Elephant Butte Lake, sitting at an elevation of 4,300 feet in southern New Mexico, spans over 36,000 acres when full, though water levels fluctuate dramatically throughout the year. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-60°F while summer brings consistent 90-100°F heat with minimal shade across the desert landscape. The campgrounds surrounding the lake offer various levels of services from primitive tent sites to full hookup RV spaces.
What to do
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Access the water from multiple points around Elephant Butte Lake, with Lions Beach offering some of the closest beach access for launching small craft. "What a find! Loops A, B, and C of Lions Beach are terraces high above Elephant Butte Lake. Spectacular lake views!" shares Stuart O., who recommends the B loop (sites 66-79) for the best vistas.
Hot springs soaking: Visit nearby Riverbend Hot Springs for mineral pools overlooking the Rio Grande. "The pools do NOT disappoint, especially at night when the crowds die down to just the overnighters," notes HandL C., who recommends the Full Moon Kitchen food truck next door for breakfast.
Wildlife watching: Explore hiking trails adjacent to the campsites for opportunities to spot desert wildlife. Jonathan M. reports, "Wildlife: Qual, Dove, Lizards, Rabbits, Deer and more. The campsites and facilities were excellent." Bring binoculars during early morning or late evening for best viewing opportunities.
What campers like
Affordability: Lower Ridge Road Camping Area offers exceptional value for both tent and RV campers. Joseph W. notes, "I used my NM state park pass on this stay and 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."
Uncrowded winter camping: The winter months provide milder temperatures and fewer crowds at the lake, especially at the South Monticello Campground. Shari G. explains, "This very popular state park, on the edge of the Elephant Butte reservoir, is a great wintertime get away. 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!"
Free camping options: For budget-conscious pet owners, dispersed camping sites offer no-cost options with fewer regulations. "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," advises Johnny W. about riverside camping near Truth or Consequences.
What you should know
Water level fluctuations: Lake levels at Elephant Butte can change dramatically, affecting beach access and water recreation. TJ R. observes at Lions Beach Campground, "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."
Wind conditions: Strong winds can affect camping comfort, especially during spring. One camper at Quail Run notes, "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."
Wildlife hazards: Be aware of desert wildlife that may pose risks to pets. "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," reports Bob F. at Desert Cove Campground. Keep pets leashed and supervised at all times.
Tips for camping with families
Spacious sites for children: Look for campsites with enough room for kids to play safely with pets. A camper at Desert Cove Campground notes, "This is a very nicely spaced campground. Can't really see the water from here but the sites have water and electric."
Beach activities: When water levels permit, the sandy beaches provide excellent play areas for families with dogs. Desire B. recalls, "Sandy beaches in most places we camped, great for privacy and space away from others. Inner-tubbeing and boat space."
Shower facilities: After a day of outdoor activities with kids and pets, access to clean showers becomes essential. Jessica C. offers a practical note about facilities: "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."
Tips from RVers
Sand awareness for pet-friendly camping: When bringing pets to Monticello Road Dispersed Camping, be aware of driving conditions. "It's quite, a lots of spots with rock firepits. Amazing sundown and sunrise. But too hot at daytime," reports Jenny&Tobias P. Another camper notes, "Big pullouts down gravel road off I-25. Great place for a quick overnight."
Cell service and connectivity: For those needing to stay connected while camping with pets, Joseph W. reports, "I have about 20 channels available, wifi works well and no problems with my Verizon service." Most campgrounds around Elephant Butte offer reliable cell coverage for emergency vet access.
RV positioning for views: When setting up at Lions Beach, Stuart O. recommends specific sites: "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." This allows monitoring of pets from inside your RV during hot afternoons.
