FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

July 31, 2026 

State Parks extending camping stays, waiving some fees  

SANTA FE, N.M. – With New Mexico’s ongoing drought continuing to impact recreation areas, New Mexico State Parks is extending the maximum stays across the system from seven to 14 consecutive days.  

At Elephant Butte Lake State Park, where historically low water levels continue to reshape the shoreline, State Parks is taking an additional step. Beginning Aug. 1 through Sept. 30, all designated primitive and beach camping areas will be available at no cost. This benefit also extends to nearby Caballo Lake State Park. Primitive campsites are basic, undeveloped areas without designated sites or built-in amenities connections to water or electricity.  

These changes follow the end of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s seasonal release of water from the Elephant Butte reservoir, which should stabilize water levels for the rest of the summer.  The extended camping stays will give visitors more time to enjoy their state parks and visit surrounding communities as the state continues adapting to drought conditions.  

“Drought is changing the way New Mexicans and other visitors experience their state parks, but it doesn’t change our commitment to keeping these places accessible and welcoming,” said Toby Velásquez, director of the New Mexico State Parks division. “Extending camping stays gives visitors more flexibility to explore their state parks and experience all that the surrounding communities have to offer.”  

Elephant Butte and Caballo Lake State Park have long been important recreation destinations and economic anchors for Sierra County and southern New Mexico. While historically low reservoir levels are affecting boating and water access, the parks remain open for boating, camping, fishing, birdwatching, shoreline recreation and other activities where conditions allow.  

The local and regional communities surrounding state parks are an important part of the park visitor experience. 

“”When visitors stay at their state parks, their experience doesn’t end at the park boundary,” Velásquez said. “They grab breakfast, buy gas, visit local businesses and explore the local communities. These communities have welcomed generations of park visitors, and we want people to continue making them part of their trip.” 

The temporary no-fee primitive camping period at Elephant Butte and Caballo Lake State Park will begin Aug. 1 and continue through Sept.  30. On Oct. 1, day use access to all New Mexico State Parks is free for New Mexico residents except at Rio Grande Nature Center and Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Parks through April 30. The camping stay limit remains 14 days through April 30.   

“I’m grateful for the State Parks Division’s decision to extend camping stay limits and waive primitive camping fees at Elephant Butte and Caballo Lakes,” said State Representative Rebecca Dow. “Now that the water release has ended, the beach areas provide a great opportunity for people to continue to visit and enjoy everything Sierra County has to offer.”    

Before visiting any New Mexico State Park, visitors should check current park alerts, closures and boating conditions online at www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/know-before-you-go-faqs/ or by calling 1-888-NM-Parks 

In addition, New Mexico State Parks has launched a new webpage offering the public current information on conditions at all 19 state park lakes statewide: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/blog/2026/07/29/current-lake-conditions-across-state-parks/ 

New Mexico State Parks is a division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. The Division manages 35 state parks across New Mexico and works to protect and enhance natural and cultural resources, provide recreational and educational opportunities, and promote public safety for the benefit of residents and visitors. 

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