With More Than 40,000 Acres To Explore, New Mexico’s Largest State Park Is Worthy Of A Multi-Day Adventure
By Courtnie Erickson|Published August 03, 2022
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
As you plan your next getaway in New Mexico, destinations like White Sands National Park and the town of Taos often sit at the top of bucket lists. However, Elephant Butte State Park certainly deserves your attention. As the largest state park in New Mexico, this destination offers something for everyone. In fact, there is so much to do and see in this New Mexico state park, it’s worthy of a multi-day adventure.
You’ll find Elephant Butte State Park north of Truth or Consequences, off of Interstate 25. It will certainly capture your attention with more than 40,000 acres that are just waiting to be explored.
The main attraction at this state park is the massive and beautiful Elephant Butte Lake. Here, you can spend the day on all types of watercraft from ski boats to houseboats to even pontoon boats or jet skis.
Fishing is a popular activity at this lake and anglers from all over come to throw a line in these waters. You can catch all types of fish including crappie, blue gill, and black, white, and striped bass, and many record-breaking fish have been caught in this lake.
While you can easily spend multiple days on the water, make sure to spend some time next to the water as well. Elephant Butte State Park is home to multiple sandy beaches, picnic areas, playgrounds, and more.
While this state park isn’t necessarily known for its hiking trails, you can still lace up your boots and find more than 15 miles of trails to explore.
The Westshore Lake Trail is one of the main hiking trails in this park. This trail is more than 10 miles long but can actually be broken up into shorter hikes and accessed from different trailhead parking lots. Make sure to bring your camera on this trail as you will capture some gorgeous views of the lake and surrounding desert.
If you choose to stay for a while (which we strongly recommend!), there are LOTS of camping opportunities available. Within this state park, you will find 173 developed campsites with a vast majority offering water and electricity hookups. Primitive camping options are also available.
So, the next time you want to get away and enjoy some time outdoors, head to the largest state park in New Mexico. With all types of water activities, sandy beaches, hiking trails, and camping opportunities galore, Elephant Butte State Park truly has it all.
Have you ever stayed at Elephant State Park in New Mexico? Did you spend multiple days here or just enjoyed a day at this state park? Let us know in the comments! If you are searching for even more remarkable state parks in the Land of Enchantment to visit, check out these 14 that are waiting to be explored!
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