About Backcountry Campsite — White Sands NP
The world's largest gypsum sand dune field shimmers impossibly white in the Tularosa Basin. White Sands is
unlike any landscape on Earth — 275 square miles of brilliant white dunes that glow pink at sunset and silver
under the full moon. Ten primitive backcountry campsites allow overnight stays within the dune field itself.
Highlights
- Sleeping under the stars surrounded by white dunes
- Full moon hikes — the park stays open late on full moon nights
- Sledding down the dunes on plastic saucers
- Plants and animals specially adapted to gypsum sand
- Extraordinary photography at all times of day
Directions & How to Get There
From Alamogordo, NM: Take US-70 W approximately 15 miles to the park entrance. From Las Cruces: Take US-70 E
approximately 52 miles. From El Paso, TX: Take US-54 N to US-70 E, approximately 1.5 hours. The park is within
the White Sands Missile Range — periodic highway closures occur.
Nearby Attractions
- Heart of the Sands Drive (8-mile loop)
- Interdune Boardwalk (0.5 mi)
- Alkali Flat Trail (5-mi loop)
- Alamogordo and Space History Museum (15 mi)
- Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks NM (60 mi)
Insider Tips
- Obtain backcountry permits at the visitor center — only 10 sites and they go fast
- Carry all water — none is available in the dune field
- The highway (US-70) closes for 1-3 hours during missile tests — check park.nps.gov
- Full moon hike nights are magical — the white dunes glow like snow under moonlight
Best Time to Visit
Best months: March–May, September–November
Season: Year-round
Access difficulty: Moderate (backcountry hiking through dunes)
What to Pack for New Mexico Camping
- Navigation: downloaded offline maps, compass, and GPS device
- Water: at least 3 liters per person per day (more in desert parks)
- Food: bear canister or use provided bear boxes where required
- Shelter: 3-season tent, rain fly, and ground tarp
- Clothing: moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layer, waterproof shell
- First aid kit: including blister treatment, pain reliever, and any personal medications
- Sun protection: SPF 50 sunscreen, wide-brim hat, UV-blocking sunglasses
- Lighting: headlamp with extra batteries, lantern for camp
- Safety: whistle, emergency bivy, and knowledge of your emergency exit route