Adrian Hedden
El Rito Media News
achedden@currentargus.com

Visitors to state parks throughout New Mexico will be paying 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 additional cost 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, including Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and Brantley Lake in the Carlsbad area, 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 taking effect Jan. 1.

Living Desert Zoo cost increase

The fee to enter Carlsbad’s Living Desert Zoo, located off Pierce Street on the north side of the city, will rise from $5 to $10 in 2025.

Entrance fees upped at other parks

Visitors to New Mexico’s other state parks who do not live in the state will be charged a $10 fee to enter, while residents will enter for free from Oct. 1 through April 30. A $5 entrance fee is 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 will increase.

The fees for primitive sites will increase from $8 per vehicle, resident or non-resident; to $10 per vehicle for residents and $15 per vehicle for non-residents. Developed camping fees will increase by $10 a vehicle to $15 for residents and $20 for non-residents.

Water hookups were free before the changes, but will now cost $5 a day, while electric hookups will go from $4 per day to $10 a day next year.

Annual passes almost double in cost

An annual day-use pass for New Mexico residents will increase 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 will jump from $225 to $600 to camp all year in New Mexico parks. Annual camping passes for seniors and the disabled were increased from $100 to $150. That fee is also assessed for members of the military.

Boating rates going 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 more. 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 take effect

Starting 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.

Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, achedden@currentargus.com or @AdrianHedden on the social media platform X.