Organ Mountain News report

SANTA FE - New Mexico State Parks will implement updated fees and boating regulations beginning Jan. 1, 2025, aimed at improving park operations and enhancing visitor safety. The changes include adjustments to day-use and camping fees, updated annual pass policies, and new boating safety measures.

“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.”

Key changes

Day-Use Fees

• Residents: New Mexico residents with valid state-issued IDs or vehicles with New Mexico plates will receive free day-use access from Oct. 1 through April 30 each year.
• Non-residents: Current day-use fees will remain unchanged and apply year-round.

Camping Fees

• Camping fees will be charged per vehicle, per day, including walk-in campers and those arriving by bicycle.

Annual Passes

• Annual passes will align with the calendar year (January–December). Pro-rated passes will be available in 2025 to accommodate transitions from earlier expiration dates.

Utility Fees

• Fees for RV utility hook-ups will increase and include water service charges, regardless of usage.

Boating safety rules

• Mandatory personal flotation devices (PFDs): Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, all users of human-powered watercraft, including kayaks, canoes and paddleboards, must wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFDs. This rule also applies to participants in boat races.
• Human-powered watercraft definition: Covers vessels powered by hands, feet, oars, paddles or pedals, including kayaks, canoes and similar craft.

Visitor information

• Residents can take advantage of free off-season day-use access, while non-residents will continue to pay standard fees.
• Boaters must adhere to updated safety regulations, including mandatory PFD use.
• Camping fees and annual pass policies will reflect the changes starting in 2025.

Additional information, including a full breakdown of updated fees and boating regulations, is available on the New Mexico State Parks website: emnrd.nm.gov/spd/fees-permits/.