Caballo Lake Has Reopened, Elephant Butte Has Not

Several New Mexico state parks reopened on May 1st. As of Friday, you can add a few more to the list ... just not Elephant Butte.

May 1st saw many New Mexico state parks open back up and today, a few more will reopen as well. According to the Las Cruces Sun News, the state parks opening today are:

• Oasis
• Oliver Lee
• Clayton Lake & Dinosaur Trackways
• Pancho Villa
• Mesilla Valley Bosque
• Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
• Coyote Creek
• City of Rocks
• Rockhound

Interestingly, one of the two state parks closest to El Paso has not reopened. Elephant Butte Lake remains on the closed list while it's neighbor, Caballo Lake ... which is only separated from Elephant Butte by about 20 miles ... was reopened on May 1st. What the difference is between these two, I could not tell you. This could upset a lot of people's holiday plans as Memorial Day is almost here and that particular holiday usually sees over 100,000 visitors to Ele[phant Butte. The 4th of July holiday typically draws just about as many as well. Elephant Butte is about 130 miles from El Paso and Caballo Lake is about 110 miles away.

While many state parks have reopened, there are still certain restrictions in place. Overnight camping is still not allowed for example and comfort stations remain closed. Open fires and campfires are forbidden and concession stands are working in a limited fashion. For other limitations, closures, etc; click here.

For information on specific, New Mexico, state parks, you can click here.