New Mexico State Parks - Why We Will Not Renew Our Annual Camping Pass ACP - S9.E56 

So is there a way we can buy the pass in December and use it for 2025 for I think you said $225 now for non-resident out of state camper? 😮

You hit the nail right on the head!

Same thing with CA. And to think he wants to run our country. What a shame for NM.

Or Did ? They ....Over Here in CaLif i' really Think The Count iS SeverLy Tampered With, Dang i' Was PLanning This 4, 2025, Seems Everthings Going 😢Down.

@@bryanmathew2079 There is absolutely no doubt in my mind. We have "mystery" voter ballot boxes come in late on election night if ever things do get tight. So there is absolutely zero representation now at the federal level for conservative folks in New Mexico. And essentially the same is true for state representatives. How did this happen? Albuquerque's south valley was Gerrymandered into the extreme southern portion of the state, which is very conservative.

you forgot to mention the arroyos filled with garbage; uniquely New Mexico and you can't blame anyone but the people. And how about Southeastern New Mexico where those wonderful oil field workers throw trash all over the highway to " own the libs".Yep, real fine state you have there...

Exactly. 🥹

I agree with most of what you shared. Thank you! But as far as 2 week reservations with the ACP making sites not available, I don’t agree. And the reason is that we rarely see the parks 💯 full. The sites that are left empty are usually because people were a no-show and didn’t cancel. On their websites, the parks say the reservation for an empty site will be canceled after 4P but I’ve never seen that enforced. Off grid is great! Pending weather. 😘

For the most part, I agree and said so in the video that the fee increases are way overdue. However, I have yet to stay in a NM park that was 💯 full, including the ones in your area (which I love). The reason is that people are no-shows and don’t cancel. The park websites state that a reservation will be forfeited for no-shows but I have yet to see that enforced. It makes me sad to see sites sitting empty. Those campers you’re talking about that legitimately stay two weeks? That’s revenue for the parks and local economy. The abuse I’ve seen (sneaking in, staying longer than allowed, and “living” in the parks, etc.) has been by people that are going to keep doing it anyway. That has nothing to do with snowbirds or those of us from out of state that abide by the rules.

This snow bird won't be dropping any more money into NM economy

It will be great to see you, Dubs!! Happy and safe travels (hopefully soon). 😍

@@authordebradickinson 💜

❤

Wow! Mike! It is a pleasure to meet you and thank you for the super thanks. That means a lot to me, on many levels. I agree … NM is very special. Blessings to you on your journey, and thanks again!

So true.

Yes. Your lifestyle is being priced out of existence, making retirement bleaker for the rest of us.

Yup.

There is still free camping all over the place. I have property in AZ that offers free camping, but no hookups. @RidgeValleyRanch

Ty for this. Agreed!! 💯❣️ As for your current ACP, it is my understanding that any annual passes purchased prior to 1.1.25 (at the old/current price) will be honored, but please do your own research to verify. And, keep watch on the links (my pinned comment and video description) for any changes they might announce. Best wishes and happy camping!

i Know What's Your Saying in CentraL CaLif a ReaLitor Comes on the radio ads Saying Homes Ownership are affordabLe@ Like $350,000 i'm Thinking Really its a $125,000 House, it's Gotton WorLd Wide Crazy, bye

I think the real motivation is control.

@@edie4321 If they start believing social media videos, then they are too dense to move anywhere. It also makes me angry that there are those who use not only our state, but others to nake money on RU-vid, Tik Tok, etc.

Housing prices have gone way up in every state, it's not a New Mexico only thing.

@@winterinbloom, I'm fully aware of that. We are being priced out of our homes intentionally. NM will soon be remembered as being in the US. I got a feeling. Are they pushing to keep people out of your state, too?

You can almost get a motel for that price.

@@ceetee2021 who cares .. 4 bucks a day camper will be replaced by 40 dollar day camper .. so no one cares

@@wildbill463 No we won't.

I’ll state it again … I have yet to see a park full … even on weekends, even during holidays. It’s partly because people don’t cancel and NMSP is not enforcing cancellations for no shows. We are only in NM for a short period of time and DO NOT live in the parks. We abide by all rules and will continue to do so … unlike many locals we’ve seen that come out for the weekend and literally trash sites and trails. Your idea might work for the issues the parks are having but a park super told us just yesterday and confirmed that the issues are not from out-of-state campers. I hope a solution is found that actually helps the parks. NM is magical.

everything dems touch turns to chit

Same in CaLi aLso

Yes. I can hardly believe we have two years still to slog through under her “leadership”.

She’s a lot better than the last one who destroyed the mental health system in NM. She closed down all the mental health clinics because of “fraud”. Turns out there was no fraud, and NM was left with a decimated system. People died because her actions.

Hi there! Thank you, Dennis! I hope the info helps. KOKO!

If you buy the pass at cirrent prices for Nov 2024 wouldn't it still be good for 12 months, through end of Oct 2025? I'd think this timing would be ideal so you can get in under the current pricing system.Or am I missing something?

Yep. I’ve been fulltime on the road 24/7 for 9 years now and spent the 1st five years doing just that. And … I’m guessing appx 60% of the places I used to go are now closed. I get it, and understand the reasons, but it’s not as simple as it seems anymore.

People trashed the land so they closed them down. Truly sad for the majority that don’t abuse our open lands.

I am former TPWD. Your numbers are correct (for now). However, even with the pass, (on average) TX remains one of the most expensive state parks in the country.

@@authordebradickinson really? Because of the entrance fees or camping costs?

According to the online park store, the cost is going to $95 starting in September.

@@garychristison763 oh wow. Good to know. Thanks!

​@garychristison763 thanks for the information! I reckon I should renew mine b4 September. Hopefully they will honor it for a year. 🤷‍♀️

Well said. A classic case of cutting off your nose to spite your face. In my opinion, this reflects a lack of awareness of other options campers have in the state.

Absolutely! I agree with you that NM State Parks needs and deserves increased funds, and I said that in the video. It is delusional however to think that this new fee structure will fix the current problems NM State Parks has.

The problem you'll experience though is that there will be fewer campers, such as the ones in this video. At the end of the day NM might experience a net loss in the income.

@@RamblinRoadies It’s just day use only , I think.

@@Teri728 yes

Not once have I seen any of the NMSPs full - even on weekends and holidays. One of the problems is people not canceling and then being a no-show. As far as the towns, I sure don’t see local shops asking for NM IDs only before taking money. And, any one can make reservations - including NM residents. I don’t believe for one minute that NM residents are not able to get a site. The small mountain NMSP where we are now has 14 vacant sites.

@@authordebradickinson just got back from a weekend trip 95% out of state plates and no spots available. People with U-Haul trailers, so called camping.

Another NM resident here. I hope it passes too. The parks are being overwhelmed and this increase is more than fair and remains a good deal for an annual pass.

I hear you and I get it, but I really hope you two watch the end of this video - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-j5gYYtesHkM.html. 🙏🏼🥰

I shared in the video that I absolutely agree NMSPs needed to go up on their rates. I camp in TX, NM, every state actually - coast to coast, border to border. This rate increase does not bring NM into parity. It puts them as one of the most expensive state park systems in the country.

@@authordebradickinson Yes, Welcome to the socialist state of NM. Gas prices are due to go up significantly soon due to an additional tax increase as well.

Jeff, the ending of this video might give you a smile - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-j5gYYtesHkM.html 😊

IKR?!? Exactly!!! 🥵

This is incorrect. I am former TPWD and can tell you that most states absolutely have annual passes. I said clearly in my video that an increase was warranted and deserved. At $600 for non-residents plus $10-$20 per depending on site amenities, it will put NM at the top tier of most expensive parks. I didn’t say that was wrong, I simply stated it puts it out of reach for me and at that price is no longer feasible. Happy camping. I love NM!

@@authordebradickinson I believe most states have annual day use passes, but relatively few offer camping passes.

Thank you for the much needed kind words. 🥰🫶🏼❣️

That is correct. They are planning on $10 a day for electricity, $5 for water and another $5 if it has a sewer connection. So, ultimately, unless you're staying in a completely unimproved site it could be $600 plus $20/day.

Yes, the day use fee (entry fee) is included in the ACP as is the cost of the actual overnight site. I covered that in the video. You are correct that you do not have to have the ACP to camp. Without it, you pay for the campsite plus any amenities - again, as I covered in the video. As far as other states, the new overnight camping fees for NM are similar, but the rate for the non-resident annual pass is not. TX is going up to $95, NV is $250, and there is everything in between for other states. I will say it again … I agree an increase was needed, well deserved, and too long in coming. The day use and per night rates may be similar, but the annual pass fees and the stay limits are not. To me, the message is loud and clear that they do not want $$ from tourism and those of us that spend thousands of dollars every year in NM. That makes me sad on many levels because I love NM very much.

True, but that is a system NM has a contract with and those fees are not set by or go to NM. A lot of states use RA (some don’t). Currently, the reservation fees with RA range from $4 to $12, depending on the length of stay.

So then the reservation fee is with RA and should not increase. So that brings the total to $62 (12 reserve fee) $50 a month camp fee ($600/12 months) a month to camp one 7 day week. Still not bad. Many of sites have own water so that is where it will get ya. So that brings total now to $97 to stay one wk with the reservation plus water. Or $13 a nite. Worth it not sure. After you have been forced to boondock on BLM for 3 wks out of a month $13 a nite sounds pretty good for a shower. I like the parks for being around people also.

You are most welcome.

Hey Dennis!

@dennis78382 exactly! 👋

@@dennis78382 I agree. You have a good evening too Dennis!

This is the 2nd round of revisions and proposed amendments. For the most part, it is pretty much set in stone at this point.

@@scamphound1892 There are two national parks in New Mexico, White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns but they have no camping. There are two major National Moments Bandelier and Chaco Canyon that have campgrounds.

It is my understanding that you will be able to purchase the ACP at current prices until January 1, 2025. Any reservations made prior to 01.01.25 will also be honored at the current rate. But please verify that information through your own research, and check for their official updates when released.

I believe Debra commented that you can still buy the old pass up to Jan 1 so I would get it.

I have been camping in NMSPs for a few months a year. NM def needed an increase in fees but the new costs puts NM near the top now as one of the most expensive. I don't need hookups, and have boondocked and dry docked all over the country. Not sure where all I will go next year. Stay tuned! 👍🏼😍

@@authordebradickinson I have available property near Show Low if you are ever in the area.

So is Texas.

I shared in the video what I know, and was told by the NMSP authorities. The Bureau Chief said in the online meeting that the fee increases would be effective 1.1.25. So IDK about this July 1st info. I suggest you look at the links in my pinned comment or video description and contact them to verify.

Discussed with several locals who camp. Seems biggest problem is site reservations that block out 2 weeks at a time so others can't get a reservation, then are a no show. Perhaps an up front charge when reserving, then applied when arrive, is appropriate? Also, if total use is down due to higher charges, less maintenance costs to the state. Might not get improvement but current facilities less stressed.

@susanfrary6880 … Paragraph 1 - It cannot be considered squatting when the full rate is paid and all of the rules, laws, regulations and guidelines are adhered to. I said in the video that NM was overdue and deserved increased fees. That, however, is going to do nothing to deter those squatting and camping in parks or public lands illegally. That issue needs other solutions. And, you are 💯 wrong about the mountain campsites being filled. I have yet to see that happen in any of them. Sites are left vacant because people don’t cancel. As far as there being nothing left for NM residents, I am currently in a high mountain NMSP campground. Here’s the count … 2 NM license plates, 9 non-NM plates and FOURTEEN empty sites!! Get your facts straight before you start spouting fake news and propaganda. Paragraph 2 - I have found the people of NM to be warm, kind and welcoming … unlike you. And I can promise you that you do not love NM more than me - the culture, history, beauty and nature speaks to my soul. The likes of you will not dampen my enthusiasm for moving here when I choose to quit traveling. The only time I have seen your beautiful parks disrespected and trashed has been by locals while vacationing or partying on weekends. Paragraph 3 - More fake news and propaganda. You walk through any town near a state park in the mountains in the summer and the stores, shops and restaurants are packed with non-residents spending money. That’s why local businesses showed up in droves at the public hearings to express concern over the loss of revenue with the proposed fee changes. In addition to that, there are very few places near NMSPs to get deliveries. So, once again, you’re writing nonsense that isn’t based on facts. Paragraph 4 - Again, I support increased rates for NMSPs that were long overdue. However, it should make zero difference how long someone camps anywhere as long as they pay the amount required and follow all laws, rules, regulations and guidelines, including term limits. Why on earth would you think they shouldn’t? Take your righteous entitlement and incorrect information based on ridiculous suppositions somewhere else. I hope others reading this understand that you are the exception to NM hospitality and not the norm! As for your 2nd comment that you left, it sounds like you have some people around you that are solution-oriented and get what the real issues are. Kudos to them. Maybe try following their lead.