Story and Photo By The New Mexico State Parks
Fenton Lake State Park will reopen on Friday, September 11th for day-use recreation. After speaking with the local community, the hours of operation will be extended to 7:00 am – 7:00 pm from previously announced 8:00 – 5:00 hours to better accommodate fishing. The park will be open Friday – Monday.
State Parks provides the additional guidance is still in place:
Limitations on Visitors:
- Only New Mexico residents may enter 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.
Hours of Operation:
- Beginning September 11th, a total of 33 State Parks will be open for day-use only. Please “know before you go” and check our website for current hours, as many State Parks are currently operating under reduced hours and days of operation.
- Overnight camping remains closed.
Additional guidance:
- 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 10 people or less
- Bring hand sanitizer and additional personal protective equipment
- Maintain social distance of 6 feet or more while recreating
- Parks are open for day-use only
- Visitor centers and shower facilities remain closed
- No campfires or open fires
- Water access and trails will be open, but 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
- Limited concession operations
- Recreate responsibly and pack out all trash
- Follow all safety guidelines when boating or swimming
All current park information can be found on park webpages and on the FAQ page at www.nmparks.com.