Backcountry Camping
Closed — Backcountry camping is closed due to rehabilitation of camping sites. No reopening date has been established.
Dunes Drive Safety Corridor
Dunes 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.
High Winds Expected
Wind and blowing dust advisories are in effect today, April 17, with gusts up to 50 mph. Do not hike during a windstorm, and do not rely on your footprints to return to your car. Closely monitor the weather while you are in the park.
Alkali Flat Trail Closures
Alkali Flat Trail will be closed for the following times in January for military testing: 1/15/2025 8:00am - 1:00 pm, 1/22/2025 8:00am - 1030 am, 1/27/2025 8:00am - 10:30 am, 1/28/2025 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm, 1/30/2025 08:00 am - 1300 pm
Interdune Boardwalk Closed
Due to the active safety corridor, the Interdune Boardwalk is closed. Please visit the park visitor center to learn about other options during your visit.
Roadwork on July 1 and July 2 May Limit Access to Portions of the Park
Park staff will be working to remove sand from the roadway on 7/1/2025 and 7/2/2025 from 7:00 am until 9:00 am. The park will remain open during however access to certain portions of the park may be limited.
Park Closures
From 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.
RV and Tractor Trailer Parking at the Visitor Center
There 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.
No Water Available at Park
There is no water available at the park until further notice. Water fill stations and restrooms are all out of order. Vault toilets are available at the visitor center and inside the park. Visitors should bring all the water they need for their visit.
Backcountry Camping Closed
Backcountry camping at the park is closed. There is no established opening date at this time.
Visitor Center Temporarily Closed
The visitor center will be closed for the remainder of today, Thursday, May 22.
About
Backcountry camping at White Sands National Park provides a rare opportunity to sleep among the world's largest gypsum dunefield. The 10 primitive campsites are scattered along the Backcountry Camping Loop Trail, located about six miles north on Dunes Drive. Each site requires a moderate hike of 0.25 to 1 mile through the dunes, and campers must carry all their gear and supplies. The camping experience is truly primitive with no amenities whatsoever. There are no toilets, water, tables, or fire rings at the campsites. Open fires are prohibited, though elevated camp stoves are permitted. Campers must set up within five feet of their assigned site marker and are not allowed to camp on top of dunes. The park gates lock approximately one hour after sunset, meaning overnight visitors remain in the park until it reopens the following morning. Permits are issued same-day, first-come, first-served at the entrance station. Fees are charged per person in addition to park entrance fees. Campers must vacate by 1:00 p.m. the following day and follow Leave No Trace principles. Quiet hours run from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Due to the challenging navigation in the dunes, hiking after dark is not recommended, and visitors should never rely on footprints for navigation.
Directions
Backcountry camping sites are located along the Backcountry Camping Loop Trail, which is located about six miles north on Dunes Drive from the visitor center.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $3 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| whsa_interpretation@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (575) 479-6124 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Photos
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