Permits & Reservations

White Sands provides a beautiful location for events such as weddings.

A. Bautista Photo

Certain types of activities require a special use permit. These include many types of organized gatherings, distribution of printed material, other public expressions of opinion, and other activities that are controlled or prohibited. See the following definitions and examples to determine if your usage might be included.

A special park use is defined as a short-term activity that takes place in a park area, and that:

1. provides a benefit to an individual, group, or organization rather than the public at large;
2. requires written authorization and some degree of management control from the National Park Service (NPS) in order to protect park resources and the public interest;
3. is not prohibited by law or regulation;
4. is not initiated, sponsored, or conducted by the NPS;
5. and is not managed under a concession contract, a recreation activity for which the NPS charges a fee, or a lease.

Examples include: weddings, other ceremonies or public assemblies, events sponsored by an organization for which the park acts as the venue, etc.

Examples of First-Amendment Activities include: a church service, political event, or Freedom of Speech act.

 

Permits

 

NPS Photo

Filming and Still Photography
The bright white sand dunes of White Sands make a perfect backdrop for both filming and photography. Throughout the years, many feature films, car commercials, fashion photography, and more have used the gypsum dunes as their setting.

 

NPS Photo

Early Entry - Stay Late
While many National Park Service areas may be entered at any time, day or night, from sunrise or sunset to view wildlife and take photos, White Sands is different. Park and visitor center operating hours vary by season. If you would like to enter early or stay late to enjoy a sunrise or the night sky, you must request a permit to entry early or stay late.

 

NPS Photo

First Amendment Activities
Freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are constitutional rights. However, the courts have recognized that activities associated with the exercise of these rights may be reasonably regulated to protect park resources. Therefore, some first amendment activities require special use permit. The National Park Service may regulate the time, place, and manner in which they are conducted.

 

NPS Photo

Research and Collection of Resources

White Sands National Park invites research focused on advancing understanding of critical park resources and management needs as well as “pure” science that will enhance the fundamental understanding of the natural world or human history.

 

NPS Photo

Scattering of Ashes
A serene and beautiful place that has touched many hearts, White Sands National Park is truly the perfect resting place for your loved one. If you wish to have your loved one memorialized by scattering their ashes on the glistening white sand, we are here to assist you.

 

NPS Photo

Weddings
Congratulations! You've set a date and would like to take your wedding vows surrounded by the shimmering dunes of White Sands National Park. We know that you've got a lot to plan, so we've made the process of reserving your wedding location very simple.

 

NPS Photo

Backcountry Camping

Backcountry camping is currently closed due to rehabilitation of camping sites.
No date has been determined for its reopening. Spend a night under the twinkling stars of the vast New Mexico skies, surrounded by the world's largest gypsum dunefield. White Sands National Park 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. Permits are issued at the park, the day of camping only.

 

NPS Photo

All Other Permits - Special Use Permits

Gatherings and commercial activities in national parks often require a special use permit. The purpose of these permits is to ensure the protection of the park's natural and cultural resources.

 

Reservations

 

NPS Photo

Group Use Area

From family reunions to weddings to boy scout jamborees, White Sands National Park has long been a popular location for large gatherings. Our group use area is the perfect location for private functions, and it is available for reservation.

 

NPS Photo

Lake Lucero and Full Moon Hike

Have you ever wondered how the white sand dunes formed and why Lake Lucero is often referred to as the birthplace of the dunes or hike the dunes under the magical glow of the full moon? Tickets can be purchased for these popular park ranger led programs on www.recreation.gov.

 

Permit Fees
Permit fees are non-refundable and are based on an annual cost recovery analysis approved by the Superintendent. These fees include the cost of permit processing, administration, and the basic monitoring of events.

Payment must be made in cash, traveler cheques, cashier check, or money order for the exact amount. No personal or company checks will be accepted. Make travelers cheques, cashier check, or money orders payable to National Park Service.

Special Use Permits Types	Current Administrative Application Cost	Beginning January 1,2022
Still Photography	$200.00 additional fees may apply	$200.00 additional fees may apply
Weddings	$50.00 additional fees may apply	$100.00 additional fees may apply
Early Entry or Stay Late	$50.00 per hour or any fraction thereof	$75.00 per hour or any fraction thereof
Group Use Area	$50.00	$100.00
Special Events	$50.00	$100.00
Scattering of Ashes	$0
Research and Collection of Resources	$0
First Amendment Rights	$0

Note: Other fees may apply. Cost Recovery can apply to any permit and be determined by the need to have a monitor, cleaning up site, etc.