Truck Parking & Rest Stops in New Mexico

Recent Improvements: TPAS & I-10 System

New Mexico has launched its first Truck Parking Availability System (TPAS) — a ~$2.7 million project.
The TPAS covers Interstate 10 (I-10) over the ~164-mile stretch in New Mexico, including six rest areas: Lordsburg Welcome Centers (east & westbound), Anthony and Gage (westbound), and Yucca and Las Cruces (eastbound).
It uses electronic road signs + the state’s 511 travel information system to show real-time parking availability. And there are plans to integrate this info into trucking apps.

According to a survey (I-10 Corridor Coalition), many drivers report lack of safe/truck-suitable parking along I-10:

Location Type % Who Say Parking is Never or Rarely Available

Public Rest Areas ~ 40%

Private Truck Stops ~ 29%
Problems reported include drivers spending 30+ minutes searching for safe parking.
When rest areas are full or unavailable, drivers often park in risky or unauthorized places (shoulders, ramps, etc.).

Location Type	% Who Say Parking is Never or Rarely Available
Public Rest Areas	~ 40%
Private Truck Stops	~ 29%

Many rest areas along I-10 have facilities such as truck & passenger vehicle parking, restrooms, picnic tables, water, etc. For example, Gage (Mile Marker 61 on I-10), Acomita rest area (MM 102 on I-40).
Private truck stops are more plentiful in urban areas (e.g. near Albuquerque, along major highways), offering services like fuel, food, truck-friendly parking.

Insufficient Public Rest Area Parking: The number of spaces in public rest areas does not meet demand, especially along major freight corridors like I-10.
Information Availability Before TPAS: Drivers lacked real-time info about whether rest area parking was available, leading to wasted driving time and fatigue. TPAS is helping, but adoption and coverage are still increasing.
Private Parking Cost / Security: Many truckers prefer private stops for services and security, but costs vary, availability can be limited in rural stretches.
Overnight/Long-Break Parking: Some rest stops do not comfortably support long overnight breaks (limited lighting, security, facilities) especially in remote or rural areas. Anecdotal reports suggest variability in safety and amenities.

Real-time signs and state 511 system updates. These can save time and help with planning.
Amenities: restrooms, water, shade, lighting, security — especially for overnight parking.
Proximity to fuel, food, and repair services. Sometimes stopping in the middle of nowhere means limited access.
Private lots & apps: Platforms like TruckParkingClub, Flame Truck Parking, etc., offer places to reserve or locate paid parking.

Plan ahead using TPAS and rest area info to anticipate where parking will be available, especially along I-10.
Use mobile apps and platforms that show rest stops + private parking status.
During high demand times (late night, weekends), aim to stop earlier to avoid filling up rest areas.
Be ready with backup options (private truck stops, safe laybys) in case public rest areas are full.
Share feedback with NMDOT about rest area conditions, lighting, security — this helps prioritize improvements.

TPAS is being expanded and refined; when fully implemented in 2025, it will cover all public rest areas along I-10 in NM with real-time info for 550+ parking spots across states in the I-10 corridor.
There’s potential to expand similar systems along other interstate routes in New Mexico (like I-25, I-40) to address parking shortages.
Public and private partnerships to increase parking supply: more private truck parking/gated lots, expanding existing rest areas, or designating secure lots near highway exits.