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El Paso Boat and Jet Ski Rentals
El Paso does not have a big boating lake in town, so when El Paso families and friends want a real lake day they head north up I-25 to Elephant Butte Lake in New Mexico. It is the largest body of water for hundreds of miles and the centerpiece of New Mexico’s largest state park, about two hours from El Paso, with Caballo Lake just to the south.
Book an Elephant Butte Lake Day from El Paso
MasterCraft surf boats for 12 to 18 people, three-seat Sea-Doos, a Kawasaki stand-up jet ski and water toys for every age, 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.
Best Lakes Near El Paso
| Lake | From El Paso | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Caballo Lake (New Mexico) | About an hour and 45 minutes | A quieter Rio Grande lake and state park about 18 miles south of Elephant Butte. |
| Elephant Butte Lake (New Mexico) | About 2 hours | The big one: up to about 36,500 acres when full, with long sandy beaches, marinas and room for every kind of watercraft. |
Drive times are rough estimates from central El Paso via I-25.
El Paso Lake Trips
Make it an overnight
With a two-hour drive each way, most El Paso groups camp at the state park or stay in Truth or Consequences so they get a full day on the water.
Beach days with the family
Elephant Butte’s wide beaches make it easy to set up for the day with younger kids while others ride.
Long runs on open water
The main body of the lake has room for surf sets, skiing and long jet ski runs.
Getting on the Water at Elephant Butte
- Elephant Butte Lake State Park: several boat ramps, docks and marinas plus long beaches near the town of Truth or Consequences.
- Lake levels matter here: which ramps, beaches and marinas are usable depends on the lake level, so we confirm the meeting spot when you book.
- New Mexico rules apply: both lakes are in New Mexico, so New Mexico boating rules and state park fees apply.
Rentals for El Paso Groups
Elephant Butte rewards a setup that can cover distance. Three-seat Sea-Doo jet skis (PWC) are the best way to see the butte and the coves up the lake, and a MasterCraft surf boat rental for 12 to 18 people gives the group a home base for swim breaks and calm-morning surf sets. Add water toys for beach days and a captain for a relaxed family trip.
Tips for El Paso Groups
- Plan for the drive. Leave early so you have a full day on the water.
- Pack for high desert sun. The lake sits around 4,500 feet; bring sunscreen, hats and lots of water.
- Book ahead for holidays. Summer holiday weekends are the busiest at Elephant Butte.
- Let us pick the spot. Elephant Butte’s level changes, so we confirm the best meeting spot for your date when you book.
Planning the Drive to Elephant Butte
The trip from El Paso is straightforward: take I-10 to Las Cruces, then head north on I-25 to exit 83 at Elephant Butte, about two hours in all. Leave early so you arrive before the afternoon desert wind picks up, and fill the cooler before the last stretch. Many El Paso groups make it an overnight, with a campsite in the state park or a room in Truth or Consequences, so they can head back out on the calm water the next morning.
More Areas We Serve
Our Elephant Butte Lake guide covers the state park, marinas and New Mexico rules in more detail. For Texas lakes, the closest of our other regional pages is Lubbock, and all areas we serve are listed on one page.