White Sands National Park
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- National Parks
- White Sands National Park
Covering 145,762 acres in the Tularosa Basin of southern New Mexico, White Sands National Park is known for its glistening gypsum dunes. The top attraction is the 275-square-mile white dune field, which is the largest in the world. You'll be able to see it from the comfort of your RV via the Dunes Drive loop within the park. Some of the park's other famous sights are the Dune Life Nature Trail, the Alkali Flat, and the Interdune Boardwalk, which is ideal for photography and light hiking. Spring and fall are the best times to visit White Sands National Park when the temperature is mild.
If you're RVing to White Sands National Park, you'll enjoy comfort, convenience, and the opportunity to explore the surrounding area on your terms. You can find RV rentals near White Sands National Park's nearby cities such as El Paso, Las Cruces, and Alamogordo.
RVs over 35 feet are restricted because of the narrow road and limited parking space. The main access point for RVs is through the Dunes Drive located directly off of Highway US-70 between the cities of Las Cruces and Alamogordo. Exercise caution when exploring Dunes Drive, which can get packed with drivers and be slippery especially when wet. For standard RV access, permits are not needed, but camping permits are necessary if you wish to camp in the backcountry.
The park's visitor center, open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, is a great place to see exhibitions and talk to rangers who can help you plan your visit. You'll find parking at the visitor center and selected pull-offs along the Dunes Drive. Check for any recent road closures or conditions on White Sand's official website. Alamogordo, Las Cruces, and El Paso offer additional services and amenities for RVers, including RV maintenance shops, groceries, and fuel.
- Spring 40-75 F
- Summer 50-110 F
- Fall 40-60 F
- Winter 23-60 F
- Coming soon
- White Sands National Park Vehicle Fee: $25
- White Sands National Park Motorcycle Fee: $20
- White Sands National Park Annual Pass: $45
RV Rentals Near White Sands National Park
Nearby RV Rentals
White Sands National Park Hiking Trails
White Sands National Park offers various hiking trails that trek through the distinctive gypsum dune landscapes and diversified ecosystems. You'll find plenty of off-road parking suitable for smaller RVs at most of the trailheads. Always check in the visitor center for recent trail conditions and safety tips before heading out.
White Sands National Park Trails
Things to do Outside White Sands National Park
RVers will want to explore Alamogordo, which is just a 20-minute drive from White Sands. This community is home to several attractions, including the Tularosa Basin Museum of History, the New Mexico Museum of Space History, and the Alameda Park Zoo. Lincoln National Forest, which is an hour's drive northwest of White Sands, offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, camping, and hiking.
Sightseeing
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RV Resorts & Campsites near White Sands National Park
There are various resorts and campsites near White Sands National Park, but they do fill up very quickly. Consider making an early reservation at least two months ahead of your trip. The fees of these campgrounds range from $20 to $60 a night. These RV resorts and campgrounds near White Sand National Park provide various amenities and locations to suit different tastes, from rustic to more "glamping-style" options.
Campgrounds Near White Sands National Park
Find the Best Dumpstations Near White Sands National Park
Dumpstations Near White Sands National Park
How to get to White Sands National Park
The main access point to White Sands National Park is off US -70, which directly leads to the Dunes Drive, the 16-mile scenic road that loops within the park. From Las Cruces, the park is an approximately 52-mile drive. From downtown El Paso, you will drive 85 miles through US-54 north to Alamogordo.
Keep in mind that the park can get especially busy during summer weekends and holidays. If you are visiting during this time, it's best to arrive early in the morning to find parking.
Located 56 miles from the park, the Las Cruces Airport is the closest airport. The closest international airport is in El Paso.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, White Sands National Park is accessible for disabled visitors. The park's visitor center and a boardwalk hike are both accessible. Full moon nights and other events at the dunes include an accessibility ramp. The park also has a Braille brochure, closed-captioning on park films, and audio descriptions of exhibits in English and Spanish.
Yes, pets are allowed at White Sands National Park. Guests must clean up after their pets and there are two designated pet walking stations near the visitor center with bags to dispose of pet waste. Pets must also be on a leash.
White Sands National Park is 227.8 square miles, or 145,762 acres large. It's situated in the Tularosa Basin and is mainly comprised of white sand dunes made of gypsum crystal.
Top things to do at White Sands National Park include checking out park history at the visitor center, traveling Dunes Drive, and strolling the Interdune Boardwalk. There are many areas to hike and explore the park and to experience the sand dunes up close.
No, there are no designated camping spots at White Sand Dunes National Park. The park does allow backcountry camping at times, although that can be closed to allow campsites to be rehabilitated. RV campers will find campgrounds available in Las Cruces or Alamogordo, which are both towns near the park.
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