Welcome to the New Mexico State Parks Infomation Page
Elephant Butte Lake State Park

Announcements

Effective immediately, the park is now under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions due to heightened wildfire danger. Under these restrictions, all campfires, charcoal, coal, and wood burning stoves are prohibited. Smoking is only allowed inside enclosed vehicles or buildings. Use of firearms, explosives, welding equipment, and chainsaws is not permitted. Propane powered devices remain allowed. These measures are in place to help protect visitors, staff, and natural resources during extreme fire conditions.
    Posting Dates: 03-25-2026 - ongoing
Due to recent vandalism and thefts, the Desert Cove Comfort Station will be closed overnight from 10:00PM through 6:00AM, until further notice.
    Posting Dates: 03-02-2026 - ongoing
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

Closures

Due to recent vandalism and thefts, the Desert Cove Comfort Station will be closed overnight from 10:00PM through 6:00AM, until further notice.
    Posting Dates: 3/2/2026 - 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
The Rock Canyon Comfort Station will be closed for the season effective, 10/1/2025 through 4/30/2026.
    Posting Dates: 10/1/2025 - ongoing
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

Restrictions

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
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): 4,319.000
Surface (Acres): 8,815.000
Volume (Acre Feet): 250,052.000

Ramp Status

Main Ramp (Open)
Rock Canyon Ramp (Open)
Monticello Ramp (Closed)
    Last Updated 3/16/2026



Job Opportunities

MEO Law Enforcement Park Ranger - Elephant Butte Lake State Park (EMNRD #5751)
    Posting Dates: 3/23/2026 - 4/22/2026
    Please apply at SPO Job Listing
Senior Heavy Equipment Operator - Elephant Butte Lake State Park (EMNRD #5769)
    Posting Dates: 3/17/2026 - 4/4/2026
    Please apply at SPO Job Listing
MEO Law Enforcement Park Ranger - Elephant Butte Lake State Park (EMNRD #5764)
    Posting Dates: 3/6/2026 - 4/3/2026
    Please apply at SPO Job Listing
Law Enforcement Park Ranger - Elephant Butte Lake State Park (EMNRD #5768+)
    Posting Dates: 3/6/2026 - 4/3/2026
    Please apply at SPO Job Listing

Seasonal Jobs

Seasonal Laborer - Elephant Butte Lake State Park
    Posting Dates: 3/17/2026 - 4/24/2026
    To apply, please contact Sonny Sanchez at (575) 744-5923

Volunteer Positions

No Volunteer Positions are posted.




ADDRESS & PHONE

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

 
 
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