The One Spectacular Spot In New Mexico Where You Can Camp Right On The Beach
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Juliet White
Author
Imagine spending a night listening to lake water lapping against the shore and then walking a few feet from your tent and dipping your toes in that same, warm water. If this sounds like your idea of relaxation, then you’ll love beach camping at Elephant Butte Lake.
This 40,000-acre reservoir located in Southern New Mexico is the largest in the state.
This is what it looks like from above.
This is what it looks like from above.
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Although the 62 campsites at this state park are always popular and offer amenities like shaded picnic tables, fire pits, and grills, these spots don’t place you right on the sand.
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Beachfront camping means sacrificing amenities, but many people are happy to trade modern conveniences for an unbeatable location.
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Plus you don’t need to plan ahead – no reservations are required for beach camping. You just show up and pitch your tent or park your RV.
All types of boats, including motorized and non-motorized craft, are permitted on Elephant Butte Lake. If you have access to even a basic kayak, you can paddle over to an isolated cove for the night.
Alternatively, camp on part of the beach that is accessible by land. At Elephant Butte, you’re allowed to drive right on to the sand, although this is usually only a good plan for those in AWD or 4WD vehicles.
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Once you’ve set up camp, enjoy the many recreational opportunities that make Elephant Butte Lake such a beloved destination. Popular activities include swimming, wake boarding, boating, paddleboarding, and fishing (bass or catfish). You can buy a fishing license, which costs $35 for a year, online
here.
Juliet White
The park also contains 15 miles of trails. The Luchini Trail is 1.5 miles long and weaves between the sand dunes. Dogs love it here.
Juliet White
This video shows the beauty of this area and highlights how close you can camp to the water.
Have you ever tried beach camping? What did you think?
Here are some more suggestions for gorgeous yet rustic places to camp in New Mexico.
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