Elephant Butte Lake and surrounding campgrounds sit at approximately 4,500 feet elevation in southern New Mexico's high desert, where winter temperatures remain moderate and summer days can exceed 100°F. The region features dramatic desert landscapes with the Rio Grande flowing through the center, creating the 40-mile-long reservoir that draws water sports enthusiasts and anglers year-round. Camping options near Truth or Consequences range from state park sites to private RV parks offering varying levels of amenities and access to the lake.
What to do
Kayaking and boating: Elephant Butte Lake State Park offers extensive water recreation opportunities despite fluctuating water levels. "The lake front was crowded with campers and people. Water was clear and cool with lots of carp. Didn't get to do much other fishing," notes one visitor to Elephant Butte Lake State Park.
Wildlife viewing: The desert environment supports diverse wildlife viewing opportunities within the campgrounds. At South Monticello Campground, visitors report seeing "Qual, Dove, Lizards, Rabbits, Deer and more" while exploring the park areas.
Hiking and biking: A network of trails connects the western side of the lake, with options for different skill levels. "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. The trail is relatively new and in most areas is graveled," shares a camper at South Monticello Campground.
Hot springs visits: The nearby town of Truth or Consequences offers natural hot springs for soaking. A visitor to South Monticello notes, "The nearby town of Truth or Consequences, NM is small, but has all the services you might need for food, gas, supplies, or soaking in hot springs."
What campers like
Affordable camping: State park campgrounds offer exceptional value with full hookups. "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," says a visitor to Elephant Butte Lake State Park.
Covered picnic areas: Many sites feature shade structures over the tables, particularly valuable in summer. At Lions Beach Campground, one camper reports, "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."
Spacious sites: Several campgrounds offer well-spaced sites with good privacy. A visitor to Desert Cove Campground comments, "This is a very nicely spaced campground. Can't really see the water from here but the sites have water and electric."
Winter climate: The mild winter temperatures make this area popular for snowbirds. "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," notes a visitor to Quail Run Campground.
What you should know
Wind conditions: The region experiences significant wind events, particularly in spring. "Had to duck in here one afternoon to avoid 70 mph cross winds on the highway," reports one camper at Lions Beach Campground.
Water level fluctuations: The lake level varies dramatically by season and year. One visitor to Quail Run Campground notes, "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 temperatures."
Bathroom maintenance: Facility quality and availability varies between campgrounds. "When I was here the bathrooms were being worked on and the only facilities was outhouses," shares a Quail Run camper. Another visitor to Desert Cove mentions, "The bathroom was being worked on so not open during the visit."
Beach access: Despite "beach" in some campground names, distance to water varies considerably. A visitor to Lions Beach notes, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Beach camping considerations: Families seeking direct beach access should understand terrain challenges. "People are loading their boats and jet skis right on the beach. Great cell service for AT&T and Verizon," notes a Lions Beach visitor, but cautions that dispersed beach camping comes with risks: "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."
Seasonal planning: Summer brings crowds while off-season offers more solitude. "This campground is ideal for solar power, as is the New Mexico weather. We've never seen this place crowded in the winter months," advises a visitor to South Monticello Campground.
Loop selection: Different campground loops offer varying views and experiences. At Lions Beach, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Most rv parks in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico accommodate larger rigs. At Lakeview RV Park, a visitor notes, "This is a nice place overlooking Caballo Lake there are only four transient spaces. Most of them are long-term people I would happen to be lucky enough to get one. The cost is $26.31 if you pay cash and a dollar extra for credit card."
Connectivity options: Cell service is strong at most campgrounds, and satellite internet works well. "We also had no problem connecting with Starlink," reports a South Monticello camper, while others mention reliable cellular connections throughout the area.
Terrain navigation: RVers should be aware of road conditions accessing some campgrounds. "There is a 7 mile curvy road from I25 exit 89 to the Monticello campsite but once you are there, you will discover a quiet site, spaced apart from your neighbors with a beautiful view of the lake," advises a visitor.
