Elephant Butte Lake State Park offers diverse accommodation options across 15,000 acres of terrain at New Mexico's largest lake. Located at 4,500 feet elevation, the park experiences hot summer temperatures often exceeding 100°F while winter nights can drop below freezing. The Rio Grande-fed reservoir fluctuates seasonally, with water levels typically highest in spring and lowest in late fall.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: Railroad Canyon Campground provides access to wilderness trails with varying difficulty levels. "There is a trail along the creek that eventually crossed it, but the water was too high to cross," notes one visitor who appreciated the natural setting.
Kayaking the Rio Grande: Caballo Lake RV Park offers access to both lake and river paddling experiences. "Great place to kayak especially when the sun rises you will see it over the mountains," shares one camper who enjoyed the scenic morning views.
Soaking in mineral waters: The hot springs in Truth or Consequences are a popular off-lake activity. "Multiple hot springs tubs, private and not private. New water every time you soak," explains a visitor at Hot Springs Glamp Camp, highlighting the therapeutic experience available just minutes from the lake.
Wildlife observation: The lake area supports diverse desert wildlife that can be spotted year-round. "Wildlife: Quail, Dove, Lizards, Rabbits, Deer and more," notes a camper who took time to observe local fauna during their stay.
What campers like
Affordability: The state park campgrounds offer excellent value with reasonable rates. "Very affordable RV camping at under $20 a night, which is a steal with both water and electric hookups," remarks one visitor who appreciated the budget-friendly amenities.
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the well-designed layout of South Monticello Campground. "Good size spots with good distance between sites. Ramadas at each site provide precious shade," notes a visitor who valued both space and sun protection.
Year-round access: The mild winter climate makes this a popular destination during colder months. "This very popular state park, on the edge of the Elephant Butte reservoir, is a great wintertime get away," writes one winter visitor who enjoyed comfortable camping during December.
Cell connectivity: For those needing to stay connected, service is generally reliable. "I have about 20 channels available, wifi works well and no problems with my Verizon service," reports one camper who maintained good connectivity during their stay.
What you should know
Water level fluctuations: The lake can experience significant changes in water level throughout the year. "October is a great month for this lake. The weather is great however the lake is pretty low," shares one camper, highlighting how seasonal timing affects water recreation.
Wind and weather considerations: The exposed desert landscape can experience strong winds. "There was a windy, rainy storm going on," notes one visitor at Elephant Butte Lake RV Resort who sought shelter from challenging weather conditions.
Shower facilities vary: Bathroom amenities differ across campgrounds. "The showers are the push button type where you only get 60 seconds of water at a time," explains a visitor who noted this water conservation measure at state park facilities.
Yurt camping specifics: Elephant Butte offers yurt accommodations for those seeking a blend of comfort and outdoor experience. "We planned to come for one night and stayed five! Can't recommend it enough," shares an enthusiast of alternative accommodations at Hot Springs Glamp Camp.
Tips for camping with families
Sandy beaches: Certain shoreline areas provide kid-friendly swimming spots. "Sandy beaches in most places we camped, great for privacy and space away from others. Inner-tubbeing and boat space," recalls a visitor who created lasting family memories at the lake.
Winter solstice camping: For educational opportunities, consider a December visit. "We spent the winter solstice here and woke up at sunrise to see the moon setting in the west and the sun rising in the east. Spectacular!" shares a visitor who experienced this astronomical event with their family.
Fishing access: Iron Creek Campground provides quieter fishing experiences away from the main lake. "Clean, quiet campground not far from Emory pass. Pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables," notes a visitor who found this spot suitable for family camping.
Yurt options for beginners: First-time campers might prefer yurt camping at Elephant Butte, New Mexico for an introduction to outdoor recreation. "The grounds are well kept. Bathhouse is clean," reports a visitor who appreciated these conveniences for family comfort.
Tips from RVers
Arrival timing: Consider off-peak periods for a less crowded experience. "We've never seen this place crowded in the winter months," shares an RV camper who preferred the quieter seasons at South Monticello Campground.
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on your power needs and desired privacy. "We were going to dry camp, but there was a windy, rainy storm going on... It was easy to hook up, to pull in, easy to pull out with our 36' 5th wheel," mentions an RV owner who appreciated the convenience during challenging weather.
Utilities and hookups: Most developed sites offer water and electric connections. "Each site has water, electric, picnic table (with sunshade) and a fire ring," details a camper who found the amenities adequate for comfortable RV camping.
Solar potential: The abundant sunshine makes this an ideal location for solar-powered rigs. "The campground is ideal for solar power, as is the New Mexico weather," notes a visitor who successfully used renewable energy during their stay.
