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State Park · New Mexico

Elephant Butte Lake State Park

Elephant Butte Lake State Park
Photo: Matthew.kowal, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Location
Socorro County, New Mexico
Nearest town
30.7 miles south of Socorro
Type
State Park

About Elephant Butte Lake State Park

A 36,000-acre reservoir formed in 1916 by damming the Rio Grande stretches 40 miles long, with over 200 miles of shoreline for visitors to explore. This is the largest reservoir in New Mexico, and the park surrounding it is the state's largest as well. The dam holding back the water also eases flooding, controls irrigation, and generates electricity.

Hours, fees, camping, reservations and closures are set by the park and change often. Check the official park site before you go.

Getting there

Elephant Butte Lake State Park is in Socorro County, New Mexico, 30.7 miles south of Socorro. The Directions button takes you to the park's mapped location; the entrance may be elsewhere, so check the official site for the address to use.

State parks near Elephant Butte Lake State Park

Within 60 miles, closest first, straight-line. All 31 in New Mexico →

Facts from Wikidata, checked September 25, 2026. Distances are straight-line.