When I left Why AZ, I had planned to stay at City of Rocks State Park in Silver City, New Mexico for a few days. Then head for Hyde Memorial State Park, New Mexico which is said to be the first State Park set in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains amongst a forest of pine trees along the Little Tesuque Creek. Little did I know these two trips would be my first site-seeing disappointments.
First, upon my arrival at the entranceway for City of Rocks State Park. I was surprised to find operators/managers of this park expected first-time visitors to figure out how-to use the Parks’ do-it-yourself pay system in order to complete an entrance form and pay fees prior to entering the park with absolutely no guidance. However, entrance forms did state, “All fees are daily rates. NO REFUNDS.”
In addition, the do-it-yourself payment area displayed a map of the park which include numbers assigned to overnight campsites to aid campers in his/her selection and payment for these sites. However, there were no guidance on how first-time visitors were to accomplish this task or determine if a campsite was already occupied or reserved by another camper; until you had paid the fee and entered the park to take possession of the campsite you chose. Furthermore, no information was provided to assist Annual State Park Pass Holders, who paid $225.00 for his/her pass to determine what fees were covered and shouldn’t be paid when completing entrance forms.
As a result, I elected not to pay fees for campsite #7 (the month of my birth) as a chosen overnight campsite which turned out to be a good decision. Because I found the campsite was reserved by another camper which meant; I would have lost my entire payment due to this parks’ No Refund Policy.
Based on this finding it’s my opinion; the registration method being used at this park is to save money by not hiring employees to provide customer service. Instead, park managers are using a do-it-yourself payment system which enables these folks to embezzle money from unsuspecting park visitors, who do not understand the registration form and pays too much to enter the park and use its amenities.
Otherwise, I find this park to be unique; extremely small and limited space to accommodate mobile home travelers. However, it’s a mecca for hikers, trail walkers and primitive campers, who use traditional modes of transportation. But, this park’s entrance presents an inhospitable atmosphere to visitors as well as Annual State Park Pass Holders. Further, I believe this park is benefiting financially from taking unwarranted advantages of its visitors and pass holders.
What are your thoughts?