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Best Tent Camping near White Sands, NM

380 Reviews

Tent campers seeking unique experiences near White Sands, New Mexico can choose from several primitive and backcountry options. The Backcountry Primitive Sites at White Sands National Park offer a surreal camping experience on gypsum dunes, while dispersed tent camping is available at Sierra Vista - Back Side Dispersed and Baylor Canyon - Organ Mountains Basecamp for those seeking more remote settings.

Most tent sites in this region require self-sufficiency and proper preparation. The backcountry sites at White Sands National Park involve a short hike of less than a mile through sand dunes to reach designated camping areas. No fires are permitted at White Sands, and campers must pack in all water and supplies. According to one visitor, "It's a tough hike in depending on your pack and the sites are as bare as it gets, but the scenery makes this place what it is." Dispersed camping areas like Sierra Vista require high-clearance vehicles to access the more remote sites, though some areas can be reached with standard vehicles.

The tent camping experience near White Sands offers extraordinary natural settings with minimal amenities. White Sands backcountry camping provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sleep among brilliant white dunes that reflect moonlight, creating an otherworldly nighttime environment. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "The park is closed from 8 PM to 6 AM in the summer and 6 PM to 7 AM in the winter, so you and the other campers will be the only ones in the park." Sierra Vista's dispersed camping areas offer more traditional desert camping with views of the Organ Mountains. These sites typically provide more privacy and space between campers, with the best sites located furthest from the entrance. Weather conditions can change rapidly in this desert environment, with high winds being a particular concern for tent campers. Seasonal temperature variations are extreme, making spring and fall the most comfortable times for tent camping in this region.

Map showing campgrounds near White Sands, New MexicoExplore the Map

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

    1. Sierra Vista - Back Side Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Organ, NM
    9 miles

    "But if you keep going all the way to the trail head and turn left, you can access more dispersed and remote camp sites just around the bend."

    "I got up the top trail fine in my f-150, it is kinda sketchy though so be careful , but the views up top are great , spaced out a lot better"

    2. Baylor Canyon - Organ Mountains Basecamp

    1 Review
    Organ, NM
    7 miles

    3. Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park

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

    "This isn’t a campground but backcountry camping with a hike to the site of under a mile, so it’s perfect for backpacking trips for families."

    "It's hard to explain the beauty of White Sands in words, but it's definitely worth the stop and 1-2 mile hike in to a primitive spot."

    4. Gap Tank dispersed camping

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

    "I tent camped at Gap Tank again in January 2025. Awesome time again. It was actually cold then. The sky was dark at night and we couldn’t see any electric lights."

    "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."

    5. Hueco Mountain Hut

    1 Review
    Socorro, TX
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (915) 474-4844
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Recent Tent Camping Photos near White Sands, NM

8 Photos of 5 White Sands Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near White Sands, NM

380 Reviews of 5 White Sands Campgrounds

  • P
    Jul. 6, 2018

    Alamogordo / White Sands KOA

    The friendliest staff

    City camping close to restaurants and stores. Only about 10 minuets from White Sands State Park. Partly shaded gravel sites with water, electric, fire ring, picnic table. Campsites are very close to pool, playground, and restroom/showers. Very clean with a well stocked store and friendly staff. The staff gave us great tips for local venues, loaned us sleds for White Sands and rewarded my boys with popsicles for their good manners.

  • Jacob W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 23, 2022

    Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground

    Outdoor ambivalence but still outdoors

    We tent camped at Aguirre Spring campground over Father’s Day weekend in June 2022. I don’t know. Maybe it was too hot or I was too tired, or a combination of both with a causal connection. I love the outdoors but I can’t really think of anything good or bad to write about this campground.

    It seemed like a nice place and the vault toilet bathroom was clean and extremely stocked with TP. There is a great trail called pine tree loop from which you can actually see real pine trees on the mountainside above the barren desert basin. We fell victim to the one-way road that other campers bemoaned too. The camp host’s phone is 575-644-9143 (as announced on the BLM’s voicemail greeting) and he was helpful when I called ahead and told me the campground was open (as of 6/22/2022, the Dyrt has an alert that the campground is closed for the season), that there was plenty of space, and that there was a fire ban.

    We pitched our tent without the rain fly. Right when we layed down for the night, it started raining, so we scrambled to overlay the rain fly and then the rain stops. In the middle of a desert drought, if such a thing is a thing. The tent pad barely accommodated our 6-person tent and it seemed like all the sites suffered the same fate. We scouted the whole campground, mainly searching for shade and settled on a decent site with a giant boulder on the western side for some evening shade. The campground was maybe 1/3 full. Overall it was good to get outdoors for father’s day despite the fatigue.

  • L
    Oct. 22, 2021

    Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground

    Great location! Super clean

    The campground is located in the Oliver Lee State Park, with access on paved roads. There is a dump and water fill station at the entrance. Many sites have electric and water. All have picnic tables, fire rings/grills, but no shade. The Comfort Station is well kept and clean, with running hot and cold water in showers and sinks. Toilets have running water. It’s very quiet in the night so you can enjoy the sound of night creatures. Sadly, although there is electricity at the sites, generators are run at times tearing up the silence and tranquility. Hiking trails are accessible from the campground, a strenuous treck into Dog Canyon and an easy Nature trail. The park is only twenty minutes from White Sands National Park. Great experience! I would come back here any time!

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2023

    Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground

    Bring Shade but It Has Everything Else You Could Want

    As other people have mentioned, there are some sites that have small shelters built over the picnic tables, but I couldn't figure out a pattern to them, so it would be difficult to reserve ahead. (Also, many of them were at the RV sites--which have water and electricity but no sewer connections--which seemed like a waste since RV's come with built-in shade. Luckily, we had brought an 8' square canopy which was a lifesaver. About 15 minutes from Alamogordo and 30 minutes from White Sands, so convenient, too. It seemed to be full on Friday night but only half-full on Saturday night. (The Trinity Site was open on Saturday, so my guess was that some people went there and then moved on.) Nice flush bathrooms with free showers, and there were additional spigots and vault toilets for backup. Didn't go on it but the Dog Canyon trail looks like a beast and started from the campground. Highlight was definitely the views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The sites across from us ($42 and #44) would have been even better for views (though neither had the prized picnic table shade!).

  • John M.
    Aug. 27, 2021

    Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground

    Super-clean restrooms & showers

    As of May 2021, through end of Sep 2021, camping is BY RESERVATION ONLY, via reserveamerica.com. 

    The amenities of each campsite, as well as "driveway" length, are listed on that website.

    All campsites have a picnic table and a fire ring with grill.  

    Only some have shade shelters.

    Hydrant water is potable (except from blue hydrant at dump station).

    Pets on leash (6' or less) at all times;  lots of garbage cans to dispose of pet waste.

    After recent rains, the park is strikingly green for being in the desert.  The Nature Trail is a bit challenging, not having been reconstructed after the 2019 flood, but still offers a short easy hike to where there is flowing water prior to requiring you to clamber over boulders either up or down the canyon.  The Dog Canyon Trail is steep -- bring lots of water!  The Visitor Center is open each morning except Monday, and staffed by knowledgeable volunteers.  Call the park phone # and listen to the recording to find if there are any changes.

    At this time (through Sept 15) MASKS ARE REQUIRED in the VC and comfort station.

    Volunteer camphosts keep the comfort station spotless.  They also sell firewood for the Friends of Dog Canyon (cash only), and if the VC is not open can sell you an annual pass (also cash only).  They will loan you a free sled/saucer for White Sands.

    Glass containers are prohibited (outside your RV).

    ATVs/OHVs are prohibited.

  • Megan E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2022

    Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground

    Near White Sands

    30 minutes from White Sands, quiet and well maintained. Book ahead of time to reserve covered picnic table sites especially if going during the summer.

  • 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.

  • Megan E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 7, 2020

    Franklin Mountains State Park Campground

    Beautiful Campground

    Visited this park in both November & February multiple times. It’s a great place for primitive camping though official tent sites are available. No showers that I am aware of but vaulted toilets are located near tent pads. There are many trails to explore which extend all the way into New Mexico. However, at that point, you will be past park boundaries. One of my favorite areas in the Southwest.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 30, 2019

    Alamogordo / White Sands KOA

    Desert Oasis Fun For All Ages

    In direct contrast to the White Sands backcountry camping which offers absolutely zero thrills and access to luxuries, the White Sand KOA is a great place to stay for those wanting some of the comforts of home. Located about 10 minutes from White Sands this campground is in a great location for a run to the store, a meal at one of the great local restaurants or a trip to some of the other area attractions.

    While visiting here I noticed there were plenty of options for RV campers, something lacking at the White Sands itself. But RV camping is not all created equal, and this one by far surpasses other area options. Sites were latge enough even for the largest of rigs but also offered smaller sites for someone traveling a bit lighter like myself.

    Tent row seemed to be a very popular options and while the sites here were a bit closer together there was still plenty of room to move around.

    The hosts were extremely friendly and welcoming. The restrooms were private and very well throught creating a feeling of being at home while on the road. There was even a small store located on property with goodies and merchandise to commemorate your trip to the area.

    This place really has the family in mind with a pool, playground and game room which will leave a smile on the faces of even the smallest guests.

    Tips:

    • Go check out the New Mexico Space Museum where you can find the first primate launched into space's memorial, some awesome space rockets and tons of information that will leave your head in space.
    • Take a trip out to the White Sands only a short 10 minute drive from camp and spend the day sledding down the cool white dunes.

Guide to White Sands

Tent camping near White Sands, New Mexico offers a unique experience surrounded by stunning landscapes and serene environments. Whether you're looking for a primitive site or a more developed area, there are options that cater to various camping styles.

Tips for tent camping near White Sands

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $20

  • Camping at the Hueco Mountain Hut offers a budget-friendly option, making it an attractive choice for those looking to explore the area without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near White Sands, NM is Sierra Vista - Back Side Dispersed with a 4.9-star rating from 7 reviews.

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

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

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