Entry fees waived at 34 New Mexico State Parks through April 30 for state residents

Entry fees waived at 34 New Mexico State Parks through April 30 for state residents

Oct 12, 2025

The state wants to give New Mexicans better opportunity to explore our state parks. And what’s the best way to do that? Make them free through the winter, according to Toby Velasquez, director of New Mexico State Parks.

Now through April 30, 2026, New Mexico residents can take advantage of two new benefits at most state parks: day-use entry fees are waived for New Mexico residents with a valid ID, and the maximum stay limit for campers has increased to 14 days in the off-season, said Velasquez.

“Outdoors is good for us,” Velasquez said. “This program removes the barrier to enter.”

The state wants to do everything to create memories and generational interest in the outdoors, he said.

Once you go to one state park, he said, you’ll want to try one of the other 34 state parks.

“It’s the Land of Enchantment for a reason,” he said.

Most parks remain open for the entire year, some state parks like Morphy Lake and Manzano state parks close due to ice and snow on the access roads in the winter.

The free passes for veterans and free admission during fall and winter months are two separate programs. The veteran passes were enacted by Legislature, and give veterans who are verified as New Mexico residents free access to state parks year-round. The free day-use access during the fall and winter months is open to any New Mexico resident, not just veterans. That policy was set by the legislator and signed into law.

The peak season for most parks is May to September, generating 75% of operating revenue, much of it from visitors from out of state, Velasquez said.

The new program lets New Mexicans take advantage of the parks — even for short visits like a trip to the playground, one of few in Mora County, at Coyote Creek — during slower times at no charge, Velasquez said.

The offer does not apply to parking at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park in Albuquerque or entry to Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park in Carlsbad, according to a news release.