About Elephant Butte Lake State Park
Elephant Butte is a reservoir on the Rio Grande that was built by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation in 1916. There are historic structures at Damsite that can be visited. The reservoir was a project to provide power and irrigation to south-central New Mexico, and west Texas. This is the largest reservoir in New Mexico. The name "Elephant Butte" was given due to a butte that has the shape of an elephant. This is one of the few lakes in New Mexico that host White Pelican Colonies. In June 2014, the skulls and tusks of a three million year old Stegomastodon was found by park visitors and was excavated by The Museum of Natural History and Science in Albuquerque and State Parks. It eventually will be on display at the Museum. Fishing is a popular recreational activity on the reservoir, which contains striped bass, largemouth bass, crappie, walleye, and catfish. If you like camping and boating then Elephant Butte lake is for you. There is plenty of water and plenty of beach room. Elephant Butte Lake can accommodate watercraft of many styles and sizes: kayaks, jet skis, pontoons, sailboats, ski boats, cruisers, and houseboats. Remember to wear your life jacket. Boat safe and boat smart! Besides sandy beaches, the State Park offers campgrounds, restrooms, picnic areas, playgrounds, and developed sites with electric and water hook-ups for RV's. Park Elevation 4,527 ft Make a reservation on the New Mexico State Parks reservation website.
