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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
"Low water levels are significantly impacting the Marina del Sur boat ramp, creating unpredictable conditions for use. On approach to the water, the ramp is now reduced to two usable lanes that may have silt, mud, and debris as lake levels continue to drop. These conditions result in varying challenges to launching and loading boats safely and has increased wait times exponentially. Once you’re navigating the lake, there is an increased probability of encountering emerging and submerged hazards like rocks, stumps, sandbars, and debris. Impacts with these hazards can cause personal injury and severe damage to your boat. For your safety and to prevent personal injury or property damage, we urge all visitors to exercise extreme caution when using the ramp and navigating the lake.
    Posting Dates: 07-25-2025 - 12-12-2025
Please note that four or all-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for use on the boat ramp to ensure adequate traction in varying conditions. State Park staff monitors conditions daily and is committed to mitigating these conditions to the extent possible. Please plan accordingly, be prepared for the changing conditions, and prioritize safety and courtesy during your visit. Remember to always wear your lifejacket while on or in the water. Under most circumstances your lifejacket will save your life by giving you the option to self-rescue or be rescued.”
    Posting Dates: 07-25-2025 - 12-12-2025

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

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
State Park Stage I Fire Restrictions - Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove is prohibited except in State Park developed camp and picnic grounds where grills and stoves are provided by the State Park. The use of devices fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three (3) feet of the device. Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site/improved site, or while standing in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
    Posting Dates: 8/7/2025 - 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

Poor
Elevation (MSL): 4,291.320
Surface (Acres): 4,008.000
Volume (Acre Feet): 74,374.000

Ramp Status

Main Ramp (Open)
Rock Canyon Ramp (Closed)
Monticello Ramp (Closed)
    Last Updated 8/25/2025



Job Opportunities

Park Law Enforcement Ranger II - Elephant Butte Lake State Park (EMNRD #5770)
    Posting Dates: 8/12/2025 - 9/11/2025
    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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