Camping near White Sands, New Mexico

White sand dunes stretch as far as the eye can see at this unique desert in southern New Mexico. At 275 square miles, White Sands is the world's largest gypsum dune field. The wind brushes the endless sands into gentle ripples, creating an otherworldly landscape. Camping at the White Sands National Monument is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But you'll have to hop a few hurdles first. Backcountry camping is on a first-come, first-served basis. The ten tent camping sites are hike-in only, so be prepared to haul your gear—and water—along a 1-mile trek. Hikers must be diligent about following the trail markers to avoid getting lost. Weather is a factor, too, with summer highs as hot as 110 degrees F. Play it smart and check with the rangers at the Visitors Center near the park entrance before you head out. You'll need to stop by for a camping permit anyway. Roughly half of the natural dune field is national parkland. The other half is an active military missile range. The park is closed on missile test days, locking out any chance of camping. The missile schedule is usually planned two weeks in advance, but last-minute schedule changes do happen. Several campgrounds near White Sands offer a plan B. The Lincoln National Forest is close by, offering nine campgrounds. Opt for the Silver Campground if you want basics like showers and water spigots. Several private campgrounds are located nearby along Highway 70 and Highway 54. This area is a good bet for RVs who want hook-ups or families looking to rent cabins.