Girl Scouts Love State Parks

Adventure is calling! Join us for a day of trails, wildlife, and outdoor fun as we celebrate Girl Scouts Love State Parks Day.

September 12-13, 2026

Through the Girl Scouts Love State Parks program, Girl Scout troops, friends, and families celebrate their shared love for the outdoors at local state parks. The program kicks off at the beginning of each summer with the Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors Patch Activity Guide and culminates with a series of field days in early fall.

Share your outdoor adventures online with #GirlScoutsLoveStateParks or at nmgirlscouts.org/missionmoments!

Join us for Girl Scouts Love State Parks! 🌲💚 Explore the outdoors through hiking, nature activities, wildlife discovery, and outdoor adventures while making memories with your troop, friends, and family. Celebrate nature, leadership, and fun in our beautiful state parks! Participating parks include the Rio Grande Nature Center, Hyde Memorial, Cerrillos Hills, and Clayton Lake. Special patch included with registration.

Don’t forget to stop by and grab your special Girl Scouts Love State Parks patch (while supplies last). We will also have information to help you complete the Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors activities, and you can earn a second patch.

✨ Let’s celebrate our public lands, connect with nature, and show the world that Girl Scouts love our state parks! ✨

Additional Details

Registration is $5 per person and includes the 2026 Girl Scouts Love State Parks Fun Patch. Please note: Parking fees will be waived for all Girl Scouts! Girls must be in Girl Scout gear (uniform, t-shirt, hat, etc.) in order to receive free parking.
All Members and their Families are invited
Adults do not need to be members/background checked for family groups. They do for troop groups.

Day Program Only

Rio Grande Nature Center

Guided Bird Hike: Girl Scouts will embark on a guided birding hike. Using binoculars, we’ll view birds and learn about birds using the Central Flyway to migrate seasonally. Afterward, we will explore the Visitor Center and make small bird feeders.
Cooking with Girl Scouts & Pond Mental Health: Small snack prepared together! Chips & Guac. & Agua fresca. Nature as a mental health space in urban spaces.
Ribbit Refuge Walk & Cottonwood Care: Girl Scouts will embark on a short nature walk and help park staff care for baby cottonwoods around the park grounds. Girl Scout, Victoria, will talk about Ribbit Refuges (Tentative). This will help the future cottonwoods of the park get a head start!

Cerrillos Hills Park

Geology Hike: Girl Scouts will learn about the geology of Cerrillos Hills with a hike through the park to learn about the multicultural mining history in the area.
Watercolor Craft: Girl Scouts will create a layered sand art project and watercolor rock and geode paintings inspired by their hike.
Pollinator Garden Care (tentative): Help replenish the garden beds at the Visitor Center with native and drought-tolerant plants. This will help pollinator species in the area thrive!

Day Program & Overnight Option

Hyde Memorial Park

Forest Walk: Learn about the alpine biome with a hike to the Girl Scout Trail in Hyde Memorial State Park. Girl Scouts will learn how to keep a field journal and document their day with stickers, drawings and writing.
Moss & Leaf Craft: We will make a variety of prints to add to our nature journals. Crafting will include moss and leaf prints and cyanotype prints.
Star Party: Girl Scouts will learn about galaxies, nebulas and constellations using a high-powered telescope before turning in for the night.

Clayton Lake Park

Dinosaur Slide Show at the Shelter: Travel back in time as you learn about the prehistoric creatures that once roamed New Mexico and discover the fascinating history of Clayton Lake's famous dinosaur tracks.
Dinosaur Tracks & Plant Identification: Explore the park on a guided walk to see real dinosaur footprints and learn to identify native plants that thrive in the high plains environment.
Campfire Tales & S'mores: Gather around the campfire for stories, laughter, and classic s'mores while enjoying an evening under the stars.
Biodegradable Pinecone Bird Feeders: Create a nature-friendly bird feeder using pinecones and natural materials, then learn how birds contribute to healthy ecosystems.

Manzano Mountains

Forest Ecology, Nature Journaling, & Breakfast Cookout
- Camp Set Up with a Ranger: Girl Scouts will get tips & tricks from a ranger about how to set up a campsite with safety & fun in mind.
- Self-Lead Hangout: Girl Scouts enjoy the Monzano Mountains at their own pace in the evening.
- Breakfast Cookout with a Ranger: Bring your favorite breakfast foods to cook out in the morning! The park rangers will be making gluten-free blue corn pancakes for everyone to enjoy!
- Nature Walk & Journaling: Join a park ranger for a hike along the Monzano Nature Trail. Girl Scouts will learn how to keep a field journal and document their day with stickers, drawings, and writing.

Looking for an outdoor adventure closer to home? Visit any New Mexico State Park, Historical Site, or Monument in your Girl Scout uniform!

Please note: A list of New Mexico State Parks is provided below. Pre-registration with Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails is not required for these parks.

If you visit a park not participating in the official program, you will need to purchase your patches through La Tienda.

State Parks in New Mexico

New Mexico is home to 35 state parks. Learn more about your local park below!

Bluewater Lake (Grants) toggle arrow

This serene lake, located 25 miles west of Grants, is set in a pinon-juniper landscape with views towards the Zuni Mountains.

The park offers camping, hiking, birding, horseback riding, and fishing. And not just any fishing – you’ll find some of the best tiger muskie fishing at Bluewater Lake!

Park Elevation 7,554 ft

30 Bluewater State Park Road
Prewitt, NM 87045
505-876-2391

Close by Dining, Activities, & Attractions

Continental Divide
Church Rock
Ice Cave / Bandera Volcano
El Malpais National Monument & Visitor’s Center
Cafes and Fast Food in Milan, Grants, and Thoreau, NM

Bottomless Lakes (Roswell) toggle arrow

Located just 14 miles southeast of Roswell, Bottomless Lakes State Park is your place for bottomless fun!

Enjoy non-motorized boating in your kayak or canoe, camp, fish, picnic, swim, hike, go birding, or even scuba dive! The unique lakes at this park are sinkholes, ranging from 17 to 90 feet deep. The greenish-blue color created by aquatic plants is what gives the lakes the illusion of great depth.

Park Elevation 3,617 ft

545 A Bottomless Lakes Rd.
Roswell, NM 88201
575-988-3638

Brantley Lake (Carlsbad) toggle arrow

The southernmost lake in New Mexico is an oasis of water, wildlife, plant life, gorgeous sunsets, and stunning night skies.

Located twelve miles North of Carlsbad, NM, the park offers boating, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hiking trails, exceptional bird watching, developed and primitive campsites, and restrooms with showers. Whether you’re picnicking for the day, or camping in your RV for a week, you’ll be sure to find adventure at Brantley Lake State Park!

Park Elevation 3,295 ft

33 East Brantley Lake Rd.
Carlsbad, NM 88221

Caballo Lake (Caballo) toggle arrow

Framed against the Caballo Mountains, this lake boasts an array of water recreation, such as boating, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, swimming, and fishing.

Choose from 170 campsites, with plenty of sites with utility hookups for RVs. There’s just as much to do off the water while hiking, horseback riding, birding, and picnicking.

Park Elevation 4,447 ft

10 Palomino Road
Caballo, NM 87931
575-743-3942

Cerrillos Hills (Cerrillos) toggle arrow

Cerrillos Hills, New Mexico’s 34th State Park, is a year-round, day-use park located off the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway between Santa Fe and Albuquerque.

You will cross paths with over 1,100 years of mining history along the five miles of trails and enjoy spectacular views of the Sandia, Ortiz, Jemez, and Sangre de Cristo Mountain Ranges.

Park Elevation 5,900-6,100 ft

37 Main Street
Cerrillos, NM 87010
505-474-0196

Close by Dining, Activities, & Attractions

El Rancho de los Golondrinas
Origami in the Garden (roadside attraction)
Santa Fe Reptile and Bug Museum
Connie’s Photo Park
Cafes and Fast Food in Madrid, Cerrillos, and Santa Fe, NM

Cimarron Canyon (Eagle Nest) toggle arrow

The Cimarron River flows through this narrow, forested canyon, located near Eagle Nest on the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway.

The park offers beautiful views, interesting geology, quiet camping, fly fishing, hiking, and equestrian trails. The wildlife viewing opportunities are amazing, as the park sits at the center of the Colin Neblett Wildlife Management Area.

Park Elevation 7,876 ft

28869 Highway 64
Eagle Nest, NM 87718
575-377-6271

City of Rocks (Faywood) toggle arrow

City of Rocks gets its name from the incredible volcanic rock formations found here.

The park encompasses a one-square-mile area in the scenic Chihuahuan desert region of southwestern New Mexico at an elevation of 5,200 feet. The “city” is a geologic formation made up of large, sculptured rock columns, or pinnacles, rising as high as 40 feet and separated by paths or lanes resembling city streets. These rocks were formed about 34.9 million years ago when a very large volcano erupted. Then, erosion over millions of years slowly formed the sculptured columns seen today, creating a stunning, otherworldly landscape.

Located about halfway between Silver City and Deming, City of Rocks offers campsites, hiking trails, excellent mountain biking, wildlife viewing, birding, stargazing, picnic areas, and a desert botanical garden. The uniquely designed, new Visitor Center includes a large display area and modern restrooms with hot showers. City of Rocks State Park is your official sponsor of adventure!

Park Elevation 5,259 ft

327 Hwy 61
Faywood, NM 88034
575-536-2800

Clayton Lake & Dinosaur Trackways (Clayton) toggle arrow

The park is an oasis in the rolling grasslands of northeastern New Mexico.

Enjoy boating, picnicking, camping, fishing, and hiking. Get a unique glimpse of the past when you explore one of the most extensive dinosaur trackways in North America and a close-up look at the stars at the Lake Observatory.

Park Elevation 5,186 ft

141 Clayton Lake Road
Clayton, NM 88415
575-374-8808

Conchas Lake (Conchas Dam) toggle arrow

Just northwest of Tucumcari, this lake features secluded coves, canyons, and sandy beaches, excellent for camping, boating, and fishing.

One of New Mexico’s largest lakes, you can explore the 11 miles of the Conchas River or 14 miles of the South Canadian River portions of the lake. With miles of shoreline, there is ample opportunity for hiking and birding too.

Park Elevation 4,253 ft

501 Bell Ranch Road
Conchas Dam, NM 88416
575-868-2270

Coyote Creek (Guadalupita) toggle arrow

Coyote Creek State Park, about an hour southeast of Taos, is nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains along a meandering stream.

Enclosed by a forest of oak, spruce, and pine, the small creek valley displays abundant wildflowers, cool temperatures, and beautiful views. The park is ideal for fly fishing, camping, hiking, and birding.

Park Elevation 7,667 ft

Highway 434, Mile Marker 17
Guadalupita, NM 87722
575-387-2328

Eagle Nest Lake (Eagle Nest) toggle arrow

Eagle Nest Lake State Park est. 2004

This alpine lake park is located on the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway and is surrounded by the stunning scenery of the high mountains of the Moreno Valley, including views of Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico.

This park offers a cool retreat from the summer heat for fishermen, boaters, campers, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts. An abundance of animals makes Eagle Nest Lake an ideal location for wildlife viewing.

Park Elevation 8,200 ft

42 Marina Way
Eagle Nest, NM 87718
575-377-1594

Elephant Butte Lake (Elephant Butte) toggle arrow

If you like camping, fishing, boating, or just being outdoors, Elephant Butte is for you.

There is plenty of water and plenty of beach room at New Mexico’s largest State Park. Elephant Butte Lake can accommodate watercraft of many styles and sizes: kayaks, jet skis, pontoons, sailboats, ski boats, cruisers, and houseboats. Remember to wear your life jacket. Boat safe and boat smart! Besides sandy beaches, the State Park offers restrooms, picnic areas, playgrounds, and developed sites with electric and water hookups for RVs.

Park Elevation 4,527 ft

101 Hwy 195
Elephant Butte, NM 87935
575-744-5923

El Vado Lake (Tierra Amarilla) toggle arrow

Located in New Mexico’s northern mountains, El Vado Lake State Park offers fishing, boating, camping, hiking, winter cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

A 5.5-mile scenic trail along the Rio Chama connects El Vado with nearby Heron Lake. Quiet coves around the lake are great places to catch trout and kokanee salmon. The lake and surrounding area are a major wintering ground for bald eagles and other birds.

Park Elevation 7,209 ft

State Road 112
Tierra Amarilla, NM 87575
575-588-7247

Fenton Lake (Jemez Springs) toggle arrow

The Jemez Mountains provide the backdrop for this stunning year-round retreat surrounded by beautiful ponderosa pine forests.

Fenton Lake State Park is a mellow mountain escape. The Rio Cebolla flows through the park and the lake provides an opportunity to fish and canoe. The park also attracts campers, hikers, and cross-country skiers. There is even a fun playground for the kids.

Stocked with rainbow trout from fall through spring, the lake is home to German brown trout and is an ideal spot for flyfishing. Although most anglers prefer the warmth and comfort of summer, there is also winter ice fishing.

Park Elevation 7,650 ft

455 Fenton Lake Road
Jemez Springs, NM 87025
575-829-3630

Heron Lake (Los Ojos) toggle arrow

A picturesque lake set among the tall pines of northern New Mexico, Heron Lake State Park has been designated a “quiet lake” where boats operate at no-wake speeds only, making it an excellent location for all types of paddle craft.

Heron Lake also has amazing sailing, cross-country skiing, and hiking. The park is a fisherperson’s paradise with record-size trout and kokanee salmon. Ice fishing is very popular in winter. Several campgrounds line the shore of this scenic lake with primitive and developed campsites available for every taste.

Park Elevation 7,167 ft

640 State Road 95
HC-75 Box 1051
Los Ojos, NM 87551
575-588-7470

Hyde Memorial (Santa Fe) toggle arrow

New Mexico’s first State Park is set in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains pine forest, along Little Tesuque Creek.

The park is a short drive from Santa Fe and offers excellent group facilities and campsites. There are beautiful hiking trails with spectacular views. You can enjoy Hyde Memorial State Park in the winter months too with snowshoeing, sledding, and cross-country skiing opportunities available.

Park Elevation 8,300 – 9,400 ft

740 Hyde Park Road
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505-983-7175

Close by Dining, Activities, & Attractions

Santa Fe Opera
Sante Fe Museums
Meow Wolf
Santa Fe Railyard Park
Santa Fe Botanical Garden
Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary
Camel Rock
Casual, Fine, and Fast Food dining available in Santa Fe

Leasburg Dam (Radium Springs) toggle arrow

After a short 25-minute drive from bustling Las Cruces, you’ll arrive at this quiet park along the Rio Grande.

Leasburg Dam State Park offers peace and relaxation, a beautiful cactus garden, several hiking trails, and opportunities for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and birding. Night sky programs are very popular at this park, which features an observatory.

Park Elevation 3,962 ft

12712 State Park Road
Radium Springs, NM 88054
575-524-4068

Living Desert Zoo & Gardens (Carlsbad) toggle arrow

This native wildlife zoo, accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, exhibits more than 40 species of animals and hundreds of species of plants native to the Chihuahuan Desert.

The park provides an up-close experience for visitors, with a variety of fun interpretive programs for every season geared for the entire family. Living Desert also has beautiful hiking trails, picnic areas, and group facilities. There is no camping, and no pets are allowed.

Park Elevation 3,482 ft

1504 Skyline Dr.
Carlsbad, NM 88220
575-887-5516

Manzano Mountains (Mountainair) toggle arrow

Manzano Mountains State Park is an excellent destination for hiking and camping.

Nestled in the wooded foothills of the Manzanos, this park provides a quiet retreat and is a nice family getaway. Wildlife viewing, birding, and photography are great activities at this park.

Park Elevation 7,250 ft

Mile Marker 3, Hwy 131
Mountainair, NM 87036
1-505-469-7608

Close by Dining, Activities, & Attractions

Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
Visit Historic Mountainair, NM (cafes and fast food available)

Mesilla Valley Bosque (Mesilla) toggle arrow

The park is located on the Rio Grande near Las Cruces and 1.5 miles from historic Mesilla.

Visitors have many opportunities to view wildlife in natural surroundings while strolling one of the self-guided nature trails. Enjoy a fun ranger-led tour!

Park Elevation 3,879 ft

5000 Calle del Norte
Mesilla, NM 88046
575-523-4398

Morphy Lake (Mora) toggle arrow

Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at 8,000 feet in elevation, this hidden lake sits at the edge of the Pecos Wilderness.

The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and offers excellent fishing. Canoeing is also a popular activity, and this pristine scenic spot offers a unique opportunity for camping. Due to parking and campsite size limitations, the maximum RV length allowed is 18 feet. Camping is on a first come first serve basis.

Park Elevation 7,953 ft

Murphy Lake Road
Mora, NM 87732
575-387-2328

Navajo Lake (Navajo Dam) toggle arrow

Navajo Lake is the second largest lake in the state, with multiple campgrounds, two marinas, and two boat docks.

Navajo Lake is a haven for boaters of every stripe – motorized boaters, canoers, kayakers, water skiers, and sailors. The San Juan River is a world-class fly-fishing destination and features a campground, day-use areas, and a serene trail along the river.

Navajo Lake State Park offers some of the best boating, fishing, hiking, and camping in New Mexico.

Park Elevation 5,600 – 6,600 ft

36 Road 4110 #1
Navajo Dam, NM 87419
505-632-2278

Oasis (Portales) toggle arrow

You’ll find this true oasis just north of Portales.

Oasis State Park is set among cottonwood trees, shifting sand dunes, and a small fishing lake. Although fishing is the park’s main draw, it also has several hiking trails, a peaceful and shady campground, and an abundance of birds.

Park Elevation 4,058 ft

1891 Oasis Rd.
Portales, NM 88130
575-356-5331

Oliver Lee Memorial (Alamogordo) toggle arrow

Oliver Lee Memorial State Park – historical state park

Set against the dramatic Sacramento Mountains, this park features a historic ranch house, quiet camping in the Chihuahuan Desert, and pools of water under the cottonwood trees of Dog Canyon. Springs flow year-round and ferns cling to the sides of mossy rocks. The water in Dog Canyon has attracted people to the area for millennia.

Park Elevation 4,400 ft

409 Dog Canyon Rd.
Alamogordo, NM 88310
(575) 437-8284

Close by Dining, Activities, & Attractions

White Sands National Park (30 min. / 27 miles)
Alameda Park Zoo
New Mexico Museum of Space History
Heart of the Desert Pistachios & Wine
McGinn’s Pistachio Land
The park makes an excellent base for day trips
- Ruidoso 1.25 hours / 66 miles
- Three Rivers Petroglyph Site 56 min. / 50 miles
- Cloudcroft 44 min. / 35 miles

Pancho Villa (Columbus) toggle arrow

Pancho Villa State Park – historical state park

Located near the US border with Mexico, this historical park features an exhibit hall and structures that capture the rich history of the Pancho Villa Raid and Camp Furlong. The exhibit hall also showcases the Punitive Expedition, which was led by John “Black Jack” Pershing in 1916-1917. This military expedition to chase down Pancho Villa threatened to bring the United States and Mexico into direct conflict with one another during the height of the Mexican Revolution in Mexico itself.

Park Elevation 4,073 ft

400 West Highway 9
Columbus, NM 88029
575-531-2711

Pecos Canyon (Pecos) toggle arrow

Pecos Canyon, New Mexico’s 35th State Park, is a jewel near the Pecos Wilderness of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in north central New Mexico.

Just a short drive from Santa Fe and north of the Village of Pecos, this newly created state park is currently under development and will offer fishing, camping, hiking, and more!

Elevations 7,628 feet to 8,196 feet

Percha Dam (Caballo) toggle arrow

This quiet park along the Rio Grande is shaded by tall cottonwoods and provides excellent fishing, relaxing camping, and outstanding bird watching.

Park Elevation 4,447 ft

80 Percha Dam Canal Road
Caballo, NM 87931
575-743-3942

Rio Grande Nature Center (Albuquerque) toggle arrow

Rio Grande Nature Center State Park is located on the Rio Grande flyway, the park offers excellent birdwatching opportunities throughout the year.

There are indoor and outdoor wildlife viewing areas overlooking ponds, a native plant garden, and a pollinator garden as well as access to the city-managed trails to the Rio Grande and Bosque. The Visitor Center offers informative displays and a unique Nature Shop.

Park Elevation 4,968 ft

2901 Candelaria Rd., NW
Albuquerque, NM 87107
505-344-7240

Close by Dining, Activities, & Attractions

Sawmill Market
Los Poblanos Farm
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and Indian Pueblo Kitchen
Rio Grande Bosque Hiking Trails
Explora
Museum of Natural History
Albuquerque Museum

Rockhound (Deming) toggle arrow

The rugged slopes of the Little Florida Mountains are the setting for this park, which boasts trails, unique geology, wildflower displays, and a peaceful campground.

The stunning scenery of the Spring Canyon unit of the park provides a peaceful area for hiking or picnicking.

Park Elevation 4,520 – 5,400 ft

9880 Stirrup Road SE
Deming, NM 88030
575-546-6182

Santa Rosa Lake (Santa Rosa) toggle arrow

This reservoir on the plains of eastern New Mexico offers fishing, boating, camping, and hiking, as well as abundant bird-watching opportunities.

Equestrians are welcome at the Los Tanos Campground.

Park Elevation 4,751 ft

NM Highway 91
Santa Rosa, NM 88435
575-472-3110

Storrie Lake (Las Vegas) toggle arrow

This serene lake offers great opportunities for fishing, bird watching, and windsurfing.

Choose from a variety of campsites with utility hookups for RVs.

Park Elevation 6,607 ft

Highway 518, Mile Marker 3.5
Las Vegas, NM 87701
505-425-7278

Sugarite Canyon (Raton) toggle arrow

The nature enthusiast will appreciate the abundance of wildlife, birds, butterflies, and wildflowers among the lakes, creeks, forests, and meadows.

Nearly all outdoor recreation activities are possible: Fishing, boating, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, and camping.

Park Elevation 6,664 ft

211 Highway 526
Raton, NM 87740
575-445-5607

Sumner Lake (Sumner Lake) toggle arrow

This lake on the grassy plains offers many activities, such as boating, swimming, fishing, wildlife viewing, and birding.

Relax at a campsite with views of the lake after a hike along the lakeshore.

Park Elevation 4,310 ft

32 Lakeview Lane
Sumner Lake, NM 88119
575.355.2541

Ute Lake (Logan) toggle arrow

This reservoir on the Canadian River is one of the longest lakes in the state at nearly 13 miles and boasts a variety of fun water sports.

The campgrounds offer a variety of camping experiences, including the Yucca Campground, designed for RVs.

Park Elevation 3,762 ft

1800 540 Loop or PO Box 52
Logan, NM 88426
575-487-2284

Close by Dining, Activities, & Attractions

Tucumcari Historical Museum
Tucumcari Railroad Museum
Route 66 Museum and Monument (Earn your council’s own patch!)
Mesalands Dinosaur Museum and Natural Sciences Laboratory
Cafés and Fast Food in Logan, NM or Tucumcari, NM

Villanueva (Villanueva) toggle arrow

Villanueva State Park – Est. 1967

The park is nestled between high sandstone bluffs that form a canyon along the Pecos River near the small Village of Villanueva. Camp or picnic under the shade of giant cottonwood trees. Enjoy fishing, birding, wildflower viewing, or hiking the trails along the canyon walls.

Park Elevation 6,110 ft

135 Dodge Road
Villanueva, NM 87583
575-421-2957

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