New Mexico State Parks Announces Seasonal and Partial Closures for Winter Season

NM State Parks

Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department’s (EMNRD) State Parks Division announces seasonal and partial closures of six of the thirty-five state parks.  The seasonal and partial closures listed below are implemented annually due to winter weather, low water levels, low visitation and for the protection of natural resources. Seasonal and partial closures for the following parks are listed below and on www.nmparks.com.

 

Saturday, October 31^st

 

Clayton Lake and Dinosaur Trackways State Park – Closure of lake surface for protection of migratory birds and waterfowl.  No fishing or boating allowed.  Camping is still available along with hiking trails, and Dinosaur Trackways remain open.

 

Monday, November 2^nd

 

Eagle Nest Lake State Park – Campground and water system will close. Park remains open for day-use activities.

El Vado Lake State Park – Complete park closure due to winter weather, resource protection, and unsafe water levels.

Fenton Lake State Park – Closure of non-electric campsites only.  Park remains open to camping and fishing.

Leasburg Dam State Park – Partial closure of Riverside Day Use Area only. Camping and hiking trails are still available.

 

Saturday, November 14^th

 

Pecos Canyon State Park – The Tererro and Mora recreation sites will modify their day-use schedule and will be open on Saturdays & Sundays from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.   Bert Clancy, Jamie Koch and roadside parking and fishing access areas are open 7 days a week.

State Parks remain open to New Mexico residents only. Camping reservations from out-of-state visitors have been cancelled and will be refunded through November 13, 2020. Camping is available by online reservation only; a valid New Mexico license plate will be required to complete your transaction. Group size is reduced to 5.

 

It is important for visitors to continue to check for details on specific park hours of operation and additional information visit the State Parks website and know before you go.

 

State Parks advises 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.

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 5 people or less
• Bring hand sanitizer and additional personal protective equipment
• Maintain social distance of 6 feet or more while recreating
• Visitor centers and shower facilities remainclosed
• An online reservation is required to camp
• No campfires or open fires
• Water access and trails will be open, but access may be limited to adhere to social distancingrequirements
• No group shelter use or large organizedevents, in accordance with continuedrestrictions 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 orswimming

 

All current park information can be found on park webpages and on the FAQ page atwww.nmparks.com.