Elephant Butte Lake State Park

First Impressions

We arrived after 5pm and the check in area was closed, but we were able to find our site easily. The campground is well laid out with clear signage and amenities. The surrounding landscape is beautiful, with views of the lake and the desert hills.

The Site

Space was paved and somewhat level, with a picnic table and fire ring. The picnic table is covered with a sturdy ramada. This was helpful since the temp was over 100 degrees and the shade in the campground was minimal. The site was clean and had plenty of space for our RV and a small outdoor seating area. Because Elephant Butte Lake is a premiere destination for boating, the campground was busy with a lot of boaters and families. Many large boat trailers, pontoon boats, and jet skis were parked in the campground.

Facilities

The campgrounds have modern restrooms and showers. A dump station is available for RVs. There are several picnic areas for day visitors, a large marina for boaters, and a playground for children. We had minimal interaction with the staff and saw very few state park workers anywhere we went in the park, which was curious for a park of this size.

Surroundings

The area around Elephant Butte State Park offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and boating. The nearby towns of Truth or Consequences and Elephant Butte provide basic amenities and dining options. We found the town of Truth or Consequences to be a quirky and interesting place to explore, with its hot springs and unique shops. We would highly recommend the local museum, Geronimo Springs Museum. At the museum, you can find an overview of the town and its history, including the story of how it got its name. The museum is small but well curated, with a variety of exhibits on local history, culture, and natural history. A separate review of the museum is available in the Geronimo Springs Museum adventure review. Unforunately, we did not visit the hot springs due to the extreme heat, but we heard they are a must-visit for anyone in the area.

Would We Stay Again?

Lack of park personnel and the crowded nature of the campground would make us hesitant to return. However, the location is beautiful and the amenities are good, so we would consider staying again during a less hot time of year.