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Promoting All of Sierra County throughout New Mexico, the United States and the World A project of the Sierra County Recreation and Tourism Advisory Board. Paid for in part by Truth or Consequences and Sierra County Lodgers Tax. |
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SIERRA COUNTY LAKES & WATERWAYS
Sierra County's lakes and the Rio Grande provide an array of recreational opportunities in magnificent settings of deep blue water and dramatic mountain peaks. Visitors to the these waterways can enjoy camping, kayaking, swimming, birding, fishing, and numerous other forms of fun and leisure.
| • fishing • fishing guides • water recreation info • camping info • Caballo map |
• Elephant Butte map • Elephant Butte, City of • Percha Dam map • Caballo RV Parks • Elephant Butte RV Parks |
Elephant Butte
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New Mexico's largest body of water is a fisherman’s paradise known for record-breaking black, white, and striped bass, as well as crappie and bluegill. (See our fishing page for more info.) Elephant Butte Lake State Park encompasses 40,000 acres and has a Visitor Center and camp sites.
The lake offers miles of trails, sandy beaches, and magnificent views along its 43-mile length, plus 3 marinas to serve boaters:
The Dam Site Recreational Area, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the 1930s, has been designated a Historic District. The site retains the flavor of the lake's historic past and includes cabins, an RV park, rock-lined paths, and the charming Dam Site Lodge, housed in the old Administration Building dating from 1911.
More info is at elephantbuttelake.net.
Headquarters for Elephant Butte Lake State Park: 575-744-5421.
Caballo
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Located 20 miles downstream from Elephant Butte, with the majestic Caballo mountains serving as their backdrop, Caballo Lake and Percha Dam include facilities for RVs, tent camping, boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking. Both parks also offer exceptional birding opportunities.
Headquarters for Caballo Lake and Percha Dam State Parks:
575-743-3942
Percha Dam
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Due to its position along the Rio Grande and a major migration path, Percha Dam is a
"must-see" for birders, as it is rumoured to be "the best birding site for land birds along the entire Rio Grande." Also great for fishing, picnicking and camping, with showers available.
Headquarters for Caballo Lake and Percha Dam State Parks:
575-743-3942
The Rio Grande bisects the county, feeding our two reservoirs and providing entertainment to those who enjoy floating and/or fishing the river.
Originating more than 12,000 feet above sea level as a clear, snow-fed stream in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, it pours through the Rocky Mountains and descends across steppes and deserts.
See the State Parks website or SierraCountyEvents.com for info on educational presentations offered at all three of Sierra County's State Parks. Programs are offerend throughout the year at Elephant Butte's Richard Cooper Training Center, and during the warmer months, boat safety training courses (required for anyone born on or after January 1, 1989 who plans to operate a boat) are offered for free. Programs are offered at the other two State Parks as well.
