If you’re looking for an easy day trip from El Paso or Las Cruces, Elephant Butte Lake State Park is worth adding to your list. We made the drive to fly kites, enjoy the views and spend time outside as a family, and it turned out to be the perfect laid-back adventure. Also check out my post on the BigFoot Resturant. Pet and vegan friendly***
The park is much bigger than I expected, so my first tip is to grab a free park map at the entrance station. It makes it much easier to find the beaches, picnic areas, campgrounds and boat ramps.
A Little History Beneath the Water
Elephant Butte Lake isn’t a natural lake. It’s a reservoir created after Elephant Butte Dam and was built 1911 to provide irrigation water for southern New Mexico, West Texas and northern Mexico. At the time, it was one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the world.
The lake gets its name from the volcanic rock formation that looks like a resting elephant.
One of the biggest local myths is that an entire town sits beneath the lake. While parts of old settlements, roads and construction camps were flooded when the reservoir filled, the nearby town of San Marcial was not completely submerged. As water levels drop, visitors can sometimes spot old foundations and remnants of the area’s past. We saw many trees remnants as we walked around the lake.
Elephant Butte is also tied to one of New Mexico’s most infamous criminal cases. David Parker Ray, known as the “Toy Box Killer,” lived near the lake. Investigators searched the area for possible victims, but no large number of victims has ever been confirmed to have been found in the lake. It’s a fascinating but tragic part of the area’s history, I still can’t believe he wasn’t convicted.
What We Thought
The first thing I noticed was how low the water level looked. You can notice it on the rock formations as well. I couldn’t help but wish I had seen Elephant Butte during its heyday when the reservoir was much fuller.
Even so, there was still plenty happening. We watched people fishing, boating and jet skiing, and we even spotted a crane along the shoreline. The desert scenery mixed with the blue water was beautiful, and the open space made it the perfect place to fly kites.
If you’re expecting a tree-lined mountain lake, this isn’t it. Elephant Butte is a true desert lake with wide-open views, sandy and rocky shoreline and incredible sunsets. We came out for the full moon one time it was serene.
Things to Do at Elephant Butte Lake
Whether you’re staying for a few hours or camping for the weekend, there’s plenty to do:
- Boating and jet skiing
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Kayaking and paddleboarding
- Camping
- Hiking and biking
- Bird watching
- Picnicking
- Flying kites
Check out the clams but don’t take them home 🙂
What to Bring
Shade is limited, so come prepared with:
* Plenty of water
* Sunscreen
* Hats and sunglasses
* A canopy or umbrella
* Cooler with snacks(my favorite is here)
* Water shoes
* Towels
* Life jackets if you’re getting on the water(you can rent there)
Fees & Helpful Tips
Military families should know that active-duty service does not automatically include free admission to New Mexico State Parks. Some qualifying New Mexico resident veterans may be eligible for a separate state park pass, but we paid the regular nonresident fee. There are restroom facilities, port-a-potties, and a playground.
A few park rules to remember:
* Ask for a park map when you arrive.
* Drones are not allowed without special permission.
* Keep pets on a leash.
* Pack out your trash.
* Stay on designated roads and follow posted boating and swimming rules.
Is Elephant Butte Worth Visiting?
Absolutely!!!
Whether you’re planning a family road trip, looking for somewhere to fish, wanting to get out on the water or just hoping for a relaxing afternoon outdoors, Elephant Butte is an easy getaway from El Paso.
The lower water levels may have changed the shoreline, but the lake is still full of life. Between the history hidden beneath the water, the wildlife, and all the outdoor activities, it’s a place I’d happily visit again. Just don’t forget your map, plenty of water and maybe a kite!
Cheers,
Amber
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A devoted mom of three, full-time RN, and unapologetic lover of Jesus, Amber is navigating life one shift, school pickup, and glass of Cabernet at a time. Through her blog, she shares the unfiltered reality of balancing motherhood, faith, career, and the occasional meltdown, with humor, grace, and a whole lot of carbs. Carbs & Cabernet is more than a blog, it’s a space for women who are doing their best, even when life feels like a beautiful mess. Amber opens up about the joys and struggles of parenting, her walk with Christ, the challenge of showing up fully as both a professional and a parent, and why sometimes the best therapy is girl talk and garlic bread. If you’re looking for honest encouragement, practical tips, and a little reminder that you’re not alone, you’re in the right place.
