Elephant Butte Lake
Elephant Butte Lake is New Mexico's largest reservoir, formed by Elephant Butte Dam across the Rio Grande. The lake spans roughly 69 square miles and supplies water, recreation, and hydroelectric power. Visitors flock here for boating, fishing, warm-water swimming, and seaside camping.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Western United States |
| Subregion | Southwestern United States |
| Country | United States |
| State | New Mexico |
| County | Sierra County |
| District | Elephant Butte Irrigation District |
| City | Elephant Butte |
| Timezone | AmericaDenver |
| Latitude | 33.18 |
| Longitude | -107.2 |
| Maps |
9:38 PM LOCAL TIMEElephant Butte Lake stretches across much of south-central New Mexico as the state’s largest reservoir, impounded by Elephant Butte Dam (1928) on the Rio Grande. Its wide, warm waters have made it a regional hub for boating, jet skiing, sailing, and watersports, especially during hot summer months. The lake offers ample shoreline and a network of state parks and marinas for day-use activities and overnight camping. The surrounding area provides basic services — boat rentals, supplies, shoreline camping — but facilities vary by site and season. Underlying the recreation, the lake plays a critical role in water storage, irrigation, and hydroelectric generation, with restrictions and water levels that fluctuate year to year.
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