Welcome to the New Mexico State Parks Infomation Page
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
Until further notice, access to Rattlesnake Island is restricted. This urgent measure is in response to unusually low water levels. The primary goal is to safeguard sensitive cultural resources that have become exposed by the receding water. 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: 12-15-2025 - 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
The Upper Ridge Road and Rock Canyon Comfort Stations will be closed for the season effective, 10/1/2025 through 4/30/2026.
    Posting Dates: 10/1/2025 - 4/30/2026
Until further notice, access to Rattlesnake Island is restricted. This urgent measure is in response to unusually low water levels. The primary goal is to safeguard sensitive cultural resources that have become exposed by the receding water. 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: 12/15/2025 - ongoing
Please be advised that the South Monticello boat ramp is currently closed due to low water levels. We anticipate reopening when water levels increase, and conditions allow.
    Posting Dates: 12/15/2025 - ongoing

Restrictions

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
Metal detecting within a state park is prohibited unless a visitor obtains the superintendent’s permission to use metal detectors for scientific activities such as projects permitted through the New Mexico cultural properties review committee or to retrieve lost items. (NMAC 19.5.2.24)
    Posting Dates: 8/7/2025 - ongoing

Boating Conditions

Fair
Elevation (MSL): 4,308.000
Surface (Acres): 6,865.000
Volume (Acre Feet): 166,380.000

Ramp Status

Main Ramp (Open)
Rock Canyon Ramp (Open)
Monticello Ramp (Closed)
    Last Updated 12/22/2025



Job Opportunities

No Job Opportunities are posted.


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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