Established Camping

Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park

23 Reviews

About

National Park

Spend a night under the twinkling stars of the vast New Mexico skies, surrounded by the world's largest gypsum dunefield. White Sands National Monument offers backpackers the opportunity to enjoy a night camping on the white sands and listening to the nocturnal activities of the animals that make their home here in this unique ecosystem. The Backcountry Loop is used most frequently by backpackers who want to spend a night under the stars in the dunes. However, it is also open to visitors that want a shorter hike through the heart of the dunes than the Alkali Flat trail. The trail is approximately 2.2 miles (3.5 km) round-trip and is a moderately strenuous hike up and down over the dunes. The average completion time for the trail is roughly 1.5 hours. There are ten primitive backcountry camping sites available on a first-come-first-served basis. Because of the possibility of closure due to missile testing on the adjacent missile range, we cannot allow advanced reservations.

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Access

Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

WiFi
Unknown
Verizon
Available
AT&T
Unknown
T-Mobile
Unknown

Site Types

Tent Sites
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

Market
Trash
Phone Service
Drinking Water
Toilets
Pets

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Vanessa M.

Legend

Reviewed Jan. 28, 2021

Beautiful

This is probably one of the coolest places I've visited in a long time and it's absolutely beautiful. Campsites are still closed due to Covid, but when you can camp again, highly recommended. I'd also suggest planning you trip around the full moon. There are several sheltered picnic tables in the park, vault toilets, and a town within 15 minutes driving. Dogs are permitted, just be prepared for sand...everywhere.

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Martin M.

Traveler

Reviewed Nov. 3, 2020

Short backcountry jaunt

It’s awesome!!!! Currently the sites are closed due to Covid (as of 10/28/20), but the ranger said they were putting a plan in place. I believe there were 8 spots, all in the Interfunks area. Each site is isolated from each other by the dunes. It is a short hike in less than a mile to the closest sites. The trail is well marked by posts in the dunes. 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 soooo cool. The sites are primitive, no shade, no toilets and no water at the sites so be prepared for sun and heat. Water available at the visitor center and pit toilets at the trailhead. Please go to the nps.gov/whsa for more info and status on opening. It actually snowed the night before I got there. Enjoy!!!

Devin P.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 11, 2020

Mysterious and Elegant

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!