Starting July 1, 2025, New Mexico resident veterans will be eligible for a lifetime pass providing free unlimited day-use and camping access to all New Mexico State Parks. This initiative is defined by House Bill 161. The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (NMDVS) and the New Mexico State Parks Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) are working on implementing this new benefit.
"We are also working with the administrative rule changes and will provide information to the public through news releases, social media, and our website as soon as it is available," said an official statement.
House Bill 161 introduces a new veteran benefit that grants all New Mexico resident veterans free access to state parks. This includes free unlimited day-use and camping access at all locations operated by the State Parks Division of EMNRD. The NM State Parks Lifetime Veteran Pass will cover regular day-use fees, camping fees, and utility fees but excludes reservation fees. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the bill into law after its introduction in the 2025 legislative session.
Veteran Pass Sample
| Provided Photo
A public hearing is scheduled to discuss proposed rulemaking for the Veteran Park Pass Program. The meeting aims to provide information, gather public input, and address any concerns from community members. It will take place on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at Wendell Chino Building, Pecos Hall (First Floor), Santa Fe.
Individuals wishing to comment on the proposed rule amendment can make oral comments or submit written comments by June 10, 2025, at noon via mail or email. Written comments should be mailed to Jared Langenegger at EMNRD's State Parks Division or emailed to emnrd-parkscomments@emnrd.nm.gov.
NMDVS will begin issuing these passes starting July 1st. Veterans interested in this benefit should contact the benefits department for an application by calling 1-866-433-8387 or emailing vet.benefits@dvs.nm.gov.
Information from this article can be found here.
