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Elephant Butte Lake State Park

Announcements

Day-use hours at the state park are from 6:00AM to 9:00PM daily. Any visitation after 9:00PM must pay for overnight camping.
    Posting Dates: 06-20-2025 - ongoing
The use of off-highway motor vehicles (OHVs) is prohibited in New Mexico State Parks, as stipulated by the NM OHV Act and State Park Regulations (NMSA 66-3-1011, 16-2-33 19 NMAC Ch 5 Sec 2.16 A).
    Posting Dates: 06-20-2025 - ongoing
Effective immediately, access to Rattlesnake Island is restricted. This urgent measure is in response to both the upcoming July 4th fireworks celebrations and unusually low water levels. The primary goal is to safeguard sensitive cultural resources that have become exposed by the receding water, while also managing public safety during the holiday period. The closure will be lifted when water levels rise after the winter season. Please obey all posted barricades and signage. Failure to do so will result in citations and/or expulsion from the park.
    Posting Dates: 06-23-2025 - ongoing

Closures

Due to the inherent hazards posed by low water levels, the Cliffs Area of the state park will remain closed indefinitely.
    Posting Dates: 6/20/2025 - ongoing
Effective immediately, access to Rattlesnake Island is restricted. This urgent measure is in response to both the upcoming July 4th fireworks celebrations and unusually low water levels. The primary goal is to safeguard sensitive cultural resources that have become exposed by the receding water, while also managing public safety during the holiday period. The closure will be lifted when water levels rise after the winter season. Please obey all posted barricades and signage. Failure to do so will result in citations and/or expulsion from the park.
    Posting Dates: 6/23/2025 - ongoing
Please be advised that the South Monticello and Rock Canyon boat ramps are currently closed due to low water levels. We anticipate reopening when water levels increase, and conditions allow.
    Posting Dates: 6/30/2025 - ongoing

Restrictions

Due to current conditions, Stage II Fire Restrictions are now in effect at the state park. This prohibits building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove. Visitors can, however, use devices fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. These devices must only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device. Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building. An exception to the campfire ban allows campfires on the lake shoreline in areas cleared of flammable vegetation for at least 100 feet.
    Posting Dates: 6/20/2025 - ongoing
The use of off-highway motor vehicles (OHVs) is prohibited in New Mexico State Parks, as stipulated by the NM OHV Act and State Park Regulations (NMSA 66-3-1011, 16-2-33 19 NMAC Ch 5 Sec 2.16 A).
    Posting Dates: 6/20/2025 - ongoing

Boating Conditions

Fair
Elevation (MSL): 4,302.000
Surface (Acres): 5,918.000
Volume (Acre Feet): 131,232.000

Ramp Status

Main Ramp (Open)
Rock Canyon Ramp (Closed)
Monticello Ramp (Closed)
    Last Updated 7/2/2025



Job Opportunities

State Park Law Enforcement Manager I - Elephant Butte Lake State Park (EMNRD #5652)
    Posting Dates: 7/8/2025 - 7/29/2025
    Please apply at SPO Job Listing

Seasonal Jobs

No Seasonal Jobs are posted.


Volunteer Positions

No Volunteer Positions are posted.




ADDRESS & PHONE

101 Hwy 195
Elephant Butte NM 87935
575-744-5923

 
 
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