Best Equestrian Camping near White Sands, NM

Several horse-friendly campgrounds exist in the White Sands region, though none feature dedicated equestrian facilities like corrals or stalls. Dispersed camping options provide the most flexibility for horse owners traveling near White Sands National Park. BLM Dispersed camping along B059 allows free camping with pets, including horses, though no specific equestrian amenities are available. Similarly, Oregan Wilderness Dispersed offers free camping where horses are permitted but must be managed by their owners as no corrals or hitching posts are provided. Both locations permit campfires and accommodate tent and RV camping with adequate space for horse trailers.

Access to riding trails varies throughout the region, with public lands surrounding White Sands offering miles of backcountry terrain suitable for horseback exploration. Riders should note that White Sands National Park itself restricts horse access, requiring equestrians to stay on designated lands outside park boundaries. Aguirre Spring Recreation Area provides established camping with toilets and picnic tables, but horses must be kept at vehicles or temporary highlines as no permanent equestrian facilities exist. Water sources for horses are extremely limited in this desert environment, requiring campers to bring sufficient water for both themselves and their animals. The gate closure times at established campgrounds like Aguirre Spring (which closes at 6 PM) may present logistical challenges for those traveling with horse trailers.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near White Sands, New Mexico (5)

    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. 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."

    3. 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"

    4. Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park

    23 Reviews
    Holloman Air Force Base, NM
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 479-6124

    "If you do one thing in New Mexico--and it would be a shame if you only did one thing, but I digress--full moon camping at White Sands National Monument might be it."

    "The White sands National Park is one for the books. This was incredible and definitely photos will never do justice. This is a must do and a must stay place!"

    5. Gap Tank dispersed camping

    2 Reviews
    Chamberino, NM
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 525-4300

    "No border problems. No javelinas this time, just a jackrabbit. Gap Tank was dry but nearby Mesquite Tank had water and even a little ice on the edges."

    "Gap Tank is located in the gap between Mt. Riley and the E. Potrillo Mountain ridge in the Desert Peaks National Monument on BLM land in the Chihuahuan Desert. Very few people out there."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near White Sands, NM

90 Reviews of 5 White Sands Campgrounds


  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 17, 2024

    Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground

    Hidden gem

    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!

  • Alistar B.
    Apr. 4, 2021

    Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground

    UNIQUE

    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. I chose Aguirra because of its close proximity to White Sands National Park. It is a First Come First Serve site and you must pay in cash. I was lucky to find a site in the afternoon. There are many sites. Over 40. I lucked out with 43 because it is huge! It's a jilly Rocky site with no one around me and several stone fire pits, a BBQ grill, and animal proof garbage can. There are Porta John's in close proximity. I have not found any water yet. Not sure. No RV hookups. But what do you expect for 7 bucks a night. I was here over Easter weekend so it got noisy with Fiesta music and someone throwing up across from my site at midnight! Whole families come here, jam their music etc. It's Easter so whatever. There is a covered picnic table and lots of tree cover to deal with the intense NM sun. I love how this place is at the end of an ascending, remote, windy road though. It's large enough that no rangers come and bug you for trivialities.

  • Damon T.
    Jul. 7, 2016

    Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park

    Camp on the moon!

    If you do one thing in New Mexico--and it would be a shame if you only did one thing, but I digress--full moon camping at White Sands National Monument might be it. As the sun sets on the Sacramento Mountains, the valley is lit orange and red as the dunes fade from white through amazing hues of tan. The full moon then lights the sand bright white and the Organ Mountains to the west loom as black teeth in the west. Sunrise repeats the process.

    Camping at White Sands takes a small amount of planning, but is well worth it. You must claim a spot the of your arrival and pay a small fee. This is done at the visitor's center which has a great museum. My advise is to get there early to get a spot then head up to Cloudcroft to the east for a cooler hike in the pines then return an hour or two before sunset.

    Once at the trailhead, the camp sites are 1/4 to 1/2 mile of hiking away. This is sand hiking, so plan on a slower pace. The trail is a lollipop marked by posts every couple hundred yards with camp sites in the valleys between camp sites. No campfires are allowed, and you must camp by the post with your campsite number. You must bring all of your water (plan on at least one gallon per person per day) and pack out all of your waste. The trailhead has dumpsters and pit toilets.

    Bring a camera and tripod for amazing moon shots and a decent bag because it can get cold at night.

  • Missy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 9, 2021

    Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground

    Quiet spot with amazing views

    Nestled a few miles off the main road, this campground has incredible views. The sites are spacious. The sites are on a steep hill and some sites have a few steps up or down from your car. The facility is incredibly clean.

    You are very close to White Sands NP.

    Las Cruses is a few miles away. It’s convenient for supplies you may need.

  • Natalie A.
    Jun. 24, 2018

    Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground

    Spectacular views

    Very affordable campground with beautiful views. Located close to White Sands and campground has beautiful trails. Plenty of sites available. They are first come first serve. Each site has a picnic table, awning, tent pad and fire pit.

  • Craig G.
    Apr. 5, 2019

    Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground

    A great one night stay.

    I had a short stay (one night) but the views were awesome. At night I could see so many stars, and in the morning I could see all the way across the Tularosa Basin to Lincoln National Forest, probably 80 miles away! The sunrise was awesome! I could easily see White Sands National Monument in the distance.

  • G
    May. 20, 2019

    Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground

    Nice in the summer.

    The desert was pretty hot and I was wishing I'd set up camp near Cloudcroft. After passing white sands I saw the sign and thought, "check it out". Glad I did. Nice windy road climbs up to a great campground with plenty of trees and views of the peaks above and desert below. There is no water in the CG, but its available at the entrance, so take a gallon or two in with you.
    I stayed on a Saturday night and it was loud. Kids and dogs.

  • Tamera
    May. 5, 2021

    Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground

    Lovely Campground

    Beautiful campground near Las Cruces NM and White Sands National Park. Love that the camp site all have covered structures over the picnic tables. Definitely keeps the sun off. We stayed in site 25. Plenty of room. No large RVs because they can't get up the road. Lots of folks camping in vans. Could have done without the DJs blasting heavy metal music in the evening and again in the morning.


Guide to White Sands

New Mexico offers stunning landscapes and diverse terrains, making it an ideal destination for horse camping enthusiasts. With a variety of campgrounds that cater to equestrian needs, adventurers can enjoy both the beauty of nature and the thrill of riding.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Tips for equestrian camping near White Sands, New Mexico

Equestrian campgrounds include amenities for a comfortable stay

  • The Las Cruces KOA provides a range of amenities such as electric hookups, clean restrooms, and even a dog bath, ensuring a pleasant experience for both horse and rider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near White Sands, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near White Sands, NM is Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 55 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near White Sands, NM?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near White Sands, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.