Elephant Butte Lake
00 reviewP.O. BOX 13, Elephant Butte, New Mexico, 87935, United States
Elephant Butte Lake
$25.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fee ranges from $25 to $35 per night for standard campsites; additional fees may apply for certain amenities or services.
About this campground
Where endless desert horizons meet the sparkling waters of New Mexico's largest reservoir, Elephant Butte Lake offers an oasis of tranquility for outdoor enthusiasts. This expansive campground provides generous, well-spaced sites that give visitors room to breathe and truly disconnect from the everyday hustle. Whether you're seeking waterside adventures or simply a peaceful retreat under vast Southwestern skies, this desert gem delivers the perfect blend of aquatic recreation and high desert beauty.
Elephant Butte Lake offers a range of camping accommodations. Official sources confirm the presence of campsites, but no details on specific types like primitive, RV, or tent-only sites are given.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic personality of the Southwest desert, where crystal-clear winter mornings give way to sun-drenched days perfect for hiking and exploration. Spring and fall emerge as the sweet spots for camping, offering those coveted mild temperatures and endless blue skies that make outdoor living pure joy. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-worshipper's paradise, with the reservoir providing welcome relief from the desert heat. Plan your visit during the shoulder seasons to enjoy nature's perfect balance of warm days and cool, star-filled nights.
ElevationElevation details are not provided.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up to panoramic views where rugged desert landscapes seamlessly blend with the shimmering expanse of a massive reservoir. The campground's thoughtfully placed sites frame stunning vistas of both water and desert, creating picture-perfect moments at every turn. Watch golden sunrises paint the surrounding mesas while morning light dances across the water's surface. The stark beauty of the high desert provides a dramatic backdrop, with native vegetation and rock formations adding texture and character to this unique environment where two ecosystems meet.
Geological RegionNestled in the heart of the Southwest's distinctive high desert country, this campground showcases the region's remarkable geological diversity. The massive reservoir, carved into ancient desert terrain, creates a striking contrast between water and stone that defines this landscape. Desert mesas, carved by millennia of wind and weather, stand sentinel around the lake's edges, while the characteristic flora and geological formations of the Southwest create a living gallery of natural desert artistry.
Campsite details
AccessibilityHandicap access is available, including accessible toilets and parking. Further details are not provided.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as nicely spaced with views of the desert and the large reservoir.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is noted for being quiet and peaceful, with nicely spaced sites providing privacy.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommendations for choosing campsites are not provided.
Best CampsitesSpecific campsites are not identified as best.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is not specified.
Check-out
Check-out time is not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is not specified.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum guests per site not specified.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSite layout description is not provided.
Open and Closed SeasonSeasonality of open/closed periods is not provided.
Reservation PlatformsReservation platforms not specified.
Walk-in AvailabilityInformation on walk-up availability is not provided.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy is not provided.
Amenities available
Showers
Fire rings
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a variety of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and birdwatching. Visitors can also enjoy interpretive programs and horseback riding.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available, but specific trail details such as difficulty levels, lengths, and popularity are not provided.Fishing
Fishing is permitted with facilities such as docks and a marina available. Specific fishing conditions or types of fish are not detailed.Swimming
Swimming areas are available, but no information is provided about safety measures or additional facilities.Biking
Biking is mentioned as an activity, but no further details about trail terrain or difficulty are available.Boating
A marina and boat launch ramp are available for boating activities. Further details are not specified.Wildlife viewing
Birdwatching is noted as an activity, suggesting opportunities for wildlife viewing. Specific wildlife species are not mentioned.Cultural and Educational Programs
Interpretive programs are available, but no specific details on topics or scheduling are provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Details on fire policies are not provided.
- Quiet hours are not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include navigating cattle guards and Monticello Canyon on the way to the campground.
Active alertsNo active alerts are specified.
Weather forecast
82
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 31%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 12.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services information is not explicitly provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season dates are not provided.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly described in source materials.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located near a large reservoir.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include lukewarm showers as mentioned in reviews.
HostInformation on campground hosts is not provided.
Campground Map
P.O. BOX 13, Elephant Butte, New Mexico, 87935, United States
Driving directionsFrom I-25 South or North take exit 83, turn onto NM State Rd 195 South. North bound traffic goes 4.2 miles and turns left off 195 to the Visitor Center. Southbound traffic goes 4.6 miles and turns left off of 195 to the Visitor Center. After the Visitor Center/Entrance enter the traffic circle and take the 3rd exit for Ridge Road. The campgrounds are along Sumac Rd from there. South Monticello Campground Directions: From I-25 take exit 89 onto Martin Ranch Road/Rock Canyon Road heading east. Follow Rock Canyon road for about 7 miles. This will take you into and back out of Monticello Canyon, across two cattle guards and then to the pay station in the middle of Rock Canyon Road. The entrance to South Monticello Campground is on your left. Do not confuse the State Park campground with signs to the privately owned Monticello RV Park along this same route. You can also follow Rock Canyon North from the City of Elephant Butte to South Monticello Campground approximately 10 miles.
The campground is accessible from I-25 and NM State Rd 195. Roads to the campground include both paved and unpaved sections, with specific navigation challenges such as crossing cattle guards and navigating Monticello Canyon. Seasonal road conditions are not mentioned.Nearby places
Santa Fe, NM - 208 miles (approximately 3.5 hours by car).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies information is not explicitly provided.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Elephant Butte Lake has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise the campground for its cleanliness, peaceful environment, and scenic views. Some users have reported lukewarm showers as a minor issue.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Clean facilities, quiet atmosphere, scenic views of the desert and reservoir, nicely spaced campsites.
Common Concerns
Lukewarm showers were reported by one user as a minor inconvenience.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Consider staying at South Monticello Campground for peace and quiet. The area is away from highways, offering a serene experience.
Seasonal Insights
No seasonal trends are explicitly discussed in the reviews.
Camper Quotes
"South Monticello Campground in Elephant State Park has been a very good place for us to spend two weeks on our travels. The campsites are nicely spaced with views of the desert and the large...
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Site-Specific Reviews
South Monticello Campground is highlighted as a peaceful and clean location offering scenic views.
Accessibility Features
One user positively noted the handicap accessibility, but no reviews from users with disabilities were found.
Last updated August 10, 2025