The New Mexico State Park Annual Pass - Detailed Cost and Was It Worth It?

We stayed at 6 different New Mexico State Parks for 3 full months using our New Mexico State Park Pass. I share real costs, including hidden costs, what you need to watch out for and whether or not it was worth it.
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[@authordebradickinson]

We stayed at 6 different New Mexico State Parks for 3 full months using our New Mexico State Park Pass. I share real costs, including hidden costs, what you need to watch out for and whether or not it was worth it. *TO LEAVE A TIP FOR THIS VIDEO* Click the $Thanks$ icon underneath this video - OR - *PayPal Contributions*-paypal.me/DebraDickinson *Debra's Books* www.debradickinson.com/books and on Amazon - www.amazon.com/author/debradickinson *Recipes by Nomads for Nomads* - bit.ly/RecipesByNomads *Patreon* - www.patreon.com/debradickinson Join the KOKO Fam today for as little as $1/month. *Merchandise* - debradickinson.shop *AMAZON* - amzn.to/3r3Zp3t Shop using my affiliate link, free to you. *Harvest Hosts* harvesthosts.refr.cc/debradickinson714 15% discount to you, $15 to me *ADDITIONAL LINKS* Website-debradickinson.com/ KZbin-​debradickinson.tv Debra's Instagram-instagram.com/debradoesrvlife/ Bandit's Instagram-instagram.com/banditthenomadwonderdog/ Please be sure to Like, Subscribe, Ring the Bell, Share and Comment. THANK YOU! SEE YOU DOWN THE ROAD! *MUSIC by EPIDEMIC SOUND*

[@wanderingone333]

I have spent most of two winters in New Mexico State Parks. My best advice to minimize reservation fee is to stay at a campsiter for the maximum 14 days. Also, it's cold in northern New Mexico do to it's elevation so stay south in the winter.

[@authordebradickinson]

Thank you for sharing. Good points! We do not winter in NM, only summers.

[@rebelgirl7289]

Thank you. Just a thought whenever I hear you explain things: You have such a clear, easy way of talking. You enunciate beautifully. I have a hard time listening to some people talk, but you are easy. You take your time and give details. Thank you for all of your videos. When I'm rattled or really low, I check to see if you have a new video because you calm me down. Thanks a bunch.

[@stevemiller1168]

thank you sooo much for this video.............ccya and stay safe..........

[@authordebradickinson]

You are very welcome!

[@chapter4travels]

I'm using the State park pass right now and I've not made a reservation a single time. I just show up and they have always had a spot. These are first come, first served spots. These have all been dry camping which is fine with me. I'm in Villaneuva SP right now with the whole camping area to myself, with water, a pit toilet and garbage cans.

[@authordebradickinson]

Agreed! Here are the reasons I can no longer depend on 1st come 1st serve - 1) I'm in an RV that only gets 9mpg so I can't afford to drive the distance and take the chance. 2) A lot of the NM State Parks have dwindled the count of their FCFS. For example, City of Rocks used to have 12 FCFS dispersed. They now have 5. 3) I'm in an RV that takes up more room than the van I lived in for 5 years and she has to be level for the fridge. 4) I work online and have to have signal. A lot of the parks don't have strong enough signal for what I do in their dispersed FCFS. And I could go on but you get the idea. I love that you can do it and I kind of miss the days when I could but I wouldn't trade this life for anything and I hope you found the video useful anyway. KOKO!

[@chapter4travels]

@@authordebradickinson Your video is fine, great for folks in your circumstance, I just wanted to fill in a couple blanks. I was told by a park ranger that I would never get turned away if the park was full. They would find a place for me. I found reservations basically impossible for 2 week stays unless you were willing to move around the park to open spaces, what a pain. Clearly, you are far more organized than me and made them long in advance. CheapRVliving left a lot out of their video especially the reservation costs that you covered very well. Anyway, it's all good and I'm happy with the pass, thanks for the video.

[@borandell9915]

Great overview. You did a very good job of summarizing that for us. Bottom line, $7.30/day average is a true bargain for full timers that desire electricity in the summer months. It takes a little more preplanning than the old days, but it's worth the effort when you are on a budget. And as you know, in the "shoulder months" like now, NM campgrounds are not crowded, and you don't need electricity every day, especially in the higher elevations. Well done!

[@TheDanVan]

Good review! Thanks, although I hate transaction fees.

[@authordebradickinson]

Thx Dan, and I hear ya - especially when it's kind of a "hidden" cost, but overall, $7/day still isn't a bad deal. Was SO good to see you my friend. KOKO!

[@debralynnbailey6527]

Heading that way thank you

[@authordebradickinson]

Yay! Enjoy! 👍🏼😍

[@DestimoniumTremens]

The comment about the generator noise was quite illuminating. It's one of those things you don't expect until you arrive.

[@tomcaldwell5750]

Thank you Debra, this information is very informative. Less than $8 per day is amazing. I am not complaining to much about about the non-canceled reservation. Because I enjoy not having someone camping 20 feet away from me.

[@laurirohr5364]

Those camping spots were beautiful. I hear you on generators. Noise pollution that can be hard to deal with.

[@OverlandOne]

Thank you so much for explaining all the real costs involved with this pass. I agree it is still a fantastic deal and, NM is on my list of places I will be going to. Safe travels.

[@authordebradickinson]

You are most welcome. Glad it helped. KOKO!

[@pupcamper58]

Such a great deal Debra. I have lots of friends who have taken advantage of the New Mexico camping pass and everybody talks about how wonderful it is.❤

[@authordebradickinson]

Thanks for sharing Cheryl!! See you soon!

[@tanialmedina9918]

Terrific information Debra, thanks !

[@Nemo-yn1sp]

I just hate generators. Avoiding those would be worth the $4 for a full hook up site, though I don't plan to need it unless I my visit goes into cold weather.. Looking forward to watching more of your videos and subscribed. I hope to get to NM in September-still liquidating my stationary life and putting together my road rig. Thank you.

[@marthaoliver1099]

Thanks for the good information, stay safe ☃️

[@texcinlulu]

Thank you for that detailed info. I was wondering all of that. Texas State Parks charges a cancellation/change fee too. Looks like some wonderful camping places. KOKO 🌞🦋❤️

[@CDubsJourney]

Nice breakdown of information. 👍✌️💛

[@DRGreen-ps7eh]

Thanks for the breakdown. I love camping in NM.

[@robertege4486]

Thanks for the informative video. We are planning on staying in NM state parks in October.

[@thatcampingchic3817]

Great video, I shared this with some friends that are full time RV'ers..🙂

[@tinavestal2154]

Thank you for that ❤

[@timpangburn5287]

Thank you Debra. I have been considering getting a non resident pass and I never thought of the transaction fees. So yes it can ad up but man still $7.50 a night is super cheap. I like to have my Mr coffee going in the mornings and A/C or heat if it’s needed as the temperature changes but still for $4 more a night that’s still only $11.50 a night which I heard they have water spigots so you can get potable water which is great. If I remember correctly they have bathrooms and showers there. And if not I will have a way to take my shower cause I have an outdoor shower on my teardrop. I just went camping for 2.5 weeks and I got water and electric every night and I think I paid right around $48 to $50 per night even with my KOA discount rewards. So for 7.50 a night don’t scare me at all.

[@authordebradickinson]

Hi there. Agreed! It is a great deal even with the fees. And yes, all of the parks have potable water spigots - some even have water and electricity at each site. Way too cool. We love it. Happy and safe travels!

[@leslieswieck7322]

Thanks!

[@authordebradickinson]

Ty Leslie!! I hope you found this helpful. KOKO & hugZ!!

[@menofairy]

Thank you

[@tod8205]

Finally took the plunge and bought the New Mexico State Park pass last yr. Love staying in New Mexico before heading to Winterhaven. Agree with everything you said, HOWEVER I believe the reservation transaction fees are ridiculous. Many times late in the season nobody there. I was told by the Park Warden I still had to reserve the site(s) I was planning on staying at. Besides that, a wonderful experience and the Park Wardens encourage nomads to stay somewhere in New Mexico 9 months out of the yr.

[@Maggie-Gardener-Maker]

Hey Girl, have you seen the news about the New Mexico State Parks are considering eliminating the annual pass? I got an email today from parks reserve america alerting me to the proposed fee changes. Other changes they are considering are eliminating day use fee for residents but implementing fees for non residents. They are asking for public inputs.

[@tplugnickel]

I just got a Bluetti, It's nice to know you have power when you need it.

[@helpmeretiresoon5972]

Thanks for the review amd prices over the 84 days. Amazing value. 7 dollars a day average

[@authordebradickinson]

I'm glad the video helped. Yes, it is an awesome value. Even if they go up in price (which they haven't in years) ... it will still be a great deal. Happy and safe travels!

[@janetkoball44]

Sounds complicated but I'll study on it some more. Thanks for a good report.

[@authordebradickinson]

I hope it helped, Janet. I tried to make it simple but it was difficult because there's so many variables. We love using this pass tho. I hope you do too!

[@carolmaplesden916]

Debra thank you so much for putting this information for us I am hoping that there is somewhere I can go physically to get the pass and a map or something with the available camping Do you have any information on that?

[@joycemaurer3588]

This made me think "what about other states"? Well there are very few that offer anything like this! I was surprised. This makes the NM card even more of a deal.

[@authordebradickinson]

Hi Joyce. As far as I know, NM is the ONLY state offering these camping rates with their annual SP pass.

[@joycemaurer3588]

@@authordebradickinson These states don't know what they are missing!

[@PearlPugh]

Your hair is fabulous!!

[@authordebradickinson]

Awhhh! Ty Pearl! :))

[@rioseven9123]

Yes! Looking good.

[@danthesquirrel]

In summary: For 84 days (with maybe 2/3rds having electrical hookup) without annual pass would be $12.76 per day. With annual pass was $7.29 per day. With annual pass just dry camping the cost would be $2.76 per day. In Washington state I live in the cheapest one bedroom apartment available and I pay $42.50 per day. In about 4 years I plan on retiring on social security and my daily payment will be just a bit over $50 per day. Cities are loud, crowded, jammed with traffic, pollution, poverty and crime everywhere, isolating. My retirement choice was to stay trapped in a place I hated being in and have $7.50 per day for all my food and other expenses and when rent inevitably went up I would be homeless OR choose van life and be free to live in a variety of places I wanted to be and have $45.00 per day for all my food and other expenses. In van life you are never trapped and on a whim can go see someplace beautiful or escape a bad situation or take a 2 week job anywhere or hang out near a city for a month just to take a fun art class or see a remote friend whenever you want. Financial security, fresh air, the weather of your choice, immersed in beauty, peace, security, freedom. Retiring at 62 into van life is the overwhelmingly best choice for those single and poor.

[@authordebradickinson]

I'm not sure those numbers take into account the reservation fees etc but thank you for breaking it down. KOKO!

[@Dottietravels]

What a great deal!!!

[@nancywhite9043]

You look so Beautiful Debra.... Love your hair... Take care and give bandit hugs and sugars..🤗😘❤

[@victoriam622]

You have the best hair. I wish that my curly hair would do this well. Please share the products that you use for use curly haired folks.

[@bboice08]

What are your thoughts on Albuquerque, NM overall? Close to dental in Mexico from Albuquerque? Great to see you gals!!!!! Great info always!!!👍👍🥳🥳🎉🎉

[@authordebradickinson]

Not experienced enough with the Alb area to answer. Sites like campendium.com, freecampsites.net and Google search are your friends when it comes to finding camping. I have videos of us going to Los Algodones across from Yuma.

[@Neumanns-Adventures]

Thank you for the video. Can you address as to whether you actually needed reservations? From my understanding there are walk in sites as well.

[@authordebradickinson]

I'm glad it helped. Not all parks have walk-in sites or FCFS, first come first serve ..... that is actually two different categories. You have to look on each parks website (not reservations) to see if they have walk-in or FCFS. It varies from park to park. Walk-in sites MAY be on the reservation list but FCFS will not be - that's why you have to look at the website for each park. Here is a walking tour of every campsite at City of Rocks SP in NM - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZaam4eHr7epmJY. It includes the walk-ins and FCFS.

[@bboice08]

Debra can we talk a bit about showers and toilets? Are they included in drydocking? Thanks!!!

[@authordebradickinson]

Depends on the campground. Each one is different, but yes, usually all state parks offer showers and toilets.

[@Livinglifewithlettyinavan]

Hi Debra you’re looking great. I’m going to be headed to Arizona in about a month and I’m really hoping to meet up with you this time. Are you still having your meet up in January?

[@priola7587]

Deborah, thank you! New Mexico is definitely on my bucket list. I’m assuming the figures you provided are for one person/RV, and are pretty much what any one rv would have encountered? The fact that you travel with Frugal didn’t affect the costs, right? Sorry to be a bit slow on the uptake.

[@authordebradickinson]

No worries. Ty for asking for clarification. Those were MY costs, not associated with Jana’s in any way. However, since we traveled together, she had the same costs for her site and pass as well. Hope this helps.

[@priola7587]

@@authordebradickinson Thank you! I appreciate your patience and clarification. Happy Trails!

[@mikerilling2745]

Do have to make reservations? Can you avoid the transaction fee by avoiding reservations?

[@authordebradickinson]

Hi Mike. Most of the NM state parks have FCFS sites (first come, first serve). The website for each park usually states how many they have. It of course is hit or miss on whether you get one or not, and they usually have no water or electricity. Sometimes, the camp host may know of a reservation site that is available for a night or two but that is very iffy. So, be aware of that, but yes - you can avoid the transaction fee that way. Best wishes and happy and safe travels!

[@bboice08]

One more thing Debra!! Would you recommend Flagstaff in the summer temps? Thoughts! KOKO

[@authordebradickinson]

I have stayed in Flagstaff during the summer many times over the years. Was just there in June but we had to run from the pipeline fire - (actual livestream - kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6iVmYZ3hqZ3qrs). And the video, "We Had To Run From The Pipeline Fire - 6 Tips for Emergency Evacuations" - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pX2tdIqhba2El5I. Other than that incident, I have always enjoyed my time in Flag.

[@osieljuts]

Hi i love your videos Can please tell me how much a pass in new mexico for one yr will cost? i live in missouri but travel, Thx for your help joe in mo.

[@authordebradickinson]

$225 plus the fees etc I mention in the video. I hope this helps.

[@barackmycat9448]

You should be the spokesperson for the state park. You tell it like it is.

[@Damethefirst]

In between your two weeks, is there a specific number of miles you must go ?

[@authordebradickinson]

Hmmm ... IDK ... that has not come up as an issue in our travels. Plus, their guidelines or rules might change so I would def check with the NMSPs. Happy and safe travels!

[@markkorte7932]

68 for 2 weeks with water and electric INCLUDING reserve america res fee--sewer would be an addl 4/night.I am doing 15 parks this year.

[@authordebradickinson]

Yes. Good for you! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 In addition to the fees you also have to factor in the state park pass cost, etc. Still a great deal! 🤩😍

[@untetherednomad6393]

Are you able to just show up and get FCFS campsite and avoid the Reserve America transaction fees?

[@authordebradickinson]

Hi Greg! That would work for FCFS but it was our experience that even for that same day, for a reserved site (even if it was available), they still required you to go through Reserve America - unlike TPWD where you can make same day reservations at the desk in the park. Here's the thing tho - there are less and less FCFS sites so the chances aren't "great". For example, City of Rocks used to have lots of FCFS sites. Now they just have 4 (I think). I suppose my best advice on this would be to call each park and ask before heading that way because we also found that each NMSP seemed to handle some things differently. Very confusing I know but I hope this helped. See you down the road my friend!

[@carolmaplesden916]

Hey Debra I just saw a video saying the state of NM is changing the way they have done business over there it looks like for one there probably doing away with the state park pass If you want I can go look for the channel I saw it on I thought maybe you could do a search and find out for sure what is going on

[@authordebradickinson]

After having had the same prices for decades, NM recently reviewed their rates and state park fees will likely increase, especially for out-of-state residents. Public hearings have been held since February in various locations to vet responses. If someone said they are doing away with the state park pass all together, I would definitely question that validity.

[@retirementbootcampoff-grid237]

I don't make payments online. Maybe pay by credit card over the phone?

[@authordebradickinson]

It has been my experience that most reservation systems do accept payment by phone.

[@eutimiochavez415]

They are worth it if u use them ?☀️

[@authordebradickinson]

Absolutely!

[@Damethefirst]

Were those numbers each, or for both of you?

[@authordebradickinson]

Ty for asking for clarification. Those were MY costs, not associated with Jana’s in any way. However, since we traveled together, she had the same costs for her site and pass as well. So each of us had the same costs I shared in this video for myself only. Hope this helps.

[@Damethefirst]

@@authordebradickinson yes thank you. It helps. Not as inexpensive as quartzsite. But more amenities !

[@authordebradickinson]

Glad it helped. It would be comparable to LTVA at drydocking rates. But yeppers, we loved having amenities for the summer. ;-*

[@3generations393]

Thanks for the math Debra-still sounds a bit expensive for my budget but not sure if New Mexico has free camping choices. BLM seems to be only further west. Thx

[@authordebradickinson]

I hear you, but there is def public land camping in NM. Sites like campendium.com, freecampsites.net and Google search are your friends when it comes to finding free camping. A quick search shows me that there are 5 national forests (Carson, Cibola, Lincoln, Gila, and Santa Fe) and over 2 million acres of BLM land in NM.

[@3generations393]

@@authordebradickinson Thanks Debra-I remember your story of putting your dogs in the van-sleeping on the floor and headed out to see Bob. That's about where I am -paying for a van and have an old dog and a childhood dream of seeing the west.

[@ToriLynnH]

I hate the generators.

[@authordebradickinson]

Amen. And amen. LOL.

[@jsmith3964]

it ends in july 2024

[@authordebradickinson]

That was the original plan but they have repealed that and are reviewing options. They have not yet released the new proposal.

[@Charlie-do6wv]

If you used your brain and used disbursed camping @12 bucks in parks where they had showers they'd be free. Hottest summer mos camp at higher elevations. Sayin...

[@authordebradickinson]

We stay at $12 NMSP higher elevations during the mid-summer, hottest months. The total cost and detailed cost presented in this video includes that. Perhaps you missed it?

[@sussudioharvey9458]

Debra, I usually really enjoy your videos but unfortunately this one not very clear. Maybe instead of breaking it down by Your days and fees give what the process would be. First for card.. then daily rates with card for non electronic and electric. Each transaction fee( was it each time you booked a site or get a break if booked several sites at once) Then each cancellation fee cost.

[@drc1883]

clear as mud

[@authordebradickinson]

Yep. Said that up front. When you hear someone saying it’s a flat amount/day, that is incorrect information, even on average. Lots of variables and moving parts.

[@loubecker8784]

Thank you for advice on this. This question can defeat the purpose of camping in a park but did you have good cellular service at these parks? I will need for work. Thank you again

[@authordebradickinson]

Hello Lou, I understand. I too am tower tethered - whether for research while I'm writing a book or for YT and Patreon. So, I get it. We canceled at one park because it had NO signal - not even to make a phone call. This is a broad overview and not 100% but it was mostly our experience that the paid sites had signal while the remote drydocking sites in the park (no electricity or water) often did not. Again, that's a generality. It varied park to park but if we stayed there, it had signal. I hope this helps!