If you find your way into the southern regions of the Land of Enchantment, you may as well swing by White Sands and check out the world’s largest gypsum sand dune field. However, you’ll want to have some information under your belt prior to venturing out on the highway. Check out Park Junkie’s tips for visiting White Sands below.
Guide to White Sands
Where is White Sands?
White Sands National Park is located in the Tularosa Basin of southern New Mexico, approximately 15 miles southwest of Alamogordo on US-70. The park is easily accessible by car and is located just to the east of the Las Cruses intersection of two major interstate highways, I-10 and I-25.
When to Visit White Sands?
White Sands National Park is open year-round, but temperatures can reach extreme highs during the summer months, so visitors should be prepared for hot and dry conditions. The park also experiences occasional flash floods during the monsoon season, so visitors should be mindful of weather conditions and be prepared to seek higher ground if necessary.
Entrance Fees
White Sands National Park has an entrance fee, which provides entrance to the park for seven days. Visitors can also purchase an annual pass, which is good for entry to the park for one year.
As a Park Junkie, you already have the National Parks Pass, aka the Interagency Pass. It’s only $80 and is one of the best purchases you’ll make this year. It grants entrance to more than 400 national park service units and is an economic necessity for those who make it a practice to visit multiple parks in a calendar year.
You may also access the park with a Military Pass, Annual 4th Grade Pass, a Senior Pass, an Access Pass or a Volunteer Pass.
These passes can be obtained at the gate to most national park units and can also be ordered online at https://store.usgs.gov/pass.
Lodging in White Sands
White Sands National Park does not have any lodging options within its boundaries. However, there are several hotels, motels, and RV parks located near the park, including in Alamogordo and Las Cruces.
Dining near White Sands
There are several dining options near White Sands National Park, including restaurants, cafes, and fast food options. Visitors should be prepared for limited dining options in the park’s immediate vicinity, so it is recommended to bring food and drinks to enjoy during your visit.
Camping in White Sands
White Sands National Park doesn’t offer any lodging or camping facilities inside the park, aside from a few backcountry camping sites. That said, there are a few options outside the park, which are listed below.
When camping in the White Sands area, it’s essential to come prepared with all the necessary gear and supplies. Make sure to bring enough water and food to last you for the duration of your trip, as there are no stores within the park. Additionally, bring sunblock, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the sun’s intense rays, cause they’re pretty bright out there on that white sand.
-Camping in the desert can be hot during the day and cold at night, so make sure to bring layers and a warm sleeping bag.
-Bring a compass and map, as the dunes can be disorienting and it’s easy to get lost.
-Pack out all your trash, as there are limited trash facilities in the park.
Camping Near White Sands
There are RV parks and campgrounds in the nearby towns of Alamogordo and Las Cruces, as well as dispersed camping sites on Bureau of Land Management land in the surrounding area.
Some popular options outside the park include:
Oliver Lee Memorial State Park: This state park is located approximately 30 miles south of White Sands and offers camping, hiking, and picnic areas.
Lincoln National Forest: The Lincoln National Forest is located to the east of White Sands and offers dispersed camping in several areas, including the Sacramento Mountains and the Guadalupe Mountains.
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument: This national monument is located near Las Cruces and offers dispersed camping opportunities in several areas, including the Soledad Canyon, Doña Ana Mountains, and Dripping Springs. There is also a developed campground at Aguirre Spring.
It’s important to note that dispersed camping on BLM land is primitive and typically lacks amenities like water, trash facilities, and fire pits. Visitors must follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all their trash. Additionally, it’s important to check the latest information and regulations from the BLM before embarking on a camping trip.
Guide to White Sands
Relevant Links
National Park Guides
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YOU CAN DIE. Activities pursued within National Park boundaries hold inherent dangers. You are solely responsible for your safety in the outdoors. Park Junkie accepts no responsibility for actions that result in inconveniences, injury or death.
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