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New Mexico
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New Mexico State Parks

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USA Parks
New Mexico
Southwest Region
Elephant Butte Lake State Park
Elephant Butte Lake State Park Elephant Butte Lake © Paul Brian Photography.com
View from the Dam of Elephant Butte Lake
Roadrunner © stateparks.com
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ELEPHANT BUTTE LAKE STATE PARK
ELEPHANT BUTTE LAKE STATE PARK
101 Hwy 195
Elephant Butte, New Mexico   87935

Phone: 575-744-5923
Reservations: 877-664-7787
Email: park email button icon
The largest and most popular lake in New Mexico, Elephant Butte Lake State Park provides a setting for every imaginable water sport. The visitor center offers regional interpretive exhibits. The mild climate of the area makes this park a popular year-round destination.
History of the Area
Over 100 million years ago, the area was part of a vast shallow ocean. Once the sea receded, the area was the favorite hunting ground of the tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur. Evidence of the Rex, the largest land-dwelling predator of all time, and other species of dinosaur have been discovered in area rock formations.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Bike Trailsyes
 Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
Swimming
1. Elephant Butte Lake State Park offers several swimming areas along its 40-mile shoreline.
2. The main beach area is sandy and gradual, ideal for families with children.
3. Lifeguards are not on duty; visitors swim at their own risk in the lake's clear waters.
4. Swimming options include free-swimming or using floatation devices like tubes and rafts.
5. Water temperatures vary throughout the year but can reach up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during summer months.
6. The park also allows snorkeling, offering a unique view of underwater life within the reservoir.
7. Swimmers should be aware that water levels fluctuate depending upon rainfall and irrigation needs downstream.

Boating
The park, located in New Mexico, offers a variety of boating options. Visitors can enjoy sailing and motorboating on the lake's expansive waters or opt for more relaxed activities like canoeing and kayaking. The marina provides boat rentals if you don't have your own vessel to bring along with ample docking space available too. Fishing is also popular here due to the diverse species present including bass, catfish, walleye among others which makes it an ideal spot for angling enthusiasts as well.
Fishing
You can enjoy fishing for species like striped bass, white bass, catfish and walleye in this park. The lake is also home to smallmouth and largemouth bass as well as crappie. Fishing options include shore-based angling or boat fishing.


Location
Elephant Butte Lake State Park is

Picnicking
Elephant Butte Lake State Park offers numerous picnic spots with grills, tables and shelters. Some areas provide stunning lake views.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore various trails, some offering challenging terrains. Always wear helmets and follow safety guidelines.

The park's diverse landscape includes hills, sandy areas and rocky paths suitable for mountain biking.

For a leisurely ride, paved roads are available throughout the area but watch out for vehicles.

Off-road cycling is an option too; however caution must be exercised due to rough surfaces and potential wildlife encounters.

Ensure you carry plenty of water as temperatures in this region can soar during summer months.

Remember that cyclists should respect all trail markers and signs indicating restricted access or hazardous conditions.
Birding
The park offers a variety of birding opportunities, with over 200 species spotted. It's home to waterfowl and shorebirds during migration seasons. Raptors such as bald eagles can be seen in winter months while summer brings swallows and flycatchers.

Birdwatchers may explore the area by boat or on foot along designated trails for optimal viewing experiences. The surrounding desert landscape also attracts unique avian life like roadrunners and quail.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
August 9 water level by Ray Carrell
park review stars; one to five water level to low,need to use other lake for irrigation.
May 25 Loved the lake
park review stars; one to five Me and my wife went to the lake for our first time as a married couple. She has never been camping there but the only thing is that it needs a little more trees the fishing was great thank you New Mexico Parks for keeping the lake clean.
April 15 A Beautiful Lake in the Desert by Paul Brian
park review stars; one to five This is a beautiful lake just outside TorC. The people are friendly and the lake is usually not to crowded. Drive up to the dam and have a look.. It is stunning.
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Directions
Elephant Butte Lake State Park headquarters are five miles north of Truth or Consequences via I-25 exit 83.

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New Mexico
70

New Mexico State Parks

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