Elephant Butte Lake State Park encompasses nearly 40,000 acres surrounding New Mexico's largest reservoir, created by the damming of the Rio Grande in 1916. Located at an elevation of 4,460 feet, the park experiences dramatic seasonal water level fluctuations that can expose expansive sandy beaches during drought periods. Average winter daytime temperatures range from 50-65°F, making it popular with snowbirds seeking mild winter camping conditions.
What to do
Kayaking and boating: Rent equipment or bring your own to explore Elephant Butte Lake's expanses. Elephant Butte Lake State Park offers multiple boat launch areas, though accessibility varies with water levels. "My favorite part is grabbing a floaty and float down to caballo lake a smaller lake that connects by river," shares one visitor.
Mountain biking and hiking: Access the trail network directly from South Monticello Campground. "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 a regular visitor to South Monticello Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Observe desert wildlife throughout the park's varied habitats. "Wildlife: Qual, Dove, Lizards, Rabbits, Deer and more," reports one camper about their experience at the park. Morning hours typically offer the best wildlife spotting opportunities.
What campers like
Lakefront views: Many campsites offer scenic vistas across the water. "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," explains a visitor to Lions Beach Campground.
Affordable camping: State park sites provide excellent value with hookups. "For what you get at this campground, it's a bargain at twice the price," notes one camper. Another mentions, "I have about 20 channels available, wifi works well and no problems with my Verizon service. I would most definitely stay here again."
Winter climate: The mild off-season temperatures attract long-term visitors. "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!" shares an enthusiastic winter camper.
What you should know
Water level variations: Lake levels fluctuate significantly, affecting beach access and boat launches. A visitor to Quail Run Campground notes, "The lake 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 temperatures."
Beach camping cautions: Dispersed shoreline camping requires appropriate vehicles to navigate sand. "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," explains one camper, while another warns, "It's surrounded by soft sand which a poop ton of people get stuck in if you don't have the right vehicle."
Bathroom facilities: Quality and availability vary across campgrounds. "The bathroom was being worked on so not open during the visit," reports a recent camper. Another notes, "The showers are the push-button type which only gives you a minute or so of water before you push it again."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: Choose areas with shade structures during summer months. At Desert Cove Campground, "This is a very nicely spaced campground. Can't really see the water from here but the sites have water and electric." Each campsite typically includes a sheltered picnic table for sun protection.
Wildlife awareness: Keep food secure and watch for native wildlife. "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 a camper who stayed at Desert Cove.
Crowding considerations: Holidays and summer weekends bring heavy visitation. "Went on a what we thought was a slow weekend and campers/tents were side by side at the shore line all the way around the lake," reports one visitor about peak season conditions.
Tips from RVers
RV site access: Many campgrounds accommodate larger rigs with pull-through sites. At Lakeview RV Park, "This is a nice place overlooking Caballo Lake there are only four transient spaces. Most of them are long-term people." The cost is around $26 for full hookup sites.
Winter stays: RV sites near Elephant Butte, New Mexico attract seasonal residents. "We spent the whole winter here 2021," mentions one long-term visitor, while another notes, "A nice simple CG busy even through the winter season and the views!!! Will return."
Site spacing: Space between RV sites varies considerably between campgrounds. "Sites are pretty tight with close neighbors. WiFi is good," notes one camper, while another mentions, "Good size spots with good distance between sites. Ramadas at each site provide precious shade."
