Visiting a New Mexico state park will give you a chance to explore more of your state and connect with nature. You can take a hike, have a picnic or simply spend time in nature with your family. For those who like to spend a lot of time at state parks, admission can add up.
New Mexico State Parks require visitors to pay a per-car admission fee for day use.
Walk in to the park to get free admission!
Admission to state parks is only based on vehicles. If you’re walking into the parks, you don’t have to pay an admission fee. Many of the parks have public locations nearby where you can park your car and take a short walk to get in. Don’t want to walk in? Consider teaming up with another family and taking one vehicle in to split the cost!
Kids to Parks Days
New Mexico state parks team up with national parks for kids in parks. Each year from May 15th to 21st, kids and their families can get free admission into national and state parks all around New Mexico. There are activities for kids to do and even chances for them to win annual park passes to use with their families throughout the year!
Disabled Veterans Get a Free Day Use Permit
If you’re a disabled veteran living in New Mexico, you can get a free annual state parks pass. You must be classified at the 50% disability to qualify for the pass. The pass is good for day use only. If you want to get an annual pass for camping, you’ll have to pay $100 which is about a 40% discount off of the regular price.
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens state park is an immersive experience you can use to teach your children about wildlife and nature. The park is a part of the state parks system but operates more like a zoo or other wildlife education center. If you’ve got children 6 and under, they can get in for free! Adults are $5 and kids from 7-12 are $3.
Get More Free Stuff in New Mexico
Need something to do other than visiting a state park? From children’s museums to local activities and everything in between, you can get free stuff in New Mexico. We’ve found everything we can on how you can save money and get free stuff and put it all right here for you!
