New Mexico’s largest body of water, Elephant Butte Lake is a fisherman’s paradise known for record-breaking black, white, and striped bass, as well as crappie and bluegill.
Elephant Butte Lake is at around 2% capacity, with water releasing downstream through July 28, 2026. Please read the following information before you plan your trip!
From August 1 through Septebember 30 2026, all designated primitive and beach camping areas will be available at no cost. This benefit also extends to nearby Caballo Lake State Park. Primitive campsites are basic, undeveloped areas without designated sites or built-in amenities connections to water or electricity.
Safety First
To protect visitors and property during low water conditions, the Division urges all boaters and lake users to:
- Beware of unstable or soft shoreline zones
- Keep an eye out for newly exposed debris or hazards
- Operate vessels with extreme caution
- Navigate slowly in shallow or unfamiliar areas
- Watch for temporary signage and buoy changes
- Wear life jackets and maintain safe distances from other vessels
Continuing recreation opportunities
Despite low water levels, Elephant Butte Lake State Park remains an exciting recreation destination. Visitors can enjoy:
- Camping, shoreline activities, hiking, bicycling, wildlife viewing
- Paddle craft opportunities
- Access to nearby communities including Truth or Consequences, Elephant Butte, Socorro, and Hatch
- The newly opened Brew Lab 101 brew dock, offering lakeside relaxation even during low water periods
- In addition, there are several other nearby State Parks that remain fully open and accessible.
- No harmful algae blooms have been detected at Elephant Butte Reservoir at this time. The lake remains under “watch” status, with the latest monitoring information available through the New Mexico Environment Department’s interactive map: www.env.nm.gov/surface-water-quality/habs/
New Mexico State Parks will continue monitoring conditions, removing debris, assessing hazards, and maintaining facilities until water levels rise sufficiently to support normal operations.
Visitors can find updated conditions and advisories at:
www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/know-before-you-go-faqs/ or www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/find-a-park/elephant-butte-lake-state-park/
The lake offers miles of trails, sandy beaches, and magnificent views along its 43-mile length. Admission / park fees are $5 per car for New Mexico residents, $10 per car for out-of-state visitors. Walk or bike in for free! Annual day use park passes (good at any state park in NM) are $75 for residents, $150 for non-residents. See the complete fee schedule here.
OHVs, metal detectors and drones are not allowed at Elephant Butte Lake State Park.
About Elephant Butte Lake
Elephant Butte Lake State Park encompasses 40,000 acres. Camp sites for tents and RVs are available. A Visitor Center is located near the main gate.
The lake is abuzz in the summer, especially on the three big holiday weekends — Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. Jet skis, powerboats and pontoons are popular forms of transportation out on the water, while many swimmers cool off along the shorelines.
In cooler months the lake provides a serene setting for sail boats, paddleboards or kayaking. Birds of all kinds can be seen at the lake, especially during migration season. Boating, camping and hikes on the walking trails or strolls on the sandy beach are available year-round.
There are two marinas to serve boaters.
The Damsite Recreation Area, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the late 1930s, has been designated a Historic District. The site retains the flavor of the lake’s historic past and includes cabins, an RV park, rock-lined paths, and the charming Dam Site Lodge, housed in the old Administration Building dating from 1911 and the dam-building days.
Elephant Butte Marinas / Boat Rentals
Read State Parks Boating Rules HereElephant Butte Bait & Fishing Supplies
Dam Site Marina
accessories, bait, candy, fishing supplies, snacks, t-shirts
Marina del Sur
bait, fishing supplies, sporting goods, watercraft rentals
Pat’s
bottled beer, bottled wine, fishing supplies, fuel, groceries, packaged liquor, sporting goods
Zia Kayak Outfitters
fishing supplies, sporting goods, watercraft sales
Lake levels
Maps
Elephant Butte Lake State Park main gate
Elephant Butte Dam overlook
Elephant Butte Lake Events
Here are just a few of the events you can attend at the lake. Details are subject to change, always check websites or social media for up-to-date info.
