Elephant Butte Lake State Park
8 places to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓
Elephant Butte Lake State Park is a protected area in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 89/100 (≈ Bortle 2), among the very darkest measurable skies we have rated: the Milky Way casts visible shadows on moonless nights. The best month to come is typically May, when about 79% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 31/100. The moon is 98% lit and above the horizon 96% of the night; typical September clear-sky odds here are 74%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Elephant Butte Lake State Park
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 65% | 64/100 |
| February | 69% | 67/100 |
| March | 67% | 66/100 |
| April | 74% | 71/100 |
| May ★ | 79% | 74/100 |
| June | 67% | 65/100 |
| July | 55% | 57/100 |
| August | 57% | 59/100 |
| September | 74% | 70/100 |
| October | 74% | 70/100 |
| November | 72% | 69/100 |
| December | 65% | 64/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Elephant Butte Lake State Park: sleep under a dark sky
We measured the night sky over each stay below, not just over the spot: the darkness score is computed at the hotel's own location, so you know what you'll see from the door. Sorted darkest sky first, with the distance to Elephant Butte Lake State Park for each.
85/100sky darkness at this stay
63/100sky darkness at this stay
#3Comfort Inn & Suites
7.3Well rated(207 reviews)
Ideally positioned for stargazing adventures, this hotel sits minutes from Spaceport America and directly on the scenic Geronimo Trail, with easy access to Elephant Butte and Caballo Lakes for dark-sky viewing. Amenities include free hot breakfast and high-speed internet, an indoor heated pool, hot tub, and pet-friendly accommodations with RV parking available.
- Sky darkness
- 59/100
- To the spot
- 31.6 km
- Location
- Truth Or Consequences
More stays nearby
Check availability →Travelodge by Wyndham
Darkness: 59/100 · 7.9 Well rated (174 reviews) · 31.7 km from Elephant Butte Lake State Park · Truth or Consequences
Check availability →Motel 6
Darkness: 59/100 · 5.7 (270 reviews) · 31.7 km from Elephant Butte Lake State Park
Check availability →Holiday Inn Express
Darkness: 59/100 · 7.9 Well rated (174 reviews) · 31.7 km from Elephant Butte Lake State Park · Truth or Consequences
Check availability →Motel 6
Darkness: 59/100 · 5.7 (270 reviews) · 31.7 km from Elephant Butte Lake State Park
- Check availability →
Ace Lodge
Darkness: 57/100 · 32.9 km from Elephant Butte Lake State Park
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Live prices around Truth Or Consequences
Truth Or Consequences is the closest base to Elephant Butte Lake State Park with rooms to book. The map shows everything available there right now, including the hotels, apartments and cabins we do not rate. Use the stays above when darkness decides, use the map when price or availability does.
Prices and availability come from the booking partners shown on the map, and we earn a commission on bookings made through it. Sky darkness is measured only for the stays listed above.
Nearby spots in New Mexico
- Fray Cristobal Mountain Overlook 19.6 km · Sky Score 62/100
- Jornada del Muerto Wilderness Study Area 30.1 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Apache Kid Wilderness 37.1 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Caballo Lake State Park 49.4 km · Sky Score 64/100
- Percha Dam State Park 63.5 km · Sky Score 59/100
Sky data: NASA Black Marble VJ146A4 2025 annual composite · clear-sky climatology ERA5 2015–2024 (methodology).