Backcountry Camping

About

Backcountry camping at White Sands National Park provides an extraordinary opportunity to spend the night surrounded by brilliant white gypsum dunes. The ten primitive campsites are accessed via the Backcountry Camping Loop Trail, a 2-mile moderate-to-strenuous hike through 40-50 foot dunes. The trailhead parking area is located 6.5 miles from the visitor center along Dunes Drive, and hikers follow orange spade trail markers to reach their assigned site. The campsites are entirely primitive with no amenities whatsoever. There is no water, shade, restrooms, tables, or chairs at the sites. The nearest vault toilet is approximately one mile from each campsite. Campers must bring at least one gallon of water per person per day and pack out all trash and waste following Leave No Trace principles. Open campfires are prohibited; only camp stoves elevated at least six inches above the sand are permitted. When operating, permits are issued on a same-day, first-come, first-served basis at the entrance station until approximately one hour before sunset. The park gates lock after sunset and campers cannot leave until the following morning. Campers must vacate their site by 1 p.m. the next day. Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F, and the park recommends not starting hikes when temperatures reach 85°F or above. Winter nights frequently drop below freezing.

Directions

Backcountry campsites are located along the Backcountry Camping Loop Trail. The trailhead parking area is on Dunes Drive, 6.5 miles from the visitor center.