This is the largest lake in New Mexico and gets it's name from the tall Butte that rises as an island near the dam. It is said to resemble an Elephant (but I couldn't tell) The Butte is actually an exposed volcanic core much like Devils Tower in Wyoming. The lake is good fishing and fun for all types of boating. There are numerous camsites both improved and unimproved. The nearby town of Truth or Consequences (or just T or C to New Mexicans) used to be called Hot Springs, but renamed itself in 1950 after a popular radio show. The show's host Ralph Edwards said he would do the show from the first town that renamed itself after the show.

TC is a great stop over if you are going to spend time at elephant butte.