White Sands Camping: Best Spots Near the Park

Camping near White Sands National Park is a great way to enjoy the area’s beauty. Whether you prefer full hookups, tent camping, or boondocking, there are plenty of options nearby.

My family and I are snowbirds, and we love exploring in our camper. On one of our recent trips, we camped around White Sands and found some fantastic spots.

Here’s a guide to the best camping options around the park.

1. White Sands National Park Backcountry Camping

If you want to sleep right next to the dunes, backcountry camping inside the park is the way to go. This is the only camping allowed inside the park itself.

• Location: Inside White Sands National Park.
• Sites: 10 backcountry sites.
• Access: Hike about a mile from the parking area to the campsites.
• Amenities: No water, bathrooms, or facilities at the sites. Only vault toilets at the trailhead.
• Experience: The sites are remote, offering a quiet desert night under the stars. You’ll need to pack in all your water and supplies. Fires are not allowed.

Tip: You need a permit, which you can get at the visitor center. Campsites are first-come, first-served, so arrive early during busy seasons.

2. Oliver Lee Memorial State Park

Just 30 minutes from White Sands, Oliver Lee Memorial State Park is one of the most popular camping spots in the area.

• Location: 409 Dog Canyon Rd, Alamogordo, NM.
• Sites: 44 campsites (15 with water and electric hookups).
• Amenities: Bathrooms, showers, and picnic tables.
• Scenery: The park sits at the base of the Sacramento Mountains, offering mountain views and hiking trails.

Why camp here? It’s affordable and offers basic comforts while being close to White Sands. You can also hike the Dog Canyon Trail for a scenic adventure.

3. BLM Land Near the Park

For those who enjoy free camping, there are plenty of BLM (Bureau of Land Management) areas near White Sands.

• Location: Various areas around Alamogordo and Las Cruces.
• Sites: Dispersed camping—no marked sites.
• Access: Most areas require a high-clearance vehicle.
• Amenities: No facilities—bring all your own water and supplies.

Why camp here? It’s free and offers wide-open desert views. It’s perfect for boondocking and stargazing. Use apps like Campendium or iOverlander to find legal BLM spots.

4. Alamogordo / White Sands KOA Journey

If you prefer more amenities, the KOA in Alamogordo is a solid choice.

• Location: 412 24th St, Alamogordo, NM.
• Sites: RV sites with full hookups, tent sites, and cabins.
• Amenities: Pool, showers, laundry, and Wi-Fi.
• Distance to White Sands: 15 minutes.

Why camp here? It’s comfortable and family-friendly. The campground is clean and well-maintained, making it a good spot for RVers and families.

5. Aguirre Spring Campground

Located on the eastern side of the Organ Mountains, Aguirre Spring Campground offers beautiful desert scenery.

• Location: Near Las Cruces, about 45 minutes from White Sands.
• Sites: 55 sites (tent and small RVs only).
• Amenities: Vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. No hookups or water.
• Scenery: Sweeping views of the Organ Mountains and Tularosa Basin.

Why camp here? It’s peaceful with fantastic desert views. There are hiking trails nearby, including the popular Pine Tree Trail.

6. Boot Hill RV Resort

If you’re looking for a comfortable RV park, Boot Hill RV Resort is a good option near Alamogordo.

• Location: 1 Dog Ranch Rd, Alamogordo, NM.
• Sites: 50 RV sites with full hookups.
• Amenities: Wi-Fi, laundry, bathrooms, and showers.
• Distance to White Sands: About 20 minutes.

Why camp here? It offers full amenities and spacious RV sites. The park has a Western-themed decor, giving it a fun, quirky vibe.

7. Holloman Lake (Free Camping)

Holloman Lake, more like a dry lake, near Holloman Air Force Base, offers free camping with scenic lake views.

• Location: About 5 miles from White Sands National Park.
• Sites: Dispersed camping—no marked sites.
• Amenities: No facilities, so bring your own water and supplies.
• Scenery: The lake offers nice sunset views and a peaceful atmosphere.

Why camp here? It’s free and very close to the park. It’s popular with boondockers and RVers looking for a quick, free overnight stay.

8. Lincoln National Forest

If you want cooler temperatures and forest scenery, head to Lincoln National Forest, about an hour from White Sands.

• Location: South of Ruidoso, NM.
• Sites: Several campgrounds with tent and RV sites.
• Amenities: Fire pits, picnic tables, and vault toilets.
• Scenery: Pine trees, mountain views, and shaded hiking trails.

Why camp here? It offers a break from the desert heat with forest camping and plenty of hiking trails.

9. Valley of Fires Recreation Area

About an hour from White Sands, this area offers camping next to an ancient lava flow.

• Location: Near Carrizozo, NM.
• Sites: 19 developed sites (some with electric hookups).
• Amenities: Bathrooms, showers, and picnic tables.
• Scenery: Black lava rocks and desert plants.

Why camp here? The unique lava landscape makes this a memorable camping spot. It’s also less crowded than other campgrounds.

Tips for White Sands Camping

• Weather: Summer temperatures can be extremely hot, so plan accordingly. Spring and fall offer milder weather.
• Permits: If you plan on backcountry camping inside the park, be sure to get a permit from the visitor center.
• Leave No Trace: Whether you’re camping in a developed site or on BLM land, pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Final Thoughts

White Sands camping offers a range of experiences, from sleeping under the dunes to camping in the nearby forests. Whether you prefer free camping on BLM land, a full-service RV park, or backcountry camping, there’s an option for everyone.

My family and I loved camping near White Sands in our camper. Waking up to the desert sunrise and exploring the dunes made for an unforgettable trip.

No matter how you camp, you’re sure to have a memorable adventure in this unique part of New Mexico.

More Resources:

White Sands to Carlsbad Caverns: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide

San Antonio to Carlsbad Caverns | A Scenic Trip

Dallas vs San Antonio: Which Texas City Is Right for You?

Best Time to Visit Saguaro National Park: Why Late Winter Is Ideal