[PRESS RELEASE] New Mexico State Parks updating fee and boating rules
Michelle Lujan Grisham, Governor
Melanie A. Kenderdine , Cabinet Secretary Designate
Ben Shelton, Acting Deputy Cabinet Secretary
Toby Velasquez, State Parks Division Director
Contact:
Wendy Mason
Marketing & Public Relations Manager
NM State Parks Division
wendy.mason@emnrd.nm.gov
505-819-1785
Sidney Hill
Public Information Officer, EMNRD
sidney.hill@emnrd.nm.gov
505-629-2900
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 12, 2024
New Mexico State Parks updating fee and boating rules
Residents to enjoy free day-use access during off-season
SANTA FE, NM – Starting January 1, 2025, New Mexico State Parks will roll out updated park fees and boating regulations. These changes, designed to improve operations and enhance safety, will affect both residents and non-residents. Updates include revised camping and day-use fees, new annual pass policies, and mandatory safety measures for boaters.
“State parks offer invaluable outdoor experiences, but our fees haven’t kept pace with rising operational costs,” said State Parks Division Director Toby Velasquez . “These adjustments are essential to enhance visitor experiences and protect our parks for future generations.”
Here’s an overview of the key changes:
Fee Changes
Day Use fees:
Day use fees will be assessed per vehicle, per day.
New Mexico residents:
Free day-use access from October 1 through April 30 annually with valid state-issued ID or vehicles with New Mexico plates.
Non-residents:
Applicable day-use fees will remain year-round.
Camping fees:
Camping fees will be assessed per vehicle, per day, including for walk-in campers or those arriving by bicycle.
Annual passes:
All annual passes will now align with the calendar year (January-December).
Pro-rated passes will be available in 2025 for those transitioning from earlier expiration dates.
Utility fees:
Utility fees for RVs will increase and now include a charge for water service. These fees will apply at sites with utility hook-ups, regardless of usage.
Boating safety rules and registration updates
Mandatory personal flotation devices:
Effective January 1, 2025, all individuals using human-powered watercraft (e.g., kayaks, canoes, paddleboards) or engaging in boat races must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD.
Human-powered watercraft:
Includes all vessels powered by hands, feet, oars, paddles, or pedals. "Paddlecraft" refers to kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and similar vessels.
What visitors need to know
Residents can enjoy free day-use access during the off-season, while non-residents will see no changes to existing day-use fees.
Boaters must comply with updated safety regulations, including mandatory PFD use on all state waters.
Visitors will experience an increase in camping fees and revised annual pass policies starting January 1, 2025.
For more details on these changes, including a full breakdown of fees and boating regulations, visit New Mexico State Parks website at: emnrd.nm.gov/spd/fees-permits/.
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New Mexico State Parks is a division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department . Our mission is to protect and enhance natural and cultural resources, provide first-class recreational and education facilities and opportunities, and promote public safety to benefit and enrich the lives of visitors.
Best regards,
Wendy Mason
Marketing & Public Relations Manager
Records Custodian
NM State Parks Division
Energy, Minerals & Natural Resources Department
1220 S. St Francis Dr. | Santa Fe, NM 87505
Email: wendy.mason@emnrd.nm.gov | Web: www.emnrd.nm.gov
PH 505-819-1785 (c) | Toll Free 888-667-2757
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