often," notes Jessica C.

Seasonal heat: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, affecting comfort and safety. "We were here in early June and the day temperatures were in the low 100's with very low humidity," reports Mike H. from Elephant Butte Lake RV Resort.

Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for desert wildlife in and around campsites. "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," warns Bob F.

Road conditions: Access to some areas requires driving on unpaved roads. "This road is not maintained at all but is passable but has alot of potholes. There are a few spots right of hwy 25 and more down the road," explains Chelsea P. about the Monticello Road dispersed camping area.

Tips for camping with families

Optimal campground selection: Choose campgrounds with amenities appropriate for your family's needs. "Sandy beaches in most places we camped, great for privacy and space away from others. Inner-tubbeing and boat space... Bathrooms/showers decent but can be a drive depending on camp site," advises Desire B.

Spacing between sites: Some campgrounds offer more separation between campsites than others. "Good size spots with good distance between sites. Ramadas at each site provide precious shade. Lots of trash bins nearby," notes Julie F. about South Monticello Campground.

Festival timing: Plan your visit around scheduled events for enhanced family activities. "Nice marina and has some amazing festivals through out the year," suggests a camper about Monticello Road Dispersed Camping.

Beach access considerations: Beach camping areas can become crowded during peak seasons. "The lake front was crowded with campers and people. Water was clear and cool with lots of carp," reports Jonathan M., suggesting families might prefer the more structured campgrounds away from the immediate shoreline.

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on specific requirements rather than just location. "We stayed on the B loop in spot 86, with a 40 foot motorhome. It was easy to get in and out. We have a water hook up and a thirty amp hookup but no sewer," shares Tj R.

Sand hazards: Be cautious when considering beachfront camping with large rigs. "It's also surrounded by soft sand which a poop ton of people get stuck in if you don't have the right vehicle," warns Brittany N., while another camper mentioned talking to "a guy that had to get towed out of the sand yesterday."

Signal quality: Connectivity is generally good throughout the area. "Very clean park. Concrete roads and gravel sites. Very nice shower/laundry facility. Sites are a little close upfront and the road noise can be a bit of an issue. Good cell service with Verizon and AT&T," reports an RVer at Elephant Butte Lake RV Resort.

Wind exposure: Some campgrounds offer better wind protection than others. "I love the Elephant Butte State Park and have stayed around 4 times. February 2024 I spent a week there in my small travel trailer. It can be quite windy in Feb/Mar so before booking I called the park office and asked which campground might be more wind sheltered. They suggested Quail Run so that is what I booked."

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of campgrounds are available at Elephant Butte Lake State Park?

Elephant Butte Lake State Park offers diverse camping options including developed and dispersed sites. Lower Ridge Road Camping Area provides water and electric hookups for $14 per day, with lake access and dog-friendly trails. Lions Beach Campground features terraced camping loops (A, B, and C) with spectacular lake views, with Loop B (sites 66-79) being particularly desirable as sites back up to the terrace edge. The park also includes South Monticello Campground for those seeking a quieter experience away from the busier beach areas, and desert cove camping options. Most areas offer basic amenities with varying levels of privacy and lake access.

Are there cabin rentals available at Elephant Butte?

While Elephant Butte Lake State Park itself doesn't offer cabin rentals, accommodations are available in the surrounding area. Visitors seeking alternatives to tent or RV camping can check Riverbend Hot Springs for lodging options near the lake. For those wanting to stay near Elephant Butte but requiring more amenities than traditional camping provides, Caballo Lake RV Park offers alternative accommodations. Most visitors to Elephant Butte bring their own camping equipment or RVs, as cabin rentals are limited in the immediate vicinity of the lake.

What amenities does the Elephant Butte RV Resort offer?

Elephant Butte Lake RV Resort provides a comfortable base just a short drive from Elephant Butte State Park. The resort features level sites in a quiet, peaceful setting with regular security patrols throughout the grounds. Staff are accessible during business hours to assist guests with any needs. The resort is particularly accommodating for larger rigs, with easy pull-in and pull-out access for vehicles up to 36' fifth wheels. Visitors appreciate the resort's convenient location, making it an excellent alternative when weather conditions at the lake become challenging, such as during high winds or rainstorms.