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Best Campgrounds near White Sands, NM

500 Reviews

Camping options near White Sands, New Mexico range from developed campgrounds to dispersed sites on public lands. The Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground offers tent and RV sites with mountain views approximately 15 miles east of Las Cruces, while several free dispersed camping areas like Sierra Vista and Baylor Canyon Road provide more primitive options on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. For travelers seeking full amenities, Las Cruces KOA and Hacienda RV Resort provide electric hookups, water, and shower facilities within 30 minutes of White Sands National Park.

Access to many camping areas involves narrow, winding roads with limited clearance for larger vehicles. BLM dispersed sites typically have no facilities, requiring campers to pack in water and pack out waste. "The road in and out is one way, so it's a big loop itself. If you see a site that might work for you, TAKE IT. Or else you will most likely have to go all the way down the mountain and back up to fully circle back around," noted one visitor to Aguirre Spring. The region experiences extreme temperature variations with hot days and cold nights, particularly during spring and fall. Gates at developed campgrounds like Aguirre Spring close at specific hours, with some implementing a 6 PM curfew that restricts late arrivals.

Most visitors highlight the exceptional desert and mountain views as primary attractions when camping in this area. The Organ Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for campsites at Aguirre Spring, while dispersed sites offer unobstructed views of the Tularosa Basin. Several campgrounds provide strategic positioning for exploring White Sands National Park, approximately 45 minutes away. According to a recent visitor, "From this site I could easily see White Sands National Monument in the distance. The sunrise was awesome!" Tent campers generally report high satisfaction with the covered picnic tables available at Aguirre Spring, offering essential shade from the intense New Mexico sun. Weekends tend to draw larger crowds, especially during spring and fall when temperatures are more moderate.

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Best Camping Sites Near White Sands, New Mexico (63)

    1. Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground

    55 Reviews
    White Sands, NM
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 525-4300

    "Water available at host site near gate before driving about 4 or 5 mi to campsites. Road IS narrow and winding and steep in place but pave and ONE way (don't turn wrong direction)."

    "I've been on a nationwide roadtrip for a few months that now and I have tent camped alone in many sites from Florida to Arkansas to, now, New Mexico."

    2. Sierra Vista

    30 Reviews
    Organ, NM
    9 miles

    "This was close enough to Town to grab supplies and only 40 minutes from White Sands. Each spot was clearly marked along the fences and easy to drive our Skoolie to. Great views."

    "It’s a great area just outside of las cruces and about 40 minutes from White Sands!"

    3. Baylor Canyon Rd Spur, BLM, Free

    13 Reviews
    Organ, NM
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 522-1219

    "We stayed close by at Sierra View for a night and then tried this spot out and really enjoyed it! A bit more space and privacy here and the mountains are just gorgeous."

    "Heard coyote’s howling pretty nearby around 1:30am, and in the area again at 3am-ish."

    4. Las Cruces KOA

    55 Reviews
    Mesilla, NM
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 526-6555

    "About 1 hour from White Sands."

    "We stopped at this KOA for one night while passing through New Mexico.   We had a great view of the valley below and our site had everything we needed--full hookups."

    5. Baylor Pass West Trailhead Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Organ, NM
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 525-4300

    "We stopped here on our way from las cruces to white sands. It’s very popular pullout spot for good reason- awesome views of the Organ Mountains!"

    "There is a sign asking campers to not block the entrance and parking spots for hikers. Views of Las Cruces and the surrounding mountains is amazing. Very quiet and dark all night."

    6. Sierra Vista - Back Side Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Organ, NM
    9 miles

    "The best sites are furthest from The entrance"

    "There are even more dispersed spots if you go past the initial entrance. It's beautiful and clean which let's me know people take care to pack in and pack out. Which I greatly appreciated."

    7. Hacienda RV Resort

    20 Reviews
    Mesilla, NM
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 528-5800

    $36 - $64 / night

    "Located in Las Cruces New Mexico, Hacienda RV resort is conveniently situated right off of interstate 10."

    "Close to town. Clean facilities and large fenced dog walk."

    8. Oregan Wilderness Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Organ, NM
    7 miles

    "Additionally, the sites are quite close to another nearby main road that is primarily parallel to the road you camp off."

    "Able to get our 39’ toy hauler into this location without any issues."

    9. Volunteer Park Travel Military White Sands Missle Base

    1 Review
    Organ, NM
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (575) 678-1713

    $10 - $15 / night

    10. BLM Dispersed camping along B059 New Mexico

    6 Reviews
    Mesilla, NM
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 525-4300

    "So the road in is at the 151 Mesquite Exit off IH 10. First 2 miles were blacktop, then 2 miles of 2.5 vehicle wide gravel road then 2 miles of single vehicle gravel road."

    "Lots of side by sides rip ridin around"

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Recent Camping Photos near White Sands, NM

73 Photos of 63 White Sands Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near White Sands, NM

500 Reviews of 63 White Sands Campgrounds

  • Brittany F.
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Las Cruces KOA

    Views and classic amenities

    We did one night at this KOA. Laundry was easy and used a QR app to pay or traditional coin operation. The place is beautiful and well maintained. Lots of views that everyone can enjoy. A stunning mountain range view that make sunrises and sets a treat.

  • Ryan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Fort Bliss RV Park

    Clean park with lots of amenities

    This is a nice park with lots of facilities. Laundry has commercial machines. Full hookups with lots of pull thru spots.

  • Haven D.
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground

    So good!

    A fantastic spot to relax for a few days and soak in nature. Stunning cliffs rise to the east, with a wide-open valley stretching beyond. The starry night skies are absolutely beautiful. Facilities are decent—nothing to complain about. Strong cell service with both Verizon and T-Mobile. Great location for day trips to the mountains or White Sands. The open sky also makes it perfect for slope setups

  • S E.
    Jul. 26, 2025

    Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground

    Crowded, noisy, awful.

    This campsite is one of the worst I’ve been at in yeeeaaasrrrrsss. So many people. So many RUDE people. People who literally just want to party and play extremely loud music and keep their generator on all day and night. There’s supposed to be a no noise or generators after 10pm but there’s no enforcement. On top of that, the bathrooms are AWFUL. There are so many flies in the toilet it’s actually impossible to go, so bring your own LNT toilet and a tent for it since everyone will see you otherwise. Oh, and the gnats are INSANE. I only gave this place 2 stars because it’s gorgeous. Too bad it’s a magnet for the worst kinds of campers.

  • Jeff V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground

    Not for the 4th of July, unless you just escaped Hell

    Oddly this popped up in my feed as a late 4th of July choice.  Good God, no.  I like heat and live in New Mexico.  Northern new Mexico, in the mountains, where no one needs air conditioning. 

    Cooler times of the year, like mid-winter, I do recommend the area, particularly Dog Canyon, a great winter or early spring hike. 

    But for mid-summer?  No, unless you're an infernal demon it's a bit warm those months.

  • Jonathan E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2025

    Oregan Wilderness Dispersed

    Rocky road and crowded, but beautiful

    There are many sites off this road, but it was super crowded when I went in April. Additionally, the sites are quite close to another nearby main road that is primarily parallel to the road you camp off. I didn’t hear much car noise from that road, but I could easily see the cars driving by from my tent. With these things in mind, I wouldn’t necessarily say I felt isolated when camping here in my tent, and it is definitely not “out there” in nature, but the views of the Organ Mountains are wonderful!

    The road in is very bumpy/rocky. I’m kind of a risk-taker with my Toyota Corolla and was able to make it the full way from one end of the road to the other (driving VERY slowly and carefully), but had to get out of my car quite a few times to move large rocks out of the way.

    In all, I recommend this spot due to the beautiful views and convenient location, but be aware that it might be pretty crowded and the road doesn’t necessarily suit normal cars (shout-out to my fellow non-camper/van/jeep peeps!).

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Hacienda RV Resort

    Served its purpose while in for a few days

    As noted in other review here: Traffic is fast on curved road, be alert. Overall, clean, showers have a step so water can stay inside shower stall, there is a handicapped shower. All shower closets have sinks and plenty of hooks on wall. The one I used has blow dryer. Only one toilet in men's room (room that is separate from showers). WiFi is available but you must create a sign-in/acct. so we did not use it. Phone reception was great and we were able to hotspot for work (used VPN). Staff is friendly and let us know water pressure is high so use a reducer (we did not need water hookup), and also cautioned us that there have been some bike thefts in area and let us know that if we wanted, we could keep bikes inside their office at no charge (open 9 to 5 so we were not able to do that). It was very hot (>100) and so we kept fan/AC on all night and wrapped our cord around bikes in such a way that if someone was up to no-good, s/he would need to turn it off and thus notify us that something was up (and they might get a shock depending on how that went! ;). No table, but had sewer and water in addition to electric. Site was level. There is a free dogwash! We watched a gray fox during day that was nearby (did not come very close to campground). I-10 is close but we did not notice any noise. A Wal Mart is across the frwy, and several restaurants nearby. We did not use spa but it was clean and there is a large patio area for activities/cookouts that is quite nice. Large area also for horseshoes, corn hole and as noted in other reviews a narrow but very long dog walk for pets to roam. 

    Might be a bit nicer in cooler weather----just way too hot to do much around grounds (BBQ, cornhole, spa). Would stay here again.

  • Haley L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 6, 2025

    Sierra Vista

    Beautiful but busy

    Tent camping 6/5/25. Almost all of the spots are full, unless you go much farther back onto what seems to be a rough dirt road. I parked and then put my tent a little ways out. Everyone is very quiet, but you can hear cars from the highway. Beautiful clear sky and view of the mountains. Very clean and well maintained.

Guide to White Sands

Camping near White Sands, New Mexico, offers a unique experience with stunning landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to relax or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails in the Organ Mountains. Many campers enjoy the scenic hikes available nearby. One reviewer mentioned, "Good spot to stay if you want to hike any of the trails in the Organ mountains" at Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground.
  • Visit White Sands National Park: Just a short drive away, this park is famous for its beautiful white gypsum dunes. A camper noted, "This is probably one of the coolest places I've visited in a long time" about the Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park.
  • Wildlife Watching: The area is home to various wildlife, making it a great spot for nature lovers. One visitor shared, "The sunsets are always spectacular" at Raptor Lake Dispersed / Holloman Lake.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking views. A review for Sierra Vista highlights, "The mountain view is amazing."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campgrounds offer a peaceful environment. One camper mentioned, "This campground was very quiet; two nights was the perfect amount of time" at Leasburg Dam State Park Campground.
  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites available. A review for Las Cruces KOA states, "Clean, roomy sites, nice people."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Raptor Lake Dispersed / Holloman Lake, have no amenities, so be prepared to bring everything you need. A visitor noted, "There’s nothing in the way of services at this place."
  • Weather Conditions: The area can be windy, especially at higher elevations. One camper at Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground mentioned, "Very windy road back to campground."
  • Wildlife Caution: Be aware of wildlife, especially when setting up camp. A reviewer at Baylor Canyon Rd Spur, BLM, Free warned about "large piles" of scat, likely from cows.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities like clean restrooms and picnic areas. One family enjoyed the "clean and nice" facilities at Hacienda RV Resort.
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities for kids, like hiking or exploring. A camper at Las Cruces KOA mentioned, "Really nice pool," which is great for families.
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on children, especially in areas with wildlife. A visitor at Baylor Pass West Trailhead Dispersed noted, "It’s a parking area for hiking with a few places for RVs to park for a night."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Hacienda RV Resort mentioned, "The sites here are also very close together."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds near highways can be noisy. One camper at Leasburg Dam State Park Campground said, "Aside from an occasional train, this campground was very quiet."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Ensure you know where the nearest dump station is located. A visitor at Franklin Mountains State Park Campground noted, "No amenities like electricity, water or dump stations."

Camping near White Sands, New Mexico, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great destination for all types of campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is backcountry camping allowed in White Sands National Park?

Yes, backcountry camping is allowed in White Sands National Park at designated primitive sites. The Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park offer a unique experience among the dunes, though they provide minimal amenities. Permits are required and must be obtained in person at the visitor center before the daily cutoff time. The backcountry sites are accessible via a short hike from the main road. Be prepared for primitive conditions with no water, facilities, or shade. Pack accordingly with extra water, sun protection, and cold-weather gear as desert temperatures can drop significantly at night.

What campgrounds are available near White Sands National Park?

Several excellent campgrounds are available within a 30-40 minute drive of White Sands National Park. Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground is a quiet, well-maintained option about 30 minutes from the park with reservable sites and covered picnic tables. Dog Canyon offers free dispersed camping close to town with established fire pits and mountain views, accessible even with low-clearance vehicles. Other options include Sierra Vista (40 minutes away with clearly marked spots), Holloman AFB FamCamp (minutes from the park with lake views), and Leasburg Dam State Park (about 50 minutes away with cement pads and shaded picnic benches).

Are there RV camping options near White Sands National Park?

Yes, several RV-friendly campgrounds serve White Sands National Park visitors. Alamogordo / White Sands KOA is just 10 minutes from the park, offering full hookups, gravel sites with water and electric, fire rings, picnic tables, and amenities like a pool, playground, showers, and a well-stocked store. Sierra Vista provides dispersed camping with pull-outs suitable for RVs, trailers, and other vehicles about 40 minutes from White Sands. Many RV sites are accessible with larger rigs, though road conditions vary, especially at dispersed sites. Most developed campgrounds in the area can accommodate RVs with varying hookup options.

What permits are required for camping at White Sands?

For backcountry camping within White Sands National Park, permits are required and must be obtained in person at the visitor center on the day of your stay before the established cutoff time. Permits cannot be reserved in advance and are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a fee for backcountry camping permits. For camping outside the park, requirements vary by location. Las Cruces KOA and other developed campgrounds require reservations and have standard fees. Holloman AFB FamCamp has specific requirements and seasonal closures. Dispersed camping on BLM land typically doesn't require permits but has stay limits and regulations. Always check current requirements before your trip.

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