White Sands National Park
61 nearby · 1 free and dispersed site within 50 mi
Photo: NPS Photo
5 current alerts
As of Sep 20, 2026 · from nps.gov
- Park closureDunes Drive Safety CorridorDunes Drive is open. A safety corridor is in effect between mile marker 3 and 5.5 along Dunes Drive. Visitors may drive but not stop or exit their vehicle in this area.
- InformationBackcountry Camping ClosedBackcountry camping at the park is closed. There is no established opening date at this time.
- InformationInterdune Boardwalk ClosedDue to the active safety corridor, the Interdune Boardwalk is closed. Please visit the park visitor center to learn about other options during your visit.
- InformationPark ClosuresFrom time to time the missile range that surrounds the park performs military testing that may require the closure of the park or Highway 70. Please plan your visit around upcoming military tests.
- InformationRV and Tractor Trailer Parking at the Visitor CenterThere is limited space for parking for recreational vehicles and trailers in the parking lot directly in front (south) of the visitor center. RVs are asked to not park in the lot behind the visitor center. There is no parking space for tractor trailers.
At a glance
- Entrance
- $25 per vehicle
- Near the park
- 61 campgroundsWithin 50 mi
- Free and dispersed
- 1 siteWithin 50 mi
- Annual pass
- $45White Sands only
Where to camp
Camping near the park 61
- Aerial viewCampground
White Sands Backcountry Camping
4.1 mi · Holloman AFB, NM
- Aerial viewCampground
Lake Holloman Campground
13 mi · Holloman AFB, NM
Free and dispersed nearby 1
See them on the mapServices nearby: 2 dump stations · 4 rest areas
About White Sands
Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world's great natural wonders - the glistening white sands of New Mexico. Great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert, creating the world's largest gypsum dunefield…
Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world's great natural wonders - the glistening white sands of New Mexico. Great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert, creating the world's largest gypsum dunefield. White Sands National Park preserves a major portion of this unique dunefield, along with the plants and animals that live here.
Photos: NPS Photo
Things to do
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Biking
- Road Biking
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Food
- Picnicking
- Guided Tours
Plan your visit
Getting there
White Sands National Park is located off of US Highway 70 between the cities of Las Cruces and Alamogordo. The park is about 15 miles west of Alamogordo and 52 miles east of Las Cruces.
Weather
Temperatures at White Sands vary greatly throughout the year. Summer time temperatures can be very hot. Winters are mild with cool evenings. Spring time is the windy season. Fall is very enjoyable with mild daytime and…
Plan your visit
Fees and passes
- Private vehicle$25
- Per person$15
- Motorcycle, 7 days$20
- White Sands annual pass$45
Hours
The park gates always open at 7:00 am with closing hours changing with sunset. The park closes 30 minutes after local sunset. Local sunset is 8 minutes earlier than Alamogordo's predicted sunset. Sunset times can be found at https://sunrise-sunset.org/us/alamogordo-nm
Getting there
White Sands National Park is located off of US Highway 70 between the cities of Las Cruces and Alamogordo. The park is about 15 miles west of Alamogordo and 52 miles east of Las Cruces.
Weather
Temperatures at White Sands vary greatly throughout the year. Summer time temperatures can be very hot. Winters are mild with cool evenings. Spring time is the windy season. Fall is very enjoyable with mild daytime and night time temperatures.
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