Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
Visitors to New Mexico state parks will pay higher fees for admission, camping and boating in 2025.
The New Mexico State Parks Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department opted to hike fees to increase revenue to the division, with most of the changes adding costs for visitors who don’t live in the state. Past fees were consistent, regardless of residency.
Officials said the new fees are expected to raise the State Parks Division’s revenue by $4.8 million.
That money will help maintain New Mexico’s 35 state parks, said Division Director Toby Velasquez.
“State parks offer invaluable outdoor experiences, but our fees haven’t kept pace with rising operational costs,” Velasquez said. “These adjustments are essential to enhance visitor experiences and protect our parks for future generations.”
Here’s what to know about the changes that took effect Jan. 1.
— Entrance fees: Visitors to New Mexico’s state parks who do not live in the state will be charged a $10 fee to enter, while residents can enter for free from Oct. 1 through April 30.
A $5 entrance fee will be assessed to residents in the remaining months, which are considered “peak season.”
Day-use fees are assessed per vehicle, per day. Residential rates are provided to those with a New Mexico ID or in-state license plates.
— Camping fees increase: Fees for both camping in primitive, or undeveloped, campsites and at developed sites increased.
The fees for primitive sites rose from $8 per vehicle, resident or non-resident to $10 per vehicle for residents and $15 per vehicle for non-residents.
Developed camping fees increased by $10 a vehicle to $15 for residents and $20 for non-residents. Water hookups were free before the changes but now costs $5 a day. Electric hookups went from $4 per day to $10.
— Annual passes almost double: An annual day-use pass for New Mexico residents increased from $40 to $75 for the peak season, excluding Oct. 1 to April 30 when entry is free to residents. Non-residents will pay $150.
Camping passes for residents go from $180 to $300, while non-resident passes jumped from $225 to $600 to camp all year in New Mexico parks.
Annual camping passes for seniors and the disabled rose from $100 to $150. That fee is also assessed for members of the military.
— Boating rates go up: Boaters at New Mexico state parks pay a fee based on the size of the vessel, ranging from 16 feet or less to 65 feet or longer. The previous fee range charged $28.50 to $66 to register a vessel based on its size. The new fees range from $60 to $180. Launching a non-motorized vehicle will remain free.
— New boat safety rules: In 2025, users of non-motorized vessels must wear a personal flotation device such as a life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Non-motorized vessels include anything powered by hands, feet, oars, paddles or pedals.