City of Elephant Butte

The City of Elephant Butte offers superb RV parks, restaurants, hotels and motels, guide services, marinas, and watercraft rentals.

Hailed as the “Diamond in the Desert,” Elephant Butte  is home to the largest lake in the state and Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort, a 5-star golf course that has been recognized by Golf Digest magazine as one of the state’s ten best courses. Turtleback features 18 holes, a practice facility, a golf shop, and a bar/restaurant with outside seating on an exansive deck overlooking the course. And you can play year-round!

The city’s population swells during the summer, especially on big holiday weekends like July 4, when a huge fireworks show happens over the lake. With a few exceptions, most of the city’s events occur at the state park.

Elephant Butte’s Signature Events

What’s up in Elephant Butte? On Independence Day there are fireworks, and in the fall, Elephant Butte hosts a Balloon Regatta.

The Beachwalk Luminaria Festival and Floating Parade of Lights (2nd Saturday in December at Elephant Butte Lake State Park) is especially festive.

Thousands of luminarias line specially-designed beach paths; visitors enjoy music and food provided at campfires by local organizations and businesses. This popular celebration also includes a parade of illuminated boats, and prizes are awarded at the end of the evening for best-decorations.