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Elephant Butte Lake Boat and Jet Ski Rentals
Elephant Butte Lake is New Mexico’s largest lake, a desert reservoir on the Rio Grande about five miles north of Truth or Consequences. At full pool it covers about 36,500 acres and runs some 40 miles, with sandy beaches, red rock and the famous elephant-shaped butte rising from the water. It is the favorite lake getaway for El Paso and Las Cruces.
We rent MasterCraft surf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys at Elephant Butte, ready at the lake when you arrive.
Reserve Your Elephant Butte Lake Day
MasterCraft surf boats for 12 to 18 people, three-seat Sea-Doos, a Kawasaki stand-up jet ski and a full rack of water toys, all ready at the lake when you arrive. Book online in a few minutes, or call or text 888-205-7119 any day from 7am to 10pm.
Elephant Butte Lake Quick Facts
| Size | About 36,500 acres at full pool, roughly 40 miles long |
| Location | Rio Grande in Sierra County, New Mexico |
| Nearest towns | Elephant Butte and Truth or Consequences |
| Drive time | About two hours from El Paso and about an hour and a quarter from Las Cruces |
| Managed by | New Mexico State Parks (Elephant Butte Lake State Park) |
| Best for | Desert beach days, long jet ski rides and warm-weather weekends |
Where to Launch and Meet Up
Most rentals meet at the main recreation areas of Elephant Butte Lake State Park. We confirm the best spot for current conditions when you book.
- Main state park area: the most developed part of the park, with ramps, beaches and Marina del Sur.
- Dam Site Recreation Area: the south end near the dam, home to Dam Site Marina.
- Beaches along the southwest shore: sandy shoreline popular for beach days and camping.
Where to Ride, Surf and Tube
Main lake south of the butte: big, open water for surfing, skiing and jet ski runs.
Around the elephant butte: the lake’s signature landmark and a must-see by boat or jet ski.
Coves and canyons: calmer water tucked between rocky points for swimming and floating.
Rentals That Fit Elephant Butte Lake
Elephant Butte’s sheer size makes three-seat Sea-Doo jet skis and waverunners the best way to reach the butte and the coves beyond it, while a MasterCraft surf boat rental for 12 to 18 people anchors the group’s beach day and handles surf sets on calm desert mornings. Add lily pads and paddleboards for the beach, or a captain so the whole family can enjoy the trip.
Tips for a Smoother Lake Day
- Desert sun is intense. Bring shade, plenty of water and sunscreen, and plan breaks on the beach.
- Afternoon wind is common in the desert. Mornings usually bring the calmest water.
- Elephant Butte Lake State Park charges entry and day-use fees.
- Truth or Consequences has hot springs, restaurants and lodging for a weekend trip.
Rules on the Water
- Elephant Butte is a New Mexico state park, so New Mexico boating laws and park rules apply, and rangers patrol the lake.
- Jet skis and other personal watercraft ride only during daylight hours, and everyone riding wears a life jacket with the safety lanyard clipped to the driver.
- Kids wear life jackets whenever the boat is moving.
- Go slow, no-wake near marinas, ramps, swim beaches and anchored boats.
Planning a Trip From El Paso
See our El Paso boat rentals page for trip ideas and drive times, and browse more boating lakes we serve.