Elephant Butte Boat Rentals: Marinas Compared

For Elephant Butte boat rentals, Marina del Sur near the main park entrance is the place to start: its own rental page lists pontoons, a sport pontoon and a two-story slide boat, each for groups of up to 12. Dam Site Marina on the east side of the dam focuses on fuel, slips, night fishing access and kayak or paddleboard rentals rather than powerboats. Because low water has closed some ramps, check the park's alerts and call the marina before you build a day on the water around it.

Most people searching for a boat at Elephant Butte Lake are planning a weekend, not just an afternoon. They want to know which dock rents what, whether it is open this week, and where the group will sleep after the boat goes back. This guide compares the marinas side by side using each operator's own pages and New Mexico State Parks notices, then shows where a delivered travel trailer fits into a boat day.

Which marinas at Elephant Butte Lake rent boats?

Marina del Sur is the only marina whose own website lists powerboat rentals with posted prices. The same operator runs Dam Site Marina, and New Mexico State Parks also lists a third concession and a lake store. Here is how they compare, based on what each source states.

What does a boat rental cost at Marina del Sur?

Marina del Sur posts its powerboat rentals as three-hour blocks, and every boat on the list carries up to 12 people. These are the rates shown on its boat rentals page:

For kayaks and paddleboards, Marina del Sur uses self-serve WakeRack lockers. You reserve online, an access code arrives by email one hour before your time, and each rental comes in a duffel with a life jacket. Prices for these are not listed on the marina's page.

Is the marina open with the lake this low?

Yes, Marina del Sur's main ramp was listed as open in the park's latest alert, but conditions are poor and other ramps are closed. In October 2026, New Mexico State Parks posted that the Rock Canyon and South Monticello ramps are closed for low water while the main ramp at Marina del Sur is open. A separate park notice says four-wheel drive is required to launch or retrieve vessels, at the operator's own risk, because sediment and old debris are exposed at launch areas.

Status changes as the lake rises and falls, so do three things the week you go:

We could not confirm on any marina page whether docks have been moved for low water this season, which is one more reason to call ahead.

Can you still rent a houseboat at Elephant Butte?

Not from either marina's own rental pages, which list day boats, kayaks and paddleboards but no overnight houseboats. Our houseboat alternative guide covers that gap in detail, including how a lakeside trailer stands in for a night on the water.

Where should you stay for a boat weekend?

Stay close to the marina you will use, because boats come back in the late afternoon and nobody wants a long drive after a day in the sun. Two of our confirmed delivery spots line up with the marinas:

Having the trailer delivered also frees your own truck. If you are bringing your own boat, your vehicle can tow it while we bring the camper. Out-of-state watercraft must be inspected, and decontaminated if necessary, under the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish invasive species rules, so plan time for that on the way in. For campground choices beyond the marinas, see our beach camping guide and the Elephant Butte RV rentals page.

Whether a delivered trailer can go on a specific campsite, and who registers and pays for that site, is something to confirm with the park and with us when you book.

Which of our trailers suits a boat group?

Match the trailer to the boat. Every Marina del Sur powerboat holds 12, but a group that size usually splits into two camps overnight.

The daily rate is only part of what you pay for the trip, so ask the team for a full quote. The rest of the fleet is on our RV rental prices page.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to be 21 to rent a boat at Marina del Sur?

Yes. Marina del Sur requires the renter to be 21 or older with a valid driver's license and a major credit card.

Which Elephant Butte boat ramp is open right now?

The park's October 2026 alert listed the main ramp at Marina del Sur as open and the Rock Canyon and South Monticello ramps as closed. Check the State Parks alerts page before you go, because status changes with the water level.

Do I need four-wheel drive to launch my own boat?

Yes. New Mexico State Parks says four-wheel drive is required to launch or retrieve vessels at Elephant Butte during low water, and launching is at your own risk.

Can I swim off the dock at the marina?

No. State Parks rules prohibit swimming within 150 feet of marinas, docks, fishing piers, ramps and dams unless posted otherwise.

Does Dam Site Marina rent pontoon boats?

No pontoons are listed on its page. Dam Site Marina lists kayak and paddleboard rentals, fuel, slips and night fishing access, while the pontoon and slide boat rentals run out of Marina del Sur.

Is there a fee to enter the park for a boat day?

Yes. New Mexico State Parks lists day use at $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents, and New Mexico residents are exempt from day-use fees from October 1 through April 30.

Ready to plan your lake weekend?

Book the boat for the day and the trailer for the nights. To work out the delivery spot that suits your marina and your dates, contact our Manager and the Elephant Butte RV Rentals Team; the phone line is 575-322-2575. When you are ready to pick a trailer, View available RVs.

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