Improvements aim to elevate visitor experience at popular New Mexico destination

Santa Fe, NM – The State Parks Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) is embarking on a $1 million project to upgrade comfort stations at Elephant Butte Lake State Park.  

The project, to be completed in stages, will begin April 1, 2024, and is anticipated to continue through August of 2024. It will entail demolishing an antiquated comfort station at the park’s main entrance and completely renovating two campground comfort stations.

“We will have to close these stations as they are being worked on,” said Park Superintendent Chris Bolen. “We ask our visitors for patience and understanding during this process, which ultimately will produce facilities that enhance the overall park visitor experience for years to come.” 

Vault and portable toilets will be available for campers during construction.

The construction schedule is outlined as follows:

Renovation of the Ridge Road comfort station will commence on April 1, 2024, with completion projected for mid-May.

Renovation of the Desert Cove comfort station is scheduled to run from May 20 to the end of July.

Demolition of the comfort station located at the park’s main entrance is set to begin August 9, 2024, and should be completed within a week.

In addition to the comfort station improvements, State Parks is undertaking several other capital improvements at the park, including:

Improvements to the RV dump station.

Connection to City of Elephant Butte sewer services.

Development of a new Aquatic Invasive Species check station.

Improvements to Ridge Road infrastructure.

These projects, part of the State Parks’ Five-year Capital Improvement Plan, are in various stages of planning and completion. The $18 million Lakeshore Road improvement project, funded with a combination of state and federal funds, also remains ongoing, with completion estimated for spring 2025. Improving this road will enhance the safety of and provide easier access for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians traveling to Elephant Butte Reservoir.  

For more information about the State Parks Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), visit our website at http://www.emnrd.nm.gov  /.