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Home >  United States  >  New Mexico  >  Rock Canyon  >  

Elephant Butte Lake State Park

Elephant Butte Lake State Park(Elephant Butte Resovoir)

United States, New Mexico, Rock Canyon 

Sandee

Elephant Butte Lake State Park

United States, New Mexico, Rock Canyon 

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Elephant Butte Lake State Park, located in Rock Canyon, New Mexico, is a stunning desert oasis offering a wide range of outdoor activities. The park is home to New Mexico's largest lake, stretching 43 miles and providing ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. Visitors can enjoy sandy beaches, hiking trails, and scenic views, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

The park's unique landscape, created by the Rio Grande's damming in 1916, offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. It's a popular spot for both summer and winter activities, with attractions like Kettle Top Mountain and Castle Rock adding to its allure.

The nearby town of Elephant Butte offers additional amenities and services, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.

Near Elephant Butte Lake State Park, there are several dining options that cater to diverse tastes. Bigfoot Restaurant is known for its casual atmosphere and great selection of comfort food, offering both indoor and outdoor seating. Another popular spot is The Club Restaurant at Sierra del Rio Golf Course, which provides a more upscale dining experience with a focus on sports and fast service.

For those looking for a quick bite, Cabana Grill offers fast service and a casual setting. Additionally, Casa Taco is a great choice for Mexican cuisine, offering a cozy atmosphere and live music.

These restaurants provide a variety of options for visitors to enjoy during their stay.

For accommodations near Elephant Butte Lake State Park, several hotels offer comfortable stays. Riverbend Hot Springs is a unique option, providing an adult-only retreat with access to hot springs and a sauna. Marina Suites Motel offers apartment-style lodging with kitchens, suitable for families or longer stays.

Elephant Butte Inn is another choice, featuring lake views and a heated outdoor pool, along with a restaurant on site. These hotels cater to different needs, from relaxation to family-friendly environments.

Elephant Butte Lake State Park offers a variety of amenities to enhance visitor experiences. The park includes restrooms with showers, picnic areas, and playgrounds for children. There are also developed campsites with electric and water hookups for RVs, as well as primitive camping options.

Boat rentals and marinas are available for those interested in water activities, and there are accessible trails and facilities for visitors with disabilities.

Additionally, the park provides educational programs and wildlife viewing opportunities, making it a comprehensive destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. For those interested in land activities, there are hiking trails, including the Lucchini Trail and the Paseo del Rio Interpretive Trail.

The park also supports birdwatching and wildlife viewing, especially during migration seasons. In the cooler months, activities like sailing and scuba diving are popular.

Whether you prefer motorized or non-motorized watercraft, Elephant Butte Lake State Park has something for everyone.

Elephant Butte Lake State Park offers several accessibility features for visitors with disabilities. The park includes wheelchair-accessible restrooms, picnic areas, and trails. Additionally, the marinas and boat ramps are designed to accommodate visitors with mobility impairments.

While specific wheelchair rentals may not be available, the park's facilities are generally accessible, allowing everyone to enjoy the beautiful scenery and activities offered.

Parking at Elephant Butte Lake State Park is convenient and accessible. The park charges a day-use fee of $5 per car, with free parking available for those who walk or bike in. There are designated parking areas near the beaches and trails, ensuring that visitors can easily access the park's amenities.

For those planning to stay longer, annual passes are available for $40, providing unlimited access throughout the year.

The park's parking facilities are well-maintained and offer ample space for both cars and RVs.

Elephant Butte Lake State Park has a rich history and unique features that make it fascinating. The lake was created by the construction of Elephant Butte Dam in 1916, which was one of the largest dams in the world at the time.

The area is also known for its geological significance, with evidence of ancient sea life and dinosaur fossils found in the surrounding rock formations.

The park's name comes from a volcanic core resembling an elephant, which is a popular landmark for visitors.

Near Elephant Butte Lake State Park, there are several attractions worth exploring. The Damsite Historic District is a notable landmark, featuring historic cabins and the Dam Site Lodge, which offers a glimpse into the area's past.

For nature enthusiasts, Kettle Top Mountain and Castle Rock are popular spots to explore while on the lake. Additionally, the nearby Sierra del Rio Golf Course provides a scenic golfing experience.

The town of Elephant Butte itself offers additional attractions, including shops and restaurants that complement the park's natural beauty.

Basic Details

INParking

IN8 AM - 5 PM

INRestroom Available

IN6RM9+W2 Rock Canyon, NM, USA

Know Before You Go

Amenities

  • ATM

  • Barbecue

  • Boat Ramp

  • Dogs

  • Entry Fee

  • Fire Pits

  • Hidden

  • Lifeguard

  • Marine Life

  • Pier

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesPlayground

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesRestrooms

  • Shops

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesShowers

  • WiFi

  • Picnic Table

  • Activities

  • Bike Paths

  • Camping

  • Clubs Party Scene

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesFishing

  • Hiking

  • Nude

  • Paddle boarding

  • Scuba Diving

  • Snorkeling

  • Surfing

  • Tours

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesVolleyball

  • Cave

  • Rentals

  • ATV

  • Bikes

  • Boat

  • Fishing Boats

  • Jet Skiing

  • Kayaking Canoeing

  • Chair Rentals

  • Sailing

  • Speed Boats

  • Umbrella Rental

  • Waterskiing

  • Windsurfing

  • Yachts

  • Food

  • Bars

  • Food Snacks

  • Local Beach Vendor

  • Lounge

  • Restaurants

  • Access

  • Bike Racks

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesCar Access

  • Disabled Access

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesFoot Access

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesParking - Free

  • Parking - Paid

  • Parking - RV Parking

  • Parking - Street

  • Public Bus Stop

  • Stairs to Beach

  • Boat Access

  • Features

  • Blue Flag

  • Jellyfish

  • Pebbles

  • Riptide

  • Rocky

  • Sharks

  • LGBTQ+

  • Elephant Butte Lake State Park - Beach Map

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Surf through our FAQs to help you find your perfect beach!

    Does Elephant Butte Lake State Park have parking? If so, is it free or paid?

    Yes, this Beach provides free parking at the entrance, although spaces are limited. Visitors can also find street parking nearby for easy access to the beach.

    Does Elephant Butte Lake State Park have lifeguards?

    No, this Beach does not have lifeguards monitoring the beach - please be careful when swimming on this beach.

    Is Elephant Butte Lake State Park a family-friendly beach?

    No, this Beach is not family-friendly and does not have restrooms, lifeguards, and nearby food.

    Is Elephant Butte Lake State Park good for swimming?

    Yes, this Beach boasts excellent swimming conditions, attracting swimmers of all skill levels with its gentle waves and clear waters.

    Does Elephant Butte Lake State Park have restrooms?

    Yes, Restrooms are conveniently available on or adjacent to the beach at this Beach.

    Is Elephant Butte Lake State Park a nude beach?

    No, this Beach maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and does not allow nude bathing.

    Is there food near Elephant Butte Lake State Park?

    No, this Beach does not have nearby food options - please plan your beach day accordingly.

    What are the activities at Elephant Butte Lake State Park?

    Yes, this Beach is renowned for its vibrant beach scene, offering various activities for everyone to enjoy Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Volleyball.

    Does Elephant Butte Lake State Park have accommodations for people with disabilities?

    No, this Beach does not have accommodations for people with disabilities.

    Is Elephant Butte Lake State Park a dog-friendly beach?

    No, this Beach is not dog-friendly.

    Is Elephant Butte Lake State Park good for surfing?

    No, this Beach is not generally considered to be good for surfing.

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