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Established Camping

Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park

Closed For the Season

This campground is closed for the season from August 29, 2024 through February 27, 2025.

Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, near Alamogordo, New Mexico, is a fantastic spot for those looking to soak in stunning views and enjoy the great outdoors. This campground offers spacious sites with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings under the expansive starry sky.

The park is known for its breathtaking 360-degree vistas, with towering cliffs to the east and a wide valley stretching out before you. Visitors rave about the clean facilities, including showers and restrooms, making it easy to stay comfortable during your stay. One camper noted, “The site was very spacious and the campground nice and quiet, clean and well kept.”

For adventure seekers, Oliver Lee is a great base for exploring nearby attractions like White Sands National Park, just a short drive away. The campground also features several hiking trails, including the challenging Dog Canyon trail, which starts right from the park. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer retreat, this campground has everything you need for a memorable outdoor experience.

Description

State Park

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

Fee Info

Peak Season Oct 01 2023 - May 31 2024 Daily Entrance $5.00 Camping $10.00-$90.00

Off Peak Season Jun 01 2024 - Sep 30 2024 Daily Entrance$5.00 Camping$10.00-$90.00

Peak Season Oct 01 2024 - May 31 2025 Daily Entrance$5.00 Camping $10.00-$90.00

*Displayed rates do not reflect discounts, attribute fees (electrical hookups / water hookups), taxes or incremental charges

**Weekly rates may not be available for all sites

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Location

Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park is located in New Mexico

Detail location of campground

Directions

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude): 32.74667, -105.91583 32°44'48"N, 105°54'57"W LOCATED APPROXIMATELY 12 MILES SE OF ALAMOGORDO, NM. FROM ALAMOGORDO, TAKE US HWY 54 SOUTH 8 MILES. TURN LEFT(EAST) ON DOG CANYON ROAD AND GO 4 MILES TO THE PARK.

Address

409 Dog Canyon
Alamogordo, NM 88310

Coordinates

32.74527108 N
105.91523027 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Fair

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

60 Reviews

Reviewed Nov. 2, 2024

4-star for the sunsets

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.

Site28
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Kim G., November 2, 2024
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Kim G., November 2, 2024
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Kim G., November 2, 2024
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Oct. 9, 2024

Lovely Little Stop

Car camped in a tent site for just a night after visiting WSNP. Non-flush toilets without sinks near tent sites and the full bathhouse is a bit of a walk away. Worth it, though, with spacious shower stalls and well-kept buildings. Sweet views of the valley and mountains and far off the highway.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Lindsey M., October 9, 2024
Reviewed Jun. 13, 2024

Amazing small park

Stayed here while visiting White Sands National Park for 2 nights.  Its a well kept fairly small campground.  Everything worked as advertised.  Highly recommend this place.  Some nice hikes from the park with amazing views.

Reviewed May. 24, 2024

Amazing View in All Directions

A really great place to hang out for a few days and just enjoy life. Beautiful cliffs to the east towering over the sites, and the wide expanse of the valley to the east. Wonderful view of the starry night sky as well. Facilities were acceptable, nothing to complain about. Good cell service for both Verizon and T-mobile. Close for a day trip into the mountains or White Sands. Perfectly open to the sky for great solar.

Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Matthew B., May 24, 2024
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Matthew B., May 24, 2024
Reviewed May. 15, 2024

Gorgeous Campground

Pros - gorgeous 360 views, quiet spot, clean pit toilets, water available throughout grounds

Cons - zero shade so it is HOT especially if you're tent camping, nothing to "do" at the campground but plenty activities in a reasonable drive

Site33
Month of VisitMay
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Kylee K., May 15, 2024
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Kylee K., May 15, 2024
Reviewed May. 4, 2024

A Place to Stay

Oliver Lee Memorial, NM: We stayed in Loop B, non-electric. I did not evaluate Loop A. Good location for visiting White Sands (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

(71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)

Overall Rating: 4.5 Great campground layout. Well designed. Sites are staggered giving view grand view for all sites Security: Desert vegetation does not offer privacy Site Spacing: Great . Toilets and Showers :There is a dispersed camping area nearby, therefore, showers/flush toilet building is shut down at night to avoid their unauthorized usage of facilities during the night. Scattered pit toilets are always available. Usage during visit: 95% full Site Privacy: No Site Spacing: GREAT Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Quiet Outside Road Noise: This campground is at the end of the access road. Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: Loop A Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes. Open from about dawn to nighttime to avoid unlawful use. Potable Water Available: Scattered spigots in Loop B. Bathroom: Pit toilets and one nice shower/flush toilet facility. Showers: Private stalls. Pull Throughs: Some Cell Service (AT&T): Good service from our site. Setting: Nestled close to the mountain range with nice views of the desert below.
Recent Weather: Sunny. 60s to 30s Solar: GREAT Insects:None Host: Great hosts Rig Size:Large rigs Sites: best sunsets sites.:42, 43, 44(however, you can see the sunset from most sites.). Nice view sides: 41, 40, 39, 38, 32, 33, (35, 36, 37, great views just close to the bathroom). Every site here has an extraordinary view. These are just a little bit better, in my opinion.

Site39
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Roger W., May 4, 2024
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Roger W., May 4, 2024
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Roger W., May 4, 2024
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Mar. 12, 2024

Very nice campground

Great state park. Clean and well thought out camping sites. Not much shade but some sites have shelters over picnic tables. Stayed at dry site (no water or electric) but water is available around campground.

Site41
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by James P., March 12, 2024
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by James P., March 12, 2024
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by James P., March 12, 2024
  • (15) View All
Reviewed Oct. 26, 2023

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!).

Site43
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by William M., October 26, 2023
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by William M., October 26, 2023
Reviewed Oct. 12, 2023

Stay here if you’re visiting White Sands

At the mouth of Dog Canyon this is a gem of a campground! Though not a lot of shade so you should plan for that, there are some covered shelters at a few sites. Clean facilities, showers, restrooms. Friendly camp hosts. You do remember to thank your camp hosts, right? Great base camp for exploring White Sands NP even though it’s a bit of a drive. Potable water and dump site available. It can get quite windy… Be sure to check out Alamogordo while you’re there and don’t forget the world’s largest pistachio!

Site29
Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Oct. 7, 2023

BOOK A SITE! it was great

Big sites, had a tiny camper and tent. Plenty of room. Table and fire pit. Beautiful views! Showers, trails and a visitor center. Less than 30 min from white sands and Alamogordo. PRO-TIP go to Nenas ice cream and snack shop on Alamogordo and order mango creama with a scoop of ice cream. SUPER FRESH ingredients. Also Amigos Bakery has amazing baked goods and burritos.

Site12
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Kari M., October 7, 2023
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Kari M., October 7, 2023
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Kari M., October 7, 2023
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Apr. 25, 2023

Well laid-out state park

General: Nicely laid out state park about 15 miles from Alamogordo where you could stock up on anything you need. 

Site Quality: The sites are level, gravel, and generous in size; each would have room for an extra vehicle if needed. I believe all of them have water and electric hookups. The only odd thing is that these hookups are located near the front of the site which could be awkward if you do not have a long enough cord. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring; some (but not all) have a covered shelter. 

Bathhouse: The bathroom appeared clean. Two shower stalls appeared clean, but I did not use them. There is a gravel path leading to the bathhouse, but it is twisty and rocky; make sure you bring your flashlight after dark. 

Activities: There are guided tours four times a week where you will drive your own vehicle to the ranch. There is also an occasional Saturday morning “coffee and conversation” where staff is available to answer questions about the history of the area, plants, and wildlife. Unfortunately, we arrived after dark in the rain and left the next morning around 9 am still in the rain and not on a day that any of the programs were offered. From what I could see, this looks like a very well-laid-out park, and I would definitely like to return to see the ranch and explore more of the area.

Site8
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Lee D., April 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Lee D., April 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Lee D., April 25, 2023
  • (14) View All
Reviewed Mar. 5, 2023

Great spot with beautiful views

Stayed here last month and loved it so much we had to come back! Camp hosts Bob and Donna are helpful and welcoming - they have lots of sleds to borrow if you want to take a trip to the dunes for some fun. No sewer at the site but dump station is easy to access. Good shower facilities. Site #41 is our absolute favorite - huge, 2 level site with lots of room for our son to play. Nice cement table, fire pit and gravel tent pad as well. Nestled next to the mountains but full sun during the day which is great for us since we have solar panels and no electric at the site. Some walk in sites available if you don’t have a reservation - first come, first served. Always see a combination of campers, rvs, tents and vans. Peaceful with gorgeous views.

Site41
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Austin , March 5, 2023
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Austin , March 5, 2023
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Austin , March 5, 2023
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Mar. 2, 2023

Awesome views

Loved this campground. Views were awesome and several trails leaving from the campground. Bathhouse was dated but usable. Vault bathrooms were very clean. Loved it!

Site38
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Chip K., March 2, 2023
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Chip K., March 2, 2023
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Chip K., March 2, 2023
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Feb. 26, 2023

Breathtaking views

My wife and I enjoyed our visit to this park. The views alone made the trip. The history of the location amazed us. The hikes/exploring kept us busy. Take the guided tour and learn the history of the area. The sites are large and clean. The staff and hosts are very polite and helpful.

Site29
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Eric L., February 26, 2023
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Eric L., February 26, 2023
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Eric L., February 26, 2023
Reviewed Feb. 22, 2023

Beautiful view of Tularosa Basin

Perched on a slight elevation at the base of the mountain, Oliver Lee State Park provides a wonderful scenic overlook. On a normal clear day you can see White Sands National Park in the distance.

No water or electrical at the park. There is a dump station.

The nature trail is well done and the informational museum does a nice job describing the history of the area.

Site35
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Tadd B., February 22, 2023
Reviewed Jan. 24, 2023

Clean facilities and spacious sites

The sites were spacious and the campground was very quiet. The rangers were very friendly and they have loaner sleds that you can take to the White Sands dunes which are about 30 minutes away. Every site seemed to have pretty views. Bath houses were very clean and heated. Would definitely stay here again.

Site7
Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Amy G., January 24, 2023
Reviewed Nov. 25, 2022

Views for Days

Absolutely beautiful campground. Very quiet and peaceful. Way stayed in spot 17 with no hookups in a 30 foot class A. We had no problems getting here, but the roads could use some work. The showers were decent, very hot!

Site17
Month of VisitNovember
Reviewed Nov. 14, 2022

Saw the entire Milky Way, lots of shooting stars

Basically an RV campsite with a lot of privacy. Can enter/exit any time of day. Very friendly people. Very quiet. Entire campsite vulnerable to wind and rain. Toilets and showers are good enough. Showers were kind of gross but very hot and useable. Dog friendly. Most guests look like hikers.

Site16
Month of VisitNovember
Reviewed Jul. 20, 2022

Beautiful location - great views and super cheap!

Stayed here for one night and loved it - chanced upon this beautiful location close to White Sands national park. Only problem was that it was super windy when we stayed so had to sleep in the car in the middle of the night! We were unlucky

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by evelyn , July 20, 2022
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by evelyn , July 20, 2022
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2022

Beautiful

This park is in a beautiful spot and is well maintained! Quiet and nice bathrooms/showers. Would for sure visit again if out that way.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Leslie M., July 15, 2022
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Leslie M., July 15, 2022
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Leslie M., July 15, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 12, 2022

Lovely

We stayed in our camper van without using electricity. We arrived around 10 pm and left at 9 am but it was a great set up for all our needs. Washroom was well maintained. Location was beautiful —at the base of a gorgeous canyon.

Site11
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 10, 2022

Campground with a view

Great campground surrounded by cacti. I reserved a site with a covered picnic table and this was perfect as it rained a bit. No fires or charcoal allowed at the time. If it wasn’t cloudy, I’m sure the sunset would be beautiful from the campground.

Site18
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jun. 5, 2022

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.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Megan  E., June 5, 2022
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Megan  E., June 5, 2022
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Megan  E., June 5, 2022
  • (6) View All
Reviewed May. 31, 2022

Outstanding campground near White Sands

This was a fantastic state park very close to White Sands National Park. The park is halfway up a mountain with great views of the desert valley / Tularosa Basin below. It’s far enough outside Alamogordo to feel remote but close enough to be able to get to White Sands and nearby amenities easily. Not all the sites in the park are level so be ready.

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Jeff T., May 31, 2022
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Jeff T., May 31, 2022
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Jeff T., May 31, 2022
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Apr. 12, 2022

Nice campground with a view

Great campground with interesting history. Dog canyon trail is a must to get the whole experience. Tours to Oliver Lee ranch are available. Can be windy and lots of bugs during our visit. Only one trail.

Site16
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Morgan Y., April 12, 2022
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Morgan Y., April 12, 2022
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Morgan Y., April 12, 2022
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Feb. 17, 2022

Beautiful location overlooking Tularosa Basin

Great location with beautiful sunrises, sunsets, AND moon rises over the Sacramento mountains.

Clean location, clean restroom/shower facilities. Campground was full the week we were present. A friendly campground host patrols periodically.

Site19
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Tadd B., February 17, 2022
Reviewed Dec. 27, 2021

BEST CAMPGROUND YET

Absolutely stunning. I will definitely be coming here again. The sunrise, sunset and night sky were all breathtaking. I loved every bit of it. Va unity was so clean and bathrooms were also very clean.

Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Vanessa C., December 27, 2021
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Vanessa C., December 27, 2021
  • Review photo of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park by Vanessa C., December 27, 2021
  • (9) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park?

    Camping at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park can cost between $10.00 and $14.00 depending on the site.

  • Does Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park has 50 amp electric hookups and water hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park?

    Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park allows vehicles up to 40 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is fair.