State Parks to honor local military veterans, active-duty, and National Guard members with free state park access on Veterans Day

Day-use and camping fees to be waived for the federal holiday on Saturday, November 11

Santa Fe, NM – On Veterans Day, the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) State Parks Division will honor New Mexico veterans, active military, National Guard and their dependents with free access to any of its 35 state parks.

“Our veterans and active-duty military deserve our utmost respect and admiration for their sacrifice in serving New Mexico and our country,” said Toby Velasquez, State Parks Director. “Giving them free access to State Parks on November 11th is an opportunity for service members to experience some of the most beautiful landscapes in The Land of Enchantment.”

On the federally designated legal holiday known as Veterans Day, any New Mexico resident who provides satisfactory proof that they are currently serving or have served in the United States armed forces, and the resident’s spouse and dependent children, are entitled to free use of any New Mexico State Park. This includes the waiving of all day-use, a night of camping, or other fees on the holiday.

In partnership with the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services, the State Parks Division also honors New Mexico veterans who have a 50%, or greater, service-connected disability with an annual day-use pass and one three-day camping pass per year.