The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near White Sands. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Get the dirt on all the best camping near White Sands. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
The high wall, needle-like spires of the Organ Mountains curve dramatically around a semicircle of Chihuahuan Desert habitat at the Aguirre Spring Campground. The campground, nestled at the base of spectacular cliffs, overlooks the Tularosa Basin and White Sands National Park. Alligator juniper, gray oak, mountain mahogany and sotol are a few of the abundant plant species here. Seasonal springs and streams occur in the canyon bottoms, with a few perennial springs that support riparian habitats. Entrance Gate Hours (change with Daylight Savings Time) Winter Hours (Nov - March): 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Summer Hours (March - Nov): 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. The campground has a total of 55 sites that are available at a first come, first served basis, and two group sites that can be reserved by calling 575-525-4300. Water is only available at the entrance of the recreation site by the Camp Host Site. RVs can camp in the campground but should be aware that the road up to the campground becomes narrow and winding. Due to safety precautions for vehicles, the recommended max length for RVs is 23 feet. All sites have a shade shelter, picnic table, grill and tent pad.
This KOA is conveniently located one mile from I-10, overlooking the amazing views of Las Cruces, Mesilla Valley, and nearby mountains. Many upgrades have taken place over the last year, including Wi-fi with which you can stream and zoom, paved streets and a new playground. Choose from breathtaking view sites, big-rig friendly pull-thru sites, KOA Patio Sites with fire pits, Tent Sites or one-room Camping Cabins with refrigerator/freezer and fire pits. An RV wash area (Care Camps donation encouraged), 24-hr laundry and heated pool (seasonal) will complete your visit. Many come for one night and end up staying longer. Visit La Mesilla, known for its rich history and great cuisine. Shop for local specialties, chilies, and pecans at the popular farmers' market in downtown Las Cruces. Other area attractions include White Sands National Park & Missile Museum, Spaceport America Visitors Center, and the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum. Pool: Mid May – Sept 31st. Max pull thru 85 ft.
Set against the dramatic Sacramento Mountains, this park features a historic ranch house, quiet camping in the Chihuahuan Desert, and pools of water under the cottonwood trees of Dog Canyon. Springs flow year-round and ferns cling to the sides of mossy rocks. The water in Dog Canyon has attracted people to the area for millennia.
The park’s namesake, Oliver Milton Lee (1865-1941) was a colorful figure in New Mexico history. In 1893 he settled at the mouth of Dog Canyon and built an extensive house at his ranch headquarters. At its peak, his holdings reached about one million acres. Oliver Lee explored ways of bringing water to the dry Tularosa Basin and was instrumental in establishing the town of Alamogordo. Lee is also credited for using his influence to attract the railroad to the area.
Oliver Lee’s home at Dog Canyon Ranch has been completely rebuilt from ruins. It is authentically furnished providing visitors with a glimpse of Lee’s life at the ranch. The house is closed for renovations. Please monitor the park events page to find out when tours resume.
Want to Visit?
The campground, just southwest of the mouth of Dog Canyon, is dry and rocky with desert grasses, mesquite, ocotillo, creosote, yucca, and various species of cacti. The sites vary widely in elevation offering privacy and incredible views across the Tularosa Basin.
Travel Tips:
Peak season for the park is October through April Park Elevation 4,400 ft We are the closest campground to White Sands National Park (30 min. / 27 miles) The park makes an excellent base for day trips Ruidoso 1.25 hours / 66 miles Three Rivers Petroglyph Site 56 min. / 50 miles Cloudcroft 44 min. / 35 miles There are attractions in Alamogordo less than 30 minutes away Alameda Park Zoo New Mexico Museum of Space History Heart of the Desert Pistachios & Wine McGinn’s Pistachio Land The nearby Lincoln National Forest offers miles of trails ranging from very easy to very challenging
$10 - $14 / night
We’ll Give You Something To Talk About!
Welcome to the beautiful Hacienda RV Resort, New Mexico’s finest RV Park! Our resort provides the perfect setting for rest and relaxation with stellar accommodations and breathtaking views. New Mexico’s historic cultural activities combined with our resort’s high-speed WiFi makes Hacienda RV Resort a perfect destination for tech-savvy tourists and work-away-from-home explorers!
Hacienda RV Resort offers a warm and welcoming retreat for adventurous adults, families and pets! Immediately located off the I-10, exit 140, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. We’re only minutes from downtown. Less than 1.5 miles away is the heart of Old Mesilla, where the Gadsden Purchase was signed, making New Mexico a part of the United States in 1854. Just 45 minutes from the RV resort is the bustling City of El Paso, Texas.
Paved roads lead into our spacious pull-thru or back-in sites, many boasting breathtaking views. Watch the sun rise over the Organ Mountains, relax on our large outdoor patio with a wood burning fireplace, or enjoy our comfortable southwestern community room with an indoor fireplace. Our gift shop is stocked with locally sourced products that make excellent gifts for those back home!
$36 - $64 / night
Due to rehabilitation of camping sites, backcountry camping is closed.
Ranger
pulled into the loves parking lot that I had scoped out on Google maps. pulled directly into the first lane of pumps with the ass end blocking traffic. And from there, I could just pull forward and back into my spot full of fuel.
In the morning I made a reservation so I can stay here another night as well. I was just going to stay one night. But I can get Propane within walking distance of my truck and the subway shop isn't much farther. Maybe I'll check out the laundry facilities, too. I've already filled the freshwater tank and the water seems fine. Good thing I do not need to dump my black tank because even with the extension, I don't think my hoses would reach. The flaw in the design is that all the sites are back in and the pedestals and sewer ports are behind the RV when parked. Don't worry though because there is a dump station even closer than the propane refill. All six sites orient each camper pretty much due east west with the passenger side to the south. Actually, putting a sewer connection at each site is overkill when there is a nearby dump station, that you can use on your way in or your way out. For one night stops that's all you need. The street noise is tolerable. All the big trucks go to the opposite side of this complex. There were distant train noises and I could barely see the tops of a few cars over the western horizon. Getting the power turned on took a couple phone calls and unintelligible conversations over the intercom setup at the kiosk. I got $72 of propane and the attendant even carried a full 20 and 40 over to my site. While in the office paying for that I got them to turn the power back on, which was turned off at noon because yesterdays stay was over and todays had not started. This gas station and“travel stop” does not sell beer?!?!?!?!? Make sure to ask for your favorite adult beverage, maybe they will get some
Traveler
This site was very convenient and close to town and not far from white sands national park. There were plenty of spots to choose from and fire pits already available! We loved waking up to the Mountain View’s
ScoutGreat views and very accessible. Although, at 1am as I was sleeping in my car, a UTV pulled up behind my vehicle and started flashing their lights. I quickly drove but they followed me down the dirt road. Pulled infront of slammed on their breaks but luckily was able to get around them and make it to the highway.
Guide
The road is a bit rough but we found a great spot to spend the night. Sunset on the Organ Mtns was beautiful and we woke up to a light dusting of snow.
GuideGreat views with easy access for our overnight stop before heading into White Sands NP the next morning. A few other campers out on this cold January evening but it was quiet.
Scout
This campground was a Huge disappointment for us. I planned and made reservations last August for Thanksgiving 2024. We are retired military and wanted to spend the holiday close to El Paso, TX.
Looking forward to our holiday reservation , we arrived @ Hacienda to find out that the campground had (without notice) moved us to a site in the back of the park with No picnic table, & No fire ring. The explanation we were given was that it was an “emergency.” We were also advised that we could have paid an extra fee to “keep” our reservation, but that we didn’t do that when we made our reservations. To their credit, they did reimburse us for one free night stay.
HOWEVER…….people make reservations for a reason and because Hacienda made this unwanted change without our knowledge or consent, our Thanksgiving was unmemorable.
I feel that campgrounds such as Hacienda who want an extra fee to “hold” a reserved site certainly take their patrons for granted. If we ever return to the southwest, we won’t stay @ Hacienda. We should have and will stay at the Ft. Bliss RV Park instead.
Guide
My bus was squeaking, twisting, driving at an angle, and it was a brutal drive... While I'll not come back because it's not well maintained, it does have very beautiful vistas, so that's why it got 3 stars.
Ranger
Had our own water, no electric sites. But El Paso, AKA The Sun City, provides plenty of sun for solar ;) Could use some more bathrooms, LOTS of tent spaces, some hike-in. Well developed trails, but LOTS of scree, so can be slippery going up, definitely slippery hiking down- - take hiking poles. Not sure what mtn bike trails are like, so check specific reviews for them. Visitor center has very cool 3d map of area. Gates locked from 1700-0800. They give you the padlock combo for entry/exit but took a couple minutes to figure out how the gate latch worked particularly at night (needed flash light). Hiked to Aztec Cave. Have done Cottonwood Springs hike….~55 yrs ago! -->Beautiful weather December (76°).
Scout
The coordinates are not exact. It's a little west of the air force base. Right next to white sands.
ScoutLots of dispersed sites but looks like a very popular area we passed over 20 campers before finding a spot. Spots are pretty well spaced out with lots of vegetation inbetween. Road is a little rough 4x4 definitely recommended.
Legend
I had hiked here before but staying was nice. Quiet and somewhat off spaces but very well maintained. Do not expect any privacy in spots.
Scout
The road is a bit lumpy getting in, so bigger rigs will have to take their time. But once you’re in, there’s good spacing so you’re not on top of everyone. Lake is very peaceful in the morning and evening, but wouldn’t swim in it.
Traveler
Easy layout. Concrete spots with the usual tables nearby. All the hook ups ans amenities you need. Near a gas station and a Walmart for convenience as well.
Ranger
Stayed in #43. Most sites are uneven and short. BLM recommends nothing more than 23' long. 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). Toilets were clean and mens toilets all had soft-close lids. I am told womens do not. Campground was clean, great 4 mile loop hike, and other much more strenuous/technical options for mountain climbers. Mountain crags remind me of a mix of Tetons, Patagonia and Sawtooth in Idaho. Great views to Sacramento Mountains to the east (Ruidoso/Cloudcroft area--Sierra Blanca covered in snow early Nov.). White Sands nearby along with White Sands Missile Range Museum). Met some BLM peeps who were very nice, helpful and provided great information re: geology of the area and other points of interest. We brought our own 5 gal of water and were fine for 3 nights.
ALSO: shout out to New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors who were doing trail rehab./maintenance work while we were in area, yay!
Guide
Only five miles from Hueco Tanks SP. Has all the amenities, tons of primitive campsites, RV sites (electric/gray water & potable water hookups), yurt rentals and camp trailer rentals. Primitive sites are only $5/person nightly. Quiet desert scenery surrounding!
Ranger
Local to everything in Alamogordo. Propane available, laundry, cabins, hot as hell showers, water pressure is really high at around 155 psi. So definitely bring a regulator. Two KOA cats that are friendly so FYI
GuideGreat sites with close and clean toilets. We found a few level spots that would work for rooftop tents, but most spots seemed a little rocky and uneven for tents. There is a lovely 4 mile hike that loops up in the mountains by the sites.
Guide
Water, electric and dump station for $15/ night. It is just a parking lot though. The steak house was excellent and the staff are all friendly and helpful. There are 6 RV sites on a first come first serve basis. I arrived early afternoon and there were already 2 rigs parked. The Dyrt directions took me across the street not to the casino.
TravelerEveryone was super nice! Place was well kept and clean. Note: there is lots of railroad train coming by throughout the evening WiFi could be better. White Sands National Park is very close.
Scout
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Traveler
Not bad at all. Not far off the main road. Paved road to it. Gravelled grounds. Pretty level. Quiet. This isn't a huge campground but we had no trouble finding a spot.
Ranger
Beautiful location for sunsets. Sites are spread out, private, and a bargain at $10 ($14 for electric/water). Clean bathrooms. One very strenuous hike from the campground. We only went up 1/4 mile. The footing was challenging (along with the elevation gain). Good overnight. Quiet at night.
RangerWe usually opt more for National Forests and Parks, but this was a great stop after a fabulous but more rustic experience camping at Chiricahua National Monument. This place has been updated and has more amenities than I’ve ever seen at an RV park including a dog bath! The bathrooms are updated and clean. Our view site was great and more spacious than the pull through ones. No one was to our right, so our site felt extra spacious. Staff were kind and helpful. Very clean and quiet park. I’d stay here again.
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ScoutIt’s great to hear about the spacious sites and beautiful surroundings that enhance the outdoor experience. Your mention of nearby hiking trails is particularly helpful for those looking to explore. Sprunki
Ranger
This small camp site is next to Smokey Bear Historical Park and museum is in a small town of Capitan, New Mexico.
Scout
Parked in graded gravel parking area at base of a Organ Mountains. Fairly level.
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.
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
What camping is available near White Sands, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, White Sands, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 64 campgrounds and RV parks near White Sands, NM and 21 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near White Sands, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near White Sands, NM is Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 50 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near White Sands, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 free dispersed camping spots near White Sands, NM.
What parks are near White Sands, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near White Sands, NM that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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