Catch a Memory

Fishing is one of the most popular activities at State Parks. Twenty-four parks have ponds, streams, rivers or lakes, providing a variety of fishing experiences. Choose from a lazy afternoon casting for pan-fish or a high-energy adventure fishing for 40-inch Tiger Muskie. State Parks and the NM Department of Game and Fish are partners in supporting the best fishing opportunities in the state. Even when water levels are low, the fishing (and catching!) can be great. 

Splash into Hidden Gems

New Mexico is fortunate to have many picturesque lakes and rivers. Beautiful sites abound -- often accessible only by paddlecraft. If you haven’t experienced paddling at Heron Lake State Park, you are missing amazing experience. Journey to a shoreline campsite to watch osprey hunt for fish during the day, and at night enjoy clear night skies. No experience? No kayak? No problem! Heron Lake guides lead half-day or single-day trips and can provide boats. Spring and early summer water releases allow for beach launching of kayaks and canoes from the campground below the dam at Elephant Butte Lake State Park for a fun run into Truth or Consequences. 

Explore Diverse Trails

There’s no better way to relax, recharge and rejuvenate than spending time outdoors. Hiking a trail is one of the best ways to reconnect with nature and get to know a park. Twenty-two of our thirty-five parks have established trail systems. Whether you are interested in an easy and quiet nature hike or if you want a more adventurous experience, hit the trail in a State Park. Make spending time hiking in a State Park part of your happier, healthier lifestyle. 

Connect to the Enchantment

One of the best ways to experience a State Park is by camping under the stars. Different camping experiences are available and whether you like to roll out your sleeping bag or curl up in your RV, we’ve got the perfect campsite for you.

Many people like to camp in a tent, and State Parks has many quiet spots designated for “primitive” camping. These sites may or may not have a tent pad and can include boat-in and beach camping. State Parks can accommodate a wide range of developed camping experiences from the smallest camp trailer, pop-up or a fully loaded RV. Have a favorite spot in mind? Reserve it online! Most campgrounds have a certain number of campsites set aside for reservations up to six months in advance. 

New Mexico State Parks include diverse wonders, expanses of deserts and plains, mountains, streams and historical sites. These places contain significant natural, cultural and recreational resources as well as wildlife viewing, birding, camping, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, hiking, star parties, educational and special events for all ages. We invite you to try something dynamic and new going on right now at your New Mexico State Parks. We Are the Official Sponsor of Adventure! 

Venture to the Heavens

The night sky has informed and inspired humans for thousands of years, and New Mexico is blessed with spectacular, dark night skies. Nestled among volcanic boulders, City of Rocks State Park’s observatory was the first in the system, due to its dark skies on the plains between Deming and Silver City. The roll-off roof allows for amazing viewing, and visitors can see distant galaxies and night sky objects on video monitors or through smaller scopes.  Clayton Lake State Park’s state of the art telescope and regular star parties afford visitors stunning views of the night sky as well. The night sky observatory at Leasburg Dam State Park features many great programs and research projects provided by the Astronomical Society of Las Cruces.

For more information on a New Mexico State Park near you, please visit www.NMPARKS.com.

Spy and Be Amazed

For a growing number of people, birding is a great way to spend time outdoors. And there’s no better place to go birding than at a state park. It doesn’t take much to get started – a pair of binoculars and a good guidebook is all you need. Start your birding adventure on the New Mexico Birding Trail. Some of the state park sites on this trail are: Pancho Villa, Rockhound, City of Rocks, Leasburg Dam, Percha Dam, Caballo Lake and Elephant Butte Lake State Parks.