BEST Van Life Camping: ONLY $225 PER YEAR While Living in a Van in New Mexico
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- čas přidán 14. 06. 2022
- The New Mexico State Parks Pass is only $225 per year!
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Today our roving reporter Brian Gifford gives us the scoop on the New Mexico State Parks Pass. Get all the details in this AMAZING and informative video! The New Mexico State Parks Annual Camping Pass is ONLY $225 per year for out of state residents and $180 for in state residents!
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Thanks for watching!
This IS my jam!! I've been buying the New Mexico State Park pass for the past 3 years now. As for weather, it's easy to just think of it this way - when it's hot, stay north of Hwy 40 (aka Route 66), and when it get cold, stay below the I-40. New Mexico is truly a 4 season state!
Great advice.
what about the wind
@@stanleythomas8457 Yes, it's true. The wind is almost constant. I've just learned to roll with it, pun intended 😜 The only real issue I've had with it, since they now pretty much require that you make reservations online, is that it can impact "travel days". But I have found that you can contact a park that is expecting you and let them know if you will be delayed bc of the weather/driving conditions. So far, they have all be very accomodating. The whole FCFS has been drastically deminished. Some parks don't even have any FCFS sites anymore. I'm real curious to see how Brian does with that part. For me, I surrendered and just accepted the hassel, added expense, and lack of spontinaity that is inherent with the new reservation system because it's STILL an exceptional deal, in a beautiful state! 😉
That's a good tip. Most beautiful state in the U.S., in my little opinion. Absolutely going to do this when I go full time.
@@stanleythomas8457 I don’t think you can avoid wind here but I believe spring is the worst windy season.
My first year of using this pass is about to expire and I'm definitely going to re-up when it does. It is a fantastic deal as far as I'm concerned. It was my first year pursuing this lifestyle and it just made everything super easy. Honestly, just having a guaranteed place to go, get water, and dump my tanks at all times has taken so much of the stress away. I have solar, so New Mexico gives me all the power I need, but during the winter I did spend some time at their electric sites to run my heater. I have a propane furnace, but the electric spots are so cheap when you have the annual camping pass that it actually made more sense to go for those for me, when I wasn't out of state visiting family. I considered heading to Arizona, but figured between the extra gas money and having to pay for water, I wouldn't really save anything.
I highly recommend to anyone that is just getting started and a bit nervous about always finding a safe place to park and not having to spend more money than they'd prefer for simple amenities.
A couple of tips I'd recommend for anyone thinking about this, try and schedule your moving days for early in the week. The weekends tend to have the most traffic and will be more difficult to find reservations or available primitive spots. I usually move on Mondays or Tuesdays and never have any issue, but by the weekend, all the spots next to me are filled up.
Also, the primitive spots are all I need, but some of the parks are a little questionable for my older vehicle to find a safe spot where I won't get stuck. I'd recommend any time you go to a new park, to try and reserve a spot, and then scout out their primitive campsites while there, so the next time you know if you can pull those off.
Personally, my favorite parks are the biggest ones. The ones that if you go the reservation site and there are hundreds of spots. The smaller parks tend to be more difficult to get reservations for, there is often less to do there, and you're likely to have very little space to yourself. Just my preference.
Thanks for those tips!
Great comment! Thank you for the tips and info! Just a question….. I too have an older rig and need electric hookup from time to time. Did you just buy the pass and pay additional when you need an electric site? Do you recall the additional cost? Thx!
Awesome information and needed. Thanks much!
Thanks, great information!
@@coolchange1970 Yeah, with the pass, you only have to pay $4 per night for the electric spots.
I’ve been watching Bob for a few years now and have taken stock in his advice and finally, after some family issues, I started my nomadic adventure April 2022 in New Mexico. I watched Bob’s video on New Mexico State Annual Camping Pass a while ago and with that info I planned my escape from brick and mortar. This latest video from Brian is a really good update and walkthrough on the pass perks. So far, so good. I’m at my seventh campground since my April start. Information about this lifestyle on this channel is all you really need to get out to see and save. Thanks for all you guys do for this community.
@@gstrathmore194 I use Verizon and have unlimited data. I did purchase a personal hotspot for my phone. I may get a WeBoost in the future.
How long do u stay at one campground? And when u leave, do u drive directly to the next state park that is close by? Thank u
“to see and save..” I love that! Excited about starting my journey 😊
I'm a full-time RVer in a camper van with 4 roof-top solar panels. I usually travel ip and down the East coast, wintering in Florida. However, with rising inflation costs of fuel and over-crowded higher priced campgrounds in Florida and other East coast States, I am traveling West this year. My plan is to live the "Snowbird/Nomad" frugal life in my solar van out West, saving lots of money, compared to the East coast. I am on the road right now, and am in South Dakota, staying overnight at Flying J truck stops, rest areas and casinos as I head towards New Mexico.
Wish me, and my cat "Chloe" luck in our new money saving adventure!
GODSPEED
Is having two old dogs ok in these campgrounds there couch potatos
Good luck!!!
In some of the parks, the electrical campsites and non-electrical campsites are separated. In some parks they're intermixed, so make sure you're choosing the type you want. If you choose an electrical site, you pay the extra fee even if you don't use the electricity. Unlike the parks in some states, the showers in NM state parks don't require coins or tokens. You just push a button, the water comes on for a few minutes, then you push the button again (and again) until you're done.
If you want electric for a couple days it costs $14- a day from which they deduct $10-, so you end up paying $4- to add electric!
The showers sound awesome…
like jail showers
@@atwilsonjr - Except you can leave whenever you like. :D
@@atwilsonjr and the doors lock from the inside :)
I like the new guy. If Bob ever "retires" I would like Brian to carry on the torch. A channel like this needs to continue. With that said, Brian, you need to do a video showcase of these campsites in detail including what the showers look like, etc. Really good video!
I think that’s the plan. They put out a video a while back introducing Brian and I believe Bob said he plans to work less and less over time having Brian take over video duties. It’s nice to know the channel has a long future ahead!
I 2nd that hes doing a great job. I think this is not only gonna be a good series for the channel but extremely helpful to all of us.
I agree with My Channel.
Thumbs up for Brian!
bite your tongue!!! 🤯😡😱
Bob's not retiring.
Man, I love these videos.
I'm an Aussie living and working in Asia.
I travelled quite a bit in the US in the 80's & 90's, but never to New Mexico or Arizona.
I probably won't get that chance to get there....but man, I sure would love to spend a year or two RVing there........cheers
I enjoyed seeing your comment. And I wish I could RV around Australia! :) Cheers!
We feel the same about Australi, dreaming of waltzing Matilda Mate! Thanks for sharing. 😊
I've been out here for 8 months and I haven't paid a dime for any place I have stayed
I remember Bob doing a video about this some time ago. I'm so glad you updated it Brian and you're going to be doing even more videos about the different parks. It sounds like a good deal especially considering how much it cost to rent places these days. It's gotten ridiculous. And I'm very interested in doing this. Thank you so much for sharing Brian and the CRVL Crew. 😊❤👍🏻
Brian you are an amazing presenter. Friendliest nicest guy Bob could have possibly chosen to help him in his mission to motivate people to get out there and live a REAL LIFE in nature amongst other freedom loving people
City of Rocks is amazing. Lots of dispersed sites. Campground looked a little crowded. Bonus - just down the road from an awesome hot spring with relatively inexpensive dry camping.
I'll have to check that out. We have some here in sw Oklahoma that is on average 400.00 a month ...unlimited electric, water, sewer, trash, cable and internet all year around. If more campgrounds would do this, they'd stay packed out! God bless all!
Awesome, I live in Oklahoma also, do you have a link or something that I can find to see? I don’t have a camper yet but I am working on it!
@@ChokonenNde Look around Lake Lawtonka. City campgrounds on the lakes are a temporary.. not full time. Look at the private owned ones. Slick hills rv park is the cheapest I think. 380.00 a month for everything unlimited. The others might be a bit higher.. Theres Pennacle peak, Granite Pointe, Lawton Rv, Buffalo Bob RV, ATR RV, a few more. 😎
@@ChokonenNde Also.. ask each one what amenities they provide, ask if there is an age limit on your rv! Some wont let you stay in an older or compromised rv... Some will let you stay in whatever... but ASK! Ask what utilities are included... because some are different. Some make you get electric, Internet and or cable on your own. Ask about allowed pet breeds and rules, The local schools here do pick up kids at the campgrounds..So please ask each one for specific details! God bless!
I really hope Brian will do this kind of commentary for all of the parks he visits, great content to know....
Sounds really cost effective and so doable for me. I so appreciate all the info. I can't come out that way yet, as I'm a caregiver for my 91yearold Mom. She would love to be with me when I go out for a few weeks at a time, so I film and take pictures of all that I and my dog do. Then I make a movie and we have movie nights when I get back home. She loves it. Note: I live in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and when you purchase the VA State Park pass, you don't get anything. Maybe parking for the day.
What you have there is amazing. Can't wait to utilize. Blessings , Teri Hope
Hi Hope. My name is Sandy, and I also need to stay where I am until my 90 year old (91 this year) mom passes. I'm trying to get my minivan outfitted in the meantime. All the best to both of you! New Mexico parks sound perfect for a lone woman. I think I may try it when I'm on my own. It sounds safer than just about any other cheap option.
I am in the same situation...and I live in New Mexico...right now I only get to go short term camping...good luck with your mom
Can you do a series reviewing all 48 states annual camping passes?
That's a great idea!
3rd that agrees
4TH that agrees !!
I have a feeling we really don't appreciate this New Mexico deal until we see the other states. Hopefully it will pressure them to do the same.
That would be an amazing and informative series.
Great ideas for nomads; especially with the cost of living skyrocketing, lots of folks will benefit. Well done Bob.
I want to see more of it - I've Been to Coyote Creek, Eagle Nest Lake, Villanueva, Oliver Lee, and Bottomless Lakes and I recommend all of them.
Brian did a great job on this video! That pass is a great deal. I wish Colorado State Parks had something like this, the vehicle access pass is $80 a year, and you then have to pay $22-28 per night for basic camping, and it's all reservation based. The 4 corners states there is a lot of land to see.
I just passed through New Mexico and was enthralled with the beauty and diversity. I stayed at Rockhound SP. (Check out Spring Canyon nearby, no camping there) and City of Rocks SP. Both incredible rock formations close to I-10. And Bluewater Lake SP off I-40 was very nice too. I think the annual pass is a bargain and if I ever go full-time, I'd buy one in a heartbeat.
I just recently spoke to a lady who purchases state park passes to use just the amenities...she camps with caravans and uses the passes for dumping and water and showers... brilliant idea to save money.
New Mexico camping: Outlook Campground, BLM Santa Cruz Lake, stayed here 3 separate nights, beautiful views, vault toilets, clean. NPS Dispersed, at Bluff Springs Recreation area, Lincoln NP, NM, stayed 1 night, so beautiful.
Late to the party here, but I searched specifically for "nomad life new Mexico" and it brought me here. Well done! I lived in Arizona for the school year 50+ years ago, and in New Mexico for the summer 40+ years ago, and I much prefer New Mexico. But all I hear about is Arizona and Quartzite for nomads. So glad to hear that New Mexico is a good option as well, and that the state parks are a great place to stay. ❤
Fantastic! Thank you so much Brian! Thank you Bob for sharing your channel, Brian is clearly a different year of the same production model. You guys are made in the same factory! You guys are brilliant.
Thanks Brian for the Video. I still can't get over what a great deal the New Mexico State Park Pass is. I so love New Mexico! Back when I was a kid my family would come down for the summer. We did a lot of camping. My parents and grandparents were artist so they did a lot of their art during this time. Most of our camping was in tents and we would stay in one place for a week and move on to another spot. This was in the 70's so I don't recall seeing a lot of people. We always went to Mesa Verde too. I plan on staying part of the year in a tent with my e-bike.
GREAT VIDEO and fun editing on the slide. So fun! You bring great content to CRVL, Brian Gifford. 👏 Checking out NM annual pass now. Thank you!
I work as a travel RN but currently so exhausted I’ve decided to take fall and winter off and spend all that time in NM. I wish all states had passes like this. Really looking forward to exploring NM. Thanks for this very helpful video. Safe travels! 😊
This is great info. The hardest things I’m dealing with is no generator or solar. I’d love boondock most of the time if I could. I’ve been in my travel trailer 17 months & love it but it is not cheap! Widowed and struggling financially so this would be an option for me.
Use this pass for several months and save up for a solar package or a Honda generator
If you are going to focus on areas like this --with sun-- go solar. A portable folding panel in the 100 watt class can be had online for the price of 2 nights in a KOA. My 120w folds to a small thin briefcase. It runs my refrigerator, minor electronics, rechargeables like lights and pump, and the cowl fan if it gets stuffy. By charging and making ice while the sun shines I was doing all that with a $25 charge controller and the van battery. You can have basic electricity fast and cheap now. Later you can add niceties like a portable power station for 110vac and the ability to collect sun when your vehicle isn't baking in it. Chances are you can buy a good used one from a nomad who wishes they'd bought bigger. If you go big you can run all sorts of farkels like a microwave or air fryer. But you can have basic electricity this week for $200 and some time connecting to the battery.
Thank you so much! Now you’ve got me thinking… and I have more questions! 😁 Please do the same for Texas state parks since Texas is one of the best places to register as a domicile. How can we integrate the senior national park pass for camping in the same way. Kind of tough questions, I know. Thanks if you can do it.
MORPHY LAKE STATE PARK !
I saw this before it became a STATE PARK ! people were just tent & truck camping & or fishing there ! Beautiful place ! A bit higher elevation would be cooler in Summer 😎
Just be aware that some state parks do not have year-round facilities. For example, Storrie Lake and Morphy Lake, which are in the region of the recent fires, do not always have amenities year round - not even bathrooms. (They do have port-o-potties.) In the wintertime the bathrooms are closed (pipes freeze) and at Storrie Lake there is no dump station open, even though there IS one there. (I've never seen it open.) There is an RV park about a half mile to a mile north of Las Vegas which is 4 to 4-1/2 miles south of Storrie Lake and they do have a dump station but you might have to pay (not sure).
I met a guy back in 2018 who used to bounce back and forth between Storrie Lake and Coyote Creek State Park 43 miles north. But Coyote Creek is closed too because it's right in the middle of the recent fire area.
Such a great communicator you are... and such beneficial info here.Thanks! Would love to see you discuss some time the ways you keep your older RV fully functional via maintenance/upkeep/preventative measures/minimizing wear & tear, etc.
Storrie Lake primitive was my favorite for summer. Then camped my way south until it just got too cold in November. At that point I went straight to Yuma!
Great information just what I'm looking for!! Right now I'm sitting in a RV Park trying to learn this RV as a Solo traveler I like to have an idea of what the heck I'm doing before I venture out but I have to leave by November 1st so I'll be heading that way and having this information makes me feel much better on what to look for and where to go. I want to join a caravan for the comfort of learning the boondocking life. Thank you so much Brian I can't wait to see what these other Parks look like ☺️
Plan to attend the RTR. Rubber Tramp Rendezvous. You can learn there as much as you can absorb. Bob has much available as classes on video too.
@@brucehalleran1149 already planned on it 😁
Excellent information! Thank you. I love New Mexico!
Brian that was such a good explanation of all the New Mexico parks have to offer. You are very fluent and easy to follow when trying to gather information. I long for the day I can spend my year there. Thank you so much!
Brian I appreciate you doing this series!!!! Can’t wait to see the follow ups! I think this may be what I do starting after first of the year
Thank you Brian! I loved this! Wow! What a bargain! I hope you make more videos like this and we would love to see you highlight some of the state parks you enjoyed the most on your travels in New Mexico.
A tip for Coyote Creek, 1E-10E are all electric sites but right next to each other. If you want some space/privacy the best site is 24. I don't think it has electric but it has a lean-to over the picnic table. It's conveniently close to the trout stream.
Brain thanks so much for making this so clear for everyone. We appreciate what you're doing..... xoxox. P.s I've stayed at several and was very happy I did so.
Great information, thanks! I'm so inspired. I love, love, love Bob, but Brian -- you're fantastic. It so great to know that as things evolve they'll stay as great as ever. Thanks again. See you down the road...
Love New Mexico, love the four corner states. Great info Brian your doing a good job. 👍
This was a great informational presentation. Thank you.
Wow, such an informative video! Thank you Brian for sharing this with us.
Many of the New Mexico campgrounds just turned on their water. Water not always available. That being said, this video has convinced me to get an annual pass!
Really well done video! Thanks for sharing all the detail on what they offer.
Very informative. Enjoyed the ending too!
I'm watching this video on December 30, 2023. I consider this information as a life hack that can bring happiness to ones nomadic lifestyle for an affordable cost. The only thing that can disrupt this process is a pandemic. I would like to hear similar ideas liike this one for a pandemic like situation.
Something to consider, great job of explaining what its about.
Loved the video, very good info, Thanks guys!
Thank you, great information! Happy travels and wild explorations!
Nice updated video! Remember this from years ago from Bob....you guys are top notch.
I agree with the positive comments, Brian. Bob has asked the right person for this job.
Thanks for the content. Hoping to hit the road a little by February. I live in northern Illinois and winter here is brutal. Depression hits me every year about that time. Wish me luck.
February and March in New Mexico still very cold and snowing. You ask me why I know? I'm originally from Co. Multiple Aunt's, uncles and cousins lived in New Mexico.. yes from April to end of October you're going to get very pleasant weather
Your camper has wheels which makes it very easy to move south to avoid the cold and north to avoid heat.
Thank you so much for this video! It was a ton of great info! We can’t wait to buy the park pass!
Great video! Super useful information. I like the options for different uses for the pass.
Great informative video. Well done. Just the info us folks need.
Thank you so much for sharing this info! You rock!
Thanks for this video. New Mexico is so beautiful. I love it!
Your like the Mister Rogers of the nomad world, I mean it as a compliment. Thank you for expanding my options.
Wow, what a great price! Thank you so much for this info. Great video!🦋
Awesome info. I’m not ready to roll yet so I am looking forward to watching your videos touring these camps and forests! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
You can boondock at the NM state parks for no additional charges.
Thank you for all the great info. I will be slowly making my way to N M and looking forward to exploring this wonderful life.
Good info! And, nice presentation.
Thanks SO MUCH!! For this info
I am a Canadian and just finished my 6 months long USA trip. I travelled almost 20’000km and drove through 25 States. New Mexico was my most favourite State; I am even considering buying some bare land there.
Thanks for the valuable information.
Great Video !!! Access to showers is top-priorty consideration...
Thank You looking forward to your NewMexico State Park Videos
Yes! Solitude time ! Anxiety disorders here, I need the space ! Thank you for this.
I really appreciate this info, it is a great help to know what benefits I get with having a state pass.Thank you for this video.
Best channel! Great information!
Excellent video, really looking forward to parks tour videos.
Great information! Thank you for sharing all...and I do mean all, the details.
Great info. Thanks for sharing!
Awesome video Bryan, thanks. I live in this beautiful state I call home!
Great information! Thank you !
Great job, Brian! 👍👍
Awesome; helpful information! Looking forward to hearing from you. 👏👍🤗
Love the information! Can't wait for an update!
Thanks for the info. And Brian your getting better at talking to the camera, so much more natural this time. Great job
FANTASTIC information !!
Really appreciate it !!!
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Great advice. Thank you!
Brian, we would find it very helpful to know which NM state parks might offer the best *summer* camping experiences, and whether those campgrounds tend to be overrun due to their cooler temps. Being based in the Southwest, the normal summer option seems to be driving north (miles, gas, time, wear & tear). Thanks for this review - it was great!
Great question! I'm not entirely sure about the summer experience there...I spent part of the spring there, but am now in Colorado for the summer. But a good rule of thumb is to go north or go higher (in elevation) during the summer heat. I would suggest calling the higher elevation state parks to ask about how crowded it is during those months.
@@briangifford7023 Colorado in summer 🤗 My daughter & grandkids (!) just moved from CO to SC, 😮 right before I start out on the road, this coming yr, I am hoping.
With gas 2000 miles is quite a bit of distance. Oh well. Still be fun
Thank so much for this education and this vid is enjoyable.
This is a really good deal. I have a National Parks Pass which gives me $10/day basic camping for La./Ark (for seniors) plus a rez fee and works out to a similar rate. It's pretty cool to know I can spend a couple of months in NM when it gets too unbearably hot here and do this economically.
Can I give you 2 thumbs up? Ha ha! Such helpful information. Brian, you are a hoot!
Excellent presentation!
I love both Oliver Lee SP and Heron Lake SP. Both have nice hiking. I've been to a good portion of the SP and the pass can't be beat.
Wow, thanks for the info!!
Wow so exciting! Makes me want to get out there so bad. GOALS
Your very good very thorough and well spoken . Thank You
Good video! Sounds pretty inviting.
this is one thing I love about New Mexico
Thank you for this information
Brian, Flex Seal Liquid works great to seal the edge over the cab of your motorhome. Easy to apply and works really well. Take care. Happy travels.
SOLD! Sounds really good. Great video - news to use. Thank you 👍👍
I did this last year, and it was $225 CASH ONLY at the park. Since I was from out of state, it was CASH ONLY. . They did not accept credit cards IN THE PARK. Which means, there was only one site left, I had to jump in my van and drive 70 miles round trip back to the nearest town and find an ATM to get the cash to pay for my annual out of site pass, and hope like hell that someone didn't rent the last site before I got back. The good news, I DID get a very great site, close to the bathhouse and right next the wifi antenna. I stayed for about a month all together in New Mexico state parks, and really loved them, EXCEPT the showers at Bottomless Lakes State Park. Each push of the button got you exactly 10 seconds of water, which was exactly one quart of water per 10 second blast. Unfortunately, I had to stand there and push the damn button about 30 times before the water got warm enough to use. THEN, I had to stand in the cold air while I soaped up the wash cloth, then stand in the cold air while I applied shampoo, then try to FIND the button while I was rinsing my hair. Also, I'm handicapped, and the handicap stalls didn't have shower curtains, OR slip proof floor mats, OR a bench to sit on while I dried myself. The shower stalls themselves were very dangerous for a handicapped person because the floor was tile, VERY slippery when wet. I had to take my OWN bathmat into the shower, but make sure it was far enough from the open shower stall to not get soaking wet. Bottomless Lakes, you can do better.
I paid with debit at the state park. Even better price break is senior resident, $100 for 13 months if purchased at the beginning of month as it expires at the end of month purchased, year later. . 14 day stay out of 20 day period. Electric sites are all by reservation, and additional charges, some parks have no first come sites, and require reservation. No charge to dump, trash, and fill potable water tank.