Picnicking at White Sands

Hanging out at the park's picnic shelters is a great way to find reprieve from the hot summer sun.

NPS Photo

Picnicking with family and friends is a wonderful way to enjoy the peace, tranquility, and beauty of the park. The Yucca, Roadrunner, and Primrose picnic areas are named after several of the most iconic plant and animal species in the park. These picnic areas are located off Dunes Drive about six to seven miles (9. 65 –11.26 km) from the fee station.

There are a total of 62 shaded tables in the three designated public picnic areas. Tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are typically plenty of picnic tables for everyone to enjoy. Some tables are ADA accessible, and each has an elevated grill.

Personal grills are allowed in picnic areas and pull outs along Dunes Drive. When using personal grills, charcoal must be removed from the park. If using one of the park's grills, please leave the charcoal in the grill and douse with water.

Large groups

In the Roadrunner Picnic Area there are two picnic pavilions that will accommodate groups up to 20 individuals. These tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For larger groups, the Group Use Area offers a private location with several picnic tables and one large picnic pavilion. The group use area also has two grills and a vault toilet. Reservations are required to use this area.

Tips for a great picnic:

• Use colored plates, napkins, cups, and silverware. White, plastic dinnerware is not easily visible on the white sand. Remember to Leave No Trace.
• When you are done with your picnic, use our recycling bins by the vault toilets to recycle plastic and aluminum.
• Consider using reusable tableware to reduce the amount trash left behind in the park.
• Trash dumpsters are provided in the picnic areas for your use. If the small trash cans are full please throw trash in the large dumpsters.
• Bag your trash. Wind will pick up things like paper plates and napkins and carry them into the dunes.

Helping to keep picnic areas clean allows our wildlife to stay wild and the park pristine.

Details

Activity

Picnicking

Pets Allowed

Yes

Pets are allowed anywhere you are allowed in the park as long as they are on a 6-foot (2 meter) long leash attached to a person.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Accessibility Information

Accessible Picnic Areas

Accessible picnic shelters are located at the three picnic areas within the park and at the backcountry camping loop trail parking area. Below is a list of how many accessible picnic shelters are at each location.

Back Country Camping Loop Trail parking area

• 2 accessibile picnic shelters

Primrose Picnic Area

• 1 accessible picnic shelter

Roadunner Picnic Area

• 3 accessible picnic shelters

Yucca Picnic Area

• 1 accesssible picnic shelter