Top Tent Camping near White Sands, NM

Looking for tent camping near White Sands? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near White Sands with tent camping. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near White Sands, NM (2)

    Camper-submitted photo from Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park

    1. Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park

    23 Reviews
    123 Photos
    262 Saves

    Due to rehabilitation of camping sites, backcountry camping is closed.

    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Market
    • Trash
    • Drinking Water
    • No image available

      2. Hueco Mountain Hut

      1 Review
      7 Saves

      Campsite outside of a climbing shop near Hueco Tanks. This campground allows affordable camping for climbers looking to visit Hueco Tanks, especially if they are looking for a guide which the business also offers. From Website: "Our Campgrounds host 30 Tent Campsites and 5 RV Electric Sites. We’re located 1 mile from the Hueco Tanks park entrance gate on paved roads. Campsites measure approx. 15 ft. x 15 ft. and can hold 2-3 standard tents (4-6 people maximum). If you have a large group we will provide additional Campsites according to availability."

      • Electric Hookups
      • Tents
      • WiFi
      • Showers
      • Toilets

    Recent Tent Reviews In White Sands

    215 Reviews of 2 White Sands Campgrounds


    • jam
      Camper-submitted photo from Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground
      Oct. 29, 2024

      Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground

      insights on the Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground

      It’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

    • Jeff P.
      Camper-submitted photo from Smokey Bear Campground
      Oct. 28, 2024

      Smokey Bear Campground

      Smokey Bear Historical Park

      This small camp site is next to Smokey Bear Historical Park and museum is in a small town of Capitan, New Mexico.

    • Loren D.
      Camper-submitted photo from Siesta RV Park
      Jul. 15, 2024

      Siesta RV Park

      beautifully maintained

      The park itself is beautifully maintained, with lush green spaces and well-manicured sites that offer plenty of room for even the largest RVs. Each site is equipped with full hookups, which made our stay comfortable and convenient. We were particularly impressed with the cleanliness of the facilities, including the restrooms and laundry area, which were always spotless. I also get help from africanmag

    • EThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Franklin Mountains State Park Campsites
      May. 31, 2024

      Franklin Mountains State Park Campsites

      Good trails

      No amenities like electricity, water or dump stations. Great for walking, cycling, birding. The only camping sites in the metropolitan area in Texas. Sites are semi level and gravel. Great for meditating

    • Crista G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dog Canyon
      Apr. 19, 2024

      Dog Canyon

      Beautiful, spacious, and quiet!

      Stayed for 3 days and only saw a few cars pass by that whole time. Felt very private and had plenty of space. Lots of beautiful birds and some bats flying around at dusk! Tmobile service was pretty good, mostly had 5G but did lose 5g service a couple of times. Starting to get hot in April!

    • Angela C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Alamogordo / White Sands KOA
      Apr. 9, 2024

      Alamogordo / White Sands KOA

      Helpful service

      I messed up thinking I had booked this campground - I hadn’t. It was five minutes to seven pm and the staff called me back and got me a site for less than $50 for the night. It was a nice, level pull through site with water/sewer/cable/electric. I was pretty relieved that we would have somewhere to camp - no one else picked up their phones.

      We didn’t arrive until nearly nine and the same staff person was still working - helping someone back into their site. She was very kind and welcoming.

      The next morning I checked out the campground. The area was pretty industrial, but less than two minutes to the science museum and zoo. Individual spaces were generous (especially the tent sites - they would fit any tent size) and I liked the little patio we had. The playground was newish, the pool looked like it would be nice when filled, the laundry room looked great (but cash only - I prefer the card ones) and there was a lovely store and rec room. There were also showers and a small dog run.

      This KOA had everything you could need - including excellent customer service.

      20-25 minutes to White Sands National Monument.

    • Erin S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground
      Apr. 6, 2024

      Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground

      Beautiful camping in the Organs

      Great campsite right outside of las cruces. Very pretty drive in but easy to fly by if you’re going too fast on the main highway. Good spot to stay if you want to hike any of the trails in the Organ mountains

    • Twan M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dog Canyon
      Apr. 2, 2024

      Dog Canyon

      Desert Solitude

      Easy to access, plenty of spots along the main road and other spurs going off from it. Drove the whole way until it dead ends into State Park land (fenced) then turned around and went down a spur on the left to a great spot. Verizon service, starry skies.

    • Robert G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sombra Antigua Winery
      Mar. 28, 2024

      Sombra Antigua Winery

      Great way to visit a winery

      Was able to fill up her with fresh water. That and the bath/shower got us through two days here. Good wine, too.

    • Ashlee G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Holloman AFB FamCamp
      Mar. 14, 2024

      Holloman AFB FamCamp

      Good dispersed sites

      Not a bad dispersed site but not a great maintained road. Our rig is 35ish feet and we were okay getting off the road to find a spot, but the road is a little washed out and tight in places. You don’t get much privacy either. But pros are the pretty lake (don’t swim in it!) and that it’s 5 minutes from white sands.

    • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Siesta RV Park
      Mar. 5, 2024

      Siesta RV Park

      Needs a refreshing

      This is a small RV park just west of ElPaso. It’s older and could use some maintenance. Sites are level, but very close to. Lots of dust. (This is the desert , so maybe expected) 30/50 amp, water & sewer. Free WiFi and Cable TV No dog park. No pool There is a convenience store and grocery store.

    • Brodie D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Mission RV Park
      Feb. 26, 2024

      Mission RV Park

      Pleasantly Surprised!

      When we booked Mission RV Park, I didn’t really look into it that much. We didn’t know what to expect. Turns out, it’s our new favorite spot to stay when passing through El Paso. The staff are incredibly friendly! They told us about some local attractions that did not disappoint! You are right off the highway, but the campground feels very safe all things considered. Everything is paved and feels super level. They were very accommodating for our dogs and tried to give us a site with a nice sunset view! Would stay here again 100%. They also have an indoor pool and hot tub that are open until 8pm!

    • CThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Holloman AFB FamCamp
      Feb. 23, 2024

      Holloman AFB FamCamp

      Still open!

      Despite the warning that it's closed for the season there were plenty of other folks spending the night here. A bit busy but spots are well spread out and the view over the lake is worth it! Minutes from white sands np and just what I needed for a nice overnight on my way west.

    • Rachel M.
      Camper-submitted photo from El Paso West RV Park
      Feb. 20, 2024

      El Paso West RV Park

      Apparently we are POOR…

      …yeah the manager said this to my husband. Guess what, we own the BMW motorcycle and the house behind it in the picture. I wish I could leave zero stars because of the disrespectful treatment my husband received. I’m still in disbelief this seriously happened. I want to let everyone know the RV park person managing during the day on Feb. 16, 2024 was very inappropriate and rude. My husband was kicked out because his camper/tiny home did not have pumps. The manager accused of scamming the RV park, for being poor, and lying about where he works. For one thing, a person CANNOT assume by the way a person looks like and second, why would anyone lie about where he works, especially that place specifically. He can show his ID from his place of work. Wouldn’t that be unlawful? Because of his place of work, the last thing my husband would do is anything unlawful and he has worked for the same company for the last 17 years. He built the camper with his own two hands AND he disclosed everything with pictures when he paid for the first month’s rent. How in the world is he scamming when he paid the lot rent earlier than the date he actually planned to move in. In Tucson, we own a$400K home, own a BMW motorcycle, and a Toyota Tacoma with A LOT of aftermarket add ons which may cost more than some of the campers in the RV park. He enjoys building things and took great pride in the build of the camper. Actually, so MANY people actually stop by and ask if they can take a picture of the camper because of how intriguing it is. Whoever the guy was, really needs to take classes on social/people skills and what is and IS NOT okay to say to people, especially customers. It did not have to go down that route and accuse my husband of being a scammer and a liar. Who in their right mind would talk to a customer like that, especially when the customer(my husband) was respectful when the wife of the fat white guy approached him and told him he couldn’t stay there because his camper doesn’t have pumps. My husband said okay and was ready to leave and not cause trouble. The fat white guy just HAD to come out and put in his rude 2 cents. NOT OKAY!!

    • Courtney M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dog Canyon
      Nov. 13, 2023

      Dog Canyon

      Beautiful New Mexico Mountain Views

      This was my husband and I’s first experience boondocking and we were looking for a location close enough to the White Sands National park that wouldn’t be to far of a drive and this location was perfect. Clean, Quite and Beautiful. We enjoyed seeing all the rock trails that have been created from previous visitors.

    • Randy C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Leasburg Dam State Park
      Oct. 31, 2023

      Leasburg Dam State Park

      Gate policy is asinine and dangerous

      Well. I would have liked to have stayed here as we had reservations. Due to issues beyond our control we arrived after dark and the park closes and locks the gate at sunset. So there we are with reservations and can’t get in so we have to scramble to find something else. But let’s say we did arrive before they shut the gate. We wouldn’t have been able able to go out to eat or get groceries after dark. And if we had to call 911 the responders would have been slowed down by having to get the gate open. I wouldn’t want to put myself in that type of dangerous or inconvenient situation. Totally ridiculous.

    • S
      Camper-submitted photo from Alamogordo / White Sands KOA
      Oct. 25, 2023

      Alamogordo / White Sands KOA

      Great base camp for exploring the area

      Clean and well maintained place to set up home for a few days! Friendly and helpful folks running the place. Offered good advice on area “things to see.”

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dog Canyon
      Oct. 12, 2023

      Dog Canyon

      Nice place to stay

      Numerous sites with fire rings and clean. The turn off from the paved road is difficult to spot and the unpaved road is rough. High ground clearance recommended.

    • Seering M.
      Camper-submitted photo from Horner Hacienda
      Aug. 11, 2023

      Horner Hacienda

      nice

      Such a beautiful view! The water was high so we couldn’t camp to close to the river edge. It was so nice to see all the stars at night. It is very sweet as well. Really enjoyed our stay with rocket bot royale

    • PJ M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dog Canyon
      Jul. 5, 2023

      Dog Canyon

      Best free camping near Alamogordo

      About 20 minutes south of Alamogordo. Main dirt road is fine, even for larger rigs. Side road that runs north/south may give you issues.

      Plenty of obvious campsites, many of which are level. Mine had a stone border created by previous guests which was pretty cool.

      Great views in every direction, but many sites will be exposed to wind. Was pretty gusty when I was there.

      Be advised, Oliver Lee Memorial State Park is right next door, but dump station is clearly marked as only for guests. Water and dump station were physically locked at 4pm which is stupid.



    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