More than 11,000 New Mexico veterans have received passes giving them free, lifetime access to New Mexico State Parks since the state began offering this benefit on July 1, 2025.
House Bill 161, signed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in 2025, gives eligible New Mexico veterans free, lifetime entry to all 35 state parks, including unlimited day‑use and camping, as well as access to available water and electrical hookups.
The New Mexico State Parks Division worked with the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (NMDVS) to implement the program. NMDVS issues the passes, which park personnel recognize when eligible veterans present them upon entry to any New Mexico State Park.
“We are incredibly proud of our partnership with NMDVS, and the overwhelming success of the lifetime veterans pass program,” said State Parks Division Director Toby Velásquez. “With thousands of veterans already taking advantage of this benefit, their state parks are providing vital open spaces for recreation and healing, as a tangible ‘thank you’ for their sacrifices.”
Since the program launched, the two agencies have coordinated statewide pass distribution, frontline staff training, and system updates to ensure veteran pass holders can easily access all park facilities.
In the program’s first year, more than 11,000 passes were issued to eligible veterans statewide, and NMDVS continues to process new applications daily.
“A year later, the Lifetime Veterans State Parks Pass remains one of the many ways New Mexico honors those who served our country,” said NMDVS Secretary Jamison Herrera. “Through our collaboration with the State Parks Division, we are continuing to provide veterans with meaningful opportunities to enjoy these incredible places with their families.”
The agencies will continue expanding outreach, refining the application process and evaluating use data to strengthen the program moving into its second year.
How Veterans Can Apply
Veterans can apply for the Lifetime State Park Pass through the NMDVS.
· Phone: 1‑866‑433‑8387
· Email: [email protected]
· Website: www.dvs.nm.gov
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Applicants must be New Mexico residents and meet established eligibility requirements under HB 161. To learn more visit, www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/fees-permits/for-veterans/
