LAKESIDE RV PARK, ELEPHANT BUTTE, NEW MEXICO

Our Opinion: Rave. This is what a desert RV park should look like: huge spaces, raked gravel sites, native landscaping. Passport America discount, too!

Date of Stay: September 18, 2008

Weather During Stay: High around 85, low around 50.

Site Description: Huge, level, adjacent to a large native plant garden. 50 amp FHU with 49 channels on cable TV. This desert park has an upper and lower level - our site, 49, a large pull-through (we didn’t even unhook) was on the top level, one of a ring of deluxe sites surrounding a garden area..

This park has added 40 spaces since we last visited 3 years ago, bringing the total number of spaces to 70. The new spaces are as large and lovely as the old, with 2 additional garden areas. Although we didn’t use or inspect any of the amenities, there is a large laundry, exchange library, patio with grill - probably all as impeccably kept as the rest of the park.

Rate: I don’t know the regular rate. We paid the Passport America rate of $19/night. A chat with a neighbor revealed very reasonable monthly rates.

Phone/radio/TV: Great Verizon reception; aircard on Broadband. No obstacles for satellite TV, and cable was included with our site. Free WiFi available, but we didn’t use it. I was not able to find a local NPR station, a surprise. No weather channel on the NOAA radio, either.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: This park is on a little slope, with an upper and lower level, at 4,530’ elevation. The park is surrounded by native shrubs, and beautifully landscaped with small evergreens and native plants. Views are of neighbors, gardens, and surrounding shrubs, with mountains in the far distance.

Lighting/Noise: Low night lighting throughout the park; very quiet at night.

Favorite Sites: Any of the large sites around the gardens. The only site we would avoid are thos along the street and the interior rows. Any number ablve 41 would be good. We especially liked 44 and 47.

Hiking/Walking: Walking around the park is pleasant, but great walking is found just across the street in Elephant Butte State Park on the shore of huge Elephant Butte Reservoir.

Comments: This immaculate, beautifully landscaped and maintained park is a wonderful oasis. We’ve stayed here 3 times and have always been impressed with the park and super-friendly staff. Maybe someday we will use it for more than an overnight!