The Land of Enchantment is full of beautiful state parks, but this one holds the largest and most breathtaking lake in all of New Mexico. With campgrounds, hiking trails, boating, and so much more, this lake isn’t just the perfect scenery, but there’s so much to do! You can spend hours upon this water, so you might as well just pitch a tent and stay the night (right on the beach). There’s no better destination for a summer day than this absolutely picturesque lake.
Elephant Butte Lake is the largest lake in New Mexico.
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Located inside Elephant Butte State Park, this lake is home to endless activities and amenities.
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Elephant Butte Lake wasn’t always here, though. This lake was built to provide water to southern New Mexico.
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The location is everything. Elephant Butte Lake meets the Rio Grande, and the scenic overlook of the dam is the perfect spot for breathtaking views. There’s also a plaque to read about the history of the dam, and even though you can’t walk out on it anymore, the overlook offers endless views.
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Besides the views, there’s so much to do at this beautiful lake.
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This is one of the few lakes where you can camp right on the beach. At only $8, this campground is affordable too. Pitch a tent or upgrade to a developed campsite to park your RV.
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If you have a boat, this is a great place to get out on the water, and if not it’s still a refreshing spot to go swimming.
Deanne A/TripAdvisor
Most don’t think of this lake as a hiking destination, but surrounding the lake are more than 15 miles of trails to see the best views of Elephant Butte. Not only that, but there are more than 200 miles of shoreline if you’d like to take a long walk upon the beach.
Martha M/TripAdvisor
We all know Elephant Butte State Park is well known, but to really experience it you must spend a summer day here. This picturesque lake is the perfect backdrop for your summer day.
firstsgtsgirl/TripAdvisor Elephant Butte State Park is located just a few miles from Truth or Consequences at 101 Highway 195.
For more information, you can visit Elephant Butte State Park’s website right here.
Have you ever spent a day at this inspiring lake? What did you do? Let us hear all about it in the comments, and don’t forget to share photos from your adventures with us in our New Mexico Nature Lovers Facebook group, or tag us on Instagram by tagging #onlyinnewmexico for a chance to be featured!
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JORGE T/TripAdvisor
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Martha M/TripAdvisor
Lora H/TripAdvisor
Deanne A/TripAdvisor
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Elephant Butte State Park is located just a few miles from Truth or Consequences at 101 Highway 195.
For more information, you can visit Elephant Butte State Park’s website right here.
If you’re looking for more beautiful views in the Land of Enchantment, try this easy hike that takes you to the top of the world.
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