Backcountry Camping
The Quick Take
Sleeping among the white gypsum dunes is one of the most surreal camping experiences in the entire national park system -- when it's available. Backcountry Camping at White Sands offers roughly ten primitive sites scattered along the Backcountry Camping Loop Trail, about six miles into Dunes Drive. There are no toilets, no water, no electricity, and no leaving once the park gates lock at sunset. That last detail is the one that catches people off guard. What you get in return is an overnight stay in a landscape that looks like another planet, with some of the darkest skies in southern New Mexico. At three dollars a night on a first-come, first-served basis, this is camping stripped to its essentials. It's best suited for experienced backpackers comfortable hauling everything in and out, including their own waste, who want a night they'll genuinely never forget.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
10 sites, first-come first-served.
What You Get
Sites & Setup
RV Information
RVs allowed. No electrical hookups. Generators permitted during designated hours.
Accessibility
Accessible restrooms available. This area is inaccessible to wheelchairs. No Roads
Rules to Know
- Fires:Open campfires are NOT permitted in the dunes.
- Generators:Quiet hours are from 10 p.m.
Pro Tips
Permits are issued in person at the entrance booth and cannot be reserved online. Arrive early on weekends and holidays -- with only a handful of sites, they go fast, and there's no waitlist. Weekday visits in spring or fall give you the best odds.
The park gates lock roughly an hour after sunset and do not reopen until morning. Plan your water, food, and gear accordingly -- once you're in, you're committed. Bring at least a gallon of water per person since there is zero potable water in the backcountry.
Camp stoves must be elevated at least six inches above the sand, and open fires are completely prohibited. A lightweight backpacking stove with a stable base or a small platform works well. Also pack a headlamp with a red light mode -- the white sand reflects even dim light and preserves your night vision for stargazing.
Photos
Brian BurghartGetting There
Directions
Backcountry camping sites are located along the Backcountry Camping Loop Trail, which is located about six miles north on Dunes Drive.
Get directions