White Sands National Monument offers primitive backcountry campsites for visitors wishing to backpack into the dunes to enjoy a night on the white sands. There are ten backcountry campsites, which are reached from a trailhead on the Dunes Drive, about 6 miles from the Visitor Center. It is about a one-mile hike into the campsites.
The campsites are primitive with no water or toilet facilities. No ground fires are permitted at the campsites or anywhere else in the park; however, containerized fuel is permitted.
Anyone wishing to use a backcountry campsite must obtain a permit at the Visitor Center between 8 a.m. and one hour before sunset. Backcountry permits are $3 per person, but are limited and available only in person on the day of use, on a first come-first served basis.
For safety reasons, the park is occasionally closed during testing operations on the surrounding White Sands Missile Range. No backcountry camping is allowed during these closures. Since missile tests are subject to change, please call the park the day before you plan to use the campsite to verify that the backcountry sites will be available that night.
Fill your water containers at the spigot outside the Visitor Center. There is no water beyond this point. We recommend at least 1 gallon per day per person for drinking. Park in the backcountry campsite parking lot. Put all valuables out of sight and lock your vehicle. Display your permit on your dashboard. Follow the posts over the dunes to your site number and camp at the numbered post. Camping anywhere else is prohibited.
To avoid getting lost, unless you are very familiar with the area, we recommend that you return to your site before dark. Carry out all trash. Please observe these rules and keep the backcountry clean and undisturbed. This will insure that others will be able to experience the same camping privileges that you are enjoying. Any violations of rules may be subject to citation. We hope that you have a pleasant stay and a memorable experience at White Sands National Monument.
