ELEPHANT BUTTE, N.M. -- Thousands of people visited Elephant Butte Lake State Park this Memorial Day weekend as the economy was expected to keep many close to home.

And though storms in Southern New Mexico Thursday threatened a rainy weekend, thousands still turned out to enjoy the water, if not the sun.

The water was still a little cold for some people, but those who did visit and jump in said they thought the crowd was smaller than in previous years.

“I really don't think it's as busy as it usually is,” said Ashley Berlind of Truth Or Consequences.

“It was a little bit off I would say, but for a cold and rainy weekend there's still a lot of people out here having fun,” said David Fuss of Elephant Butte.

The sun was hidden most of the time and the water was choppy, but one official said the economy helped people enjoy a low cost getaway.

“I think we had over 100,000 people. We didn't have too many problems. We did have a couple of boating accidents, but overall the revenue was up and people had high spirits,” said park manager Phillip Rael.

That was a different number than they thought there would be when Thursday rain moved in.

“I like the weather a lot since it's not 1,000 degrees like it is in Arizona. I like the rain and the lake. It's always fun,” said Ashley Benda who was visiting her mom from Mesa Arizona.

The poor economy had the AAA predicting more Americans would travel at least 50 miles from home. And while gas prices made it a little easier to bear, not everyone liked the last minute hike.

“They made it harder. I feel that they hike them just for the season,” said Brittney Bisset of Las Cruces.

Gas cheaper than $3 a gallon at the marina also made for even more hours under the clouds.

“It is a lot cheaper this year. It's been a lot more affordable this weekend this year than it was last year,” Fuss said.

Saturday afternoon park managers projected a total attendance number between 80,000-90,000 and had brought in rangers from all over the state to help handle the crowds.