NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Some New Mexico State Parks will reopen for day-use to New Mexico residents on December 3, 2020. El Vado Lake, Morphy Lake, and Manzano State Parks will remain closed due to seasonal closures. A law enforcement presence will remain in the parks to ensure the protection of natural resources.

According to a news release, all camping reservations will be canceled and refunded through Dec. 31. Camping and overnight use will also be closed through the end of the month.

Limitations on Visitors

  • Only New Mexico residents are allowed at New Mexico State Parks.
  • Visitors must show either a valid New Mexico license plate, a New Mexico driver’s license or ID card, a New Mexico vehicle registration, a federal document attesting to residency, or a military ID to be admitted to a State Park.

State Parks Reopening

  1. Bluewater Lake State Park
  2. Bottomless Lakes State Park
  3. Brantley Lake State Park
  4. Caballo Lake State Park
  5. Cerrillos Hills State Park
  6. Cimarron Canyon State Park
  7. City of Rocks State Park
  8. Clayton Lake and Dinosaur Trackways State Park
  9. Conchas Lake State Park
  10. Coyote Creek State Park
  11. Eagle Nest Lake State Park
  12. Elephant Butte Lake State Park
  13. Fenton Lake State Park
  14. Heron Lake State Park
  15. Hyde Memorial State Park
  16. Leasburg State Park
  17. Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park
  18. Mesilla Valley Bosque
  19. Navajo Lake
  20. Oasis State Park
  21. Oliver Lee Memorial State Park
  22. Pancho State Park
  23. Pecos Canyon State Park
  24. Percha Dam State Park
  25. Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
  26. Rockhound State Park
  27. Santa Rosa Lake State Park
  28. Sumner Lake State Park
  29. Storrie Lake State Park
  30. Sugarite Canyon State Park
  31. Ute Lake State Park
  32. Villanueva State Park

State Parks Closed due to Seasonal Closures

  1. El Vado Lake
  2. Morphy Lake
  3. Manzano State Park

Guidelines for Visitors

  • Wearing a mask or cloth face covering is mandatory in public settings except when eating, drinking, or swimming or unless a healthcare provider instructs otherwise, and violators could face citations and $100 fines for not complying voluntarily.
  • Keep groups to 5 people or less
  • Bring hand sanitizer and additional personal protective equipment
  • Maintain social distance of 6 feet or more while recreating
  • Overnight camping is prohibited
  • Visitor centers and shower facilities remain closed
  • No campfires or open fires
  • Trails will be open; some water access is limited at this time due to seasonal conditions. Access may be limited to adhere to social distancing requirements
  • No group shelter use or large organized events, in accordance with continued restrictions on mass gatherings
  • Playgrounds closed
  • To limit interactions, please use exact change when paying fees or purchase a day-use pass online
  • Limited concession operations
  • Recreate responsibly and pack out all trash
  • Follow all safety guidelines when boating or swimming