The best campgrounds near White Sands, New Mexico with campfires

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.

97% (300)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

97% (300)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Mars Research Base (MRB)

90%

(96)

37mi from White Sands · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Boles Acres, NM

Nestled amid the breathtaking mountains near Alamogordo, New Mexico, our off-grid camping haven is a gateway to the untamed beauty of the desert. Campers can enjoy the serenity of nature while being just a stone's throw away from the Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, offering fantastic hiking opportunities. Whether you choose to pitch a tent or park your RV, our property is the perfect base for outdoor adventures, complemented by wildlife, mesmerizing sunsets, and the warmth of a campfire shared with friends.

2. La Vina rd

98%

(86)

27mi from White Sands · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Chamberino, NM

A two acre camping ground located next to Sombra Antigua Winery located in the middle of farmland along the historic highway 28. Bathrooms and trash disposal available as well as 1 electric hook up. Live music Saturday and Sunday from 2-6pm and 2 day stay limit. Tables and fire pits at each campsite.

3. Ray & Lucille's place

99%

(153)

24mi from White Sands · 2 sites · RVs · La Mesa, NM

Our farm is located in La Mesa, NM in the Mesilla Valley. Centered between Las Cruces, NM and El Paso, TX . The farming community offers open fields of various crops as well as pecan orchards. Minutes from hiking destinations Organ Mountain Desert Peaks National Monument and Franklin Mountains State Park. Various wineries and breweries within minutes. Elephant Butte Lake State Park 1 hr 41 min (104 miles) White Sands National Park 1 hr 8 min (72 miles)Learn more about this land:Come stay at our fully equipped, safe RV Sites with full hook ups here at our little farm in the middle of Mesilla Valley. Just 6 miles off I-10 in La Mesa, NM. We are in a farming community among pecan orchards, cotton fields, hay fields. Easy to find, our peaceful and private RV sites are 1/4 mile off scenic NM Hwy 28. There are 4 wineries and a brewery within 20 minutes of our farm. Great country setting 20 minutes south of Mesilla and Las Cruces and 20 minutes North of El Paso, TX.

4. KB Horse Rv/Van/Tent Camp

22mi from White Sands · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Orogrande, NM

Experience wide-open skies and mountain views at KB Horse RV/Van/Tent Camp, a peaceful getaway in Southern New Mexico just minutes from El Paso. Perfect for horseback riders, RVers, van-lifers, and tent campers looking for space, quiet, and adventure. Set on 3 acres with access to nearby BLM land and the Jarilla Mountains, you can explore old mines, ride trails, or simply enjoy the desert sunsets. Horses are welcome — one site includes a corral and fenced area, and horses stay free! Each site offers plenty of room to park and relax under the stars. Water available, but no hookups (electric or septic). Campfires are allowed — bring your gear and enjoy a true off-grid escape. Just 50 minutes from El Paso, KB Horse Camp is the perfect blend of rustic freedom and scenic beauty — where you can slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature.

5. Hacienda RV Resort

100%

(9)

18mi from White Sands · 99 sites · RVs · Las Cruces, NM

Hacienda RV Resort offers a warm and welcoming retreat for adventurous adults, families and pets! Immediately located off the I-10, exit 140, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. We’re only minutes from downtown. Less than 1.5 miles away is the heart of Old Mesilla, where the Gadsden Purchase was signed, making New Mexico a part of the United States in 1854. Just 45 minutes from the RV resort is the bustling City of El Paso, Texas. Paved roads lead into our spacious pull-thru or back-in sites, many boasting breathtaking views. Watch the sun rise over the Organ Mountains, relax on our large outdoor patio with a wood burning fireplace, or enjoy our comfortable southwestern community room with an indoor fireplace. Our gift shop is stocked with locally sourced products that make excellent gifts for those back home! Las Cruces’ elevation is approximately 3,900 feet. Average summer temperatures range from the 90s during the day to the 60s at night, while average winter temperatures range between the mid-50s and 60s during the day and the lower 30s at night.

6. Timberon NM Golf & RV Camping Site

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(48)

49mi from White Sands · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Timberon, NM

Timberon, New Mexico, is a charming and peaceful retirement community nestled in the scenic Sacramento Mountains on the southern edge of the Lincoln National Forest. Timberon offers a tranquil escape surrounded by natural beauty and abundant outdoor activities. The town features a 9-hole golf course, two fishing ponds, a lodge, a swimming pool, a church, an airstrip, and a volunteer fire department. Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including camping, fishing, swimming, golfing, hiking, biking, and ATV/UTV riding areas. During the winter months, the area also offers seasonal activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Cell reception is limited in the town of Timberon but all the local businesses will share their Wi-Fi password. Timberon has a local restaurant Connie's Deli and the High Country Lounge and Grill (Saturday karaoke night 8pm). Two well-equipped stores stocked with groceries, camping supplies, ice, and RV accessories. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Timberon provides the perfect retreat. . For more details, visit Timberon.org.

7. The Desert Dome @ BNC Farms

100%

(24)

23mi from White Sands · 3 sites · Lodging · Chaparral, NM

Welcome to BNC Farms! We are located smack in the middle of desert in Chaparral, NM. We have two short term rentals on the property. The Desert Dome and Harvey the Skoolie. Both are unique stays. We love to show people the beauty the desert has to offer. We also live on site and are around to answer any questions or help you out. We want all of our guests to be able to enjoy their stay and have as much privacy as possible. Both stays have a fire pit and their own hang out area. There are farm animals on the property! Your fur babies are welcome, we only ask you keep them leashed at all time. If you would like to see more about our rentals, or see local recommendations check out our instagram @BNC3Farms. We look forward to hosting you. Bailey and Nadia

8. Wild West Oasis

100%

(6)

42mi from White Sands · 1 site · Tent, RV · El Paso, TX

Beautiful desert land with a view of Hueco Tanks State Park. This land is barely starting up so do not expect any glamping or 5 star facilities. There is electricity for RVs or window units for tents. There's also a porta potty. There is a little trash here and there but I am working on cleaning this place up. Be patient and enjoy it for what it is. All natural! Be safe, this is the desert and home to critters, spiders, horned frogs, lizards, ants, cayotes, and probably snakes although I haven't seen any. There is a little shed where you can cook, get some shade, or just relax. The mesquite trees are being worked on so they are not big enough to provide decent shade. Be safe, be smart and have water with you at all times. There is no water, and no showers. But I am working on it! This spot is perfect for those hip campers visiting Hueco Tanks and need a spot to park or rest. It's for hip campers that are used to primitive camping and also to the people in the city that want to get away for a night or two but not drive too far out. The sunsets and stargazing are amazing. Far from the city but close enough to a 10 min drive to a grocery store.

9. Desert Oasis

100%

(5)

26mi from White Sands · 1 site · RV · Radium Springs, NM

Welcome to my desert oasis just outside of Las Cruces, New mexico & walking distance to Leasburg State Park. I look forward to hosting you and your party. This is a nice landscape property with several amenities to enjoy. I encourage guests to take advantage of the features. We've got a full-size bocce ball court, walking paths, hot tub, fountain seating area, outdoor fire place, propane barbeque, laundry facilities, pergola patio, grass area for guests and their pets to enjoy during their stay. I'm a new host and live here myself, although I often travel so occasionally guests RV may have the desert oasis all to themselves.

10. Gleatherland Ranch

100%

(6)

40mi from White Sands · 5 sites · RVs, Lodging · Clint, TX

Enjoy beautiful views of Hueco Tanks, the surrounding mountains and expansive night skies at our 18 acre Ranch. Gleatherland offers a full array of accommodations including primitive camping, water/electric RV sites, glamping in one of our unique yurts or retro campers (seasonal) , as well as two fully equipped vacation rental homes open year round. ( see dates) Located just minutes away from Hueco Tanks State Park. Enjoy all the park has to offer including rock climbing, hiking, birding rock art tours, etc. Other area attractions include Franklin Mountains, Guadalupe National Park, Carlsbad Caverns, White Sand Nat'l Monument, Hot Springs of TorC and more (from 1-2 hours drive). Dates; Primitive & RV Camping open August - May (closed June and July) Glamping (yurts) open seasonally Nov- May Vacation rental homes : open all year Reservations required 24 hours in advance for all rentals and RV sites Primitive Camping - walk-ins only, no reservation required.

11. Red Sands Wild

40mi from White Sands · 1 site · Tent · El Paso, TX

No running water, no electricity, just the essentials — bring your own supplies, pack out what you pack in, and leave no trace. Campfires & Storytelling: Gather around your campfire under the stars. Feel the warmth, share stories, or simply enjoy the crackle of wood and peace

Camper favorites near White Sands

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

The Desert Dome @ BNC Farms

100%

(24)

23mi from White Sands · 3 sites · Lodging · Chaparral, NM

Welcome to BNC Farms! We are located smack in the middle of desert in Chaparral, NM. We have two short term rentals on the property. The Desert Dome and Harvey the Skoolie. Both are unique stays. We love to show people the beauty the desert has to offer. We also live on site and are around to answer any questions or help you out. We want all of our guests to be able to enjoy their stay and have as much privacy as possible. Both stays have a fire pit and their own hang out area. There are farm animals on the property! Your fur babies are welcome, we only ask you keep them leashed at all time. If you would like to see more about our rentals, or see local recommendations check out our instagram @BNC3Farms. We look forward to hosting you. Bailey and Nadia

Wild West Oasis

100%

(6)

42mi from White Sands · 1 site · Tent, RV · El Paso, TX

Beautiful desert land with a view of Hueco Tanks State Park. This land is barely starting up so do not expect any glamping or 5 star facilities. There is electricity for RVs or window units for tents. There's also a porta potty. There is a little trash here and there but I am working on cleaning this place up. Be patient and enjoy it for what it is. All natural! Be safe, this is the desert and home to critters, spiders, horned frogs, lizards, ants, cayotes, and probably snakes although I haven't seen any. There is a little shed where you can cook, get some shade, or just relax. The mesquite trees are being worked on so they are not big enough to provide decent shade. Be safe, be smart and have water with you at all times. There is no water, and no showers. But I am working on it! This spot is perfect for those hip campers visiting Hueco Tanks and need a spot to park or rest. It's for hip campers that are used to primitive camping and also to the people in the city that want to get away for a night or two but not drive too far out. The sunsets and stargazing are amazing. Far from the city but close enough to a 10 min drive to a grocery store.

Desert Oasis

100%

(5)

26mi from White Sands · 1 site · RV · Radium Springs, NM

Welcome to my desert oasis just outside of Las Cruces, New mexico & walking distance to Leasburg State Park. I look forward to hosting you and your party. This is a nice landscape property with several amenities to enjoy. I encourage guests to take advantage of the features. We've got a full-size bocce ball court, walking paths, hot tub, fountain seating area, outdoor fire place, propane barbeque, laundry facilities, pergola patio, grass area for guests and their pets to enjoy during their stay. I'm a new host and live here myself, although I often travel so occasionally guests RV may have the desert oasis all to themselves.

Gleatherland Ranch

100%

(6)

40mi from White Sands · 5 sites · RVs, Lodging · Clint, TX

Enjoy beautiful views of Hueco Tanks, the surrounding mountains and expansive night skies at our 18 acre Ranch. Gleatherland offers a full array of accommodations including primitive camping, water/electric RV sites, glamping in one of our unique yurts or retro campers (seasonal) , as well as two fully equipped vacation rental homes open year round. ( see dates) Located just minutes away from Hueco Tanks State Park. Enjoy all the park has to offer including rock climbing, hiking, birding rock art tours, etc. Other area attractions include Franklin Mountains, Guadalupe National Park, Carlsbad Caverns, White Sand Nat'l Monument, Hot Springs of TorC and more (from 1-2 hours drive). Dates; Primitive & RV Camping open August - May (closed June and July) Glamping (yurts) open seasonally Nov- May Vacation rental homes : open all year Reservations required 24 hours in advance for all rentals and RV sites Primitive Camping - walk-ins only, no reservation required.

Red Sands Wild

40mi from White Sands · 1 site · Tent · El Paso, TX

No running water, no electricity, just the essentials — bring your own supplies, pack out what you pack in, and leave no trace. Campfires & Storytelling: Gather around your campfire under the stars. Feel the warmth, share stories, or simply enjoy the crackle of wood and peace

Public campgrounds near White Sands

Cactus Patch Campground

26mi from White Sands · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · in Leasburg Dam State Park

100%

(1)

Greasewood Campground

26mi from White Sands · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Leasburg Dam State Park

Franklin Mountains Primitive Backpack-in Campground

100%

(1)

Franklin Mountains Primitive Backpack-in Campground

31mi from White Sands · 5 sites · in Franklin Mountains State Park

Franklin Mountains Campground

31mi from White Sands · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Franklin Mountains State Park

Franklin Mountains RV Area Campground

32mi from White Sands · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Franklin Mountains State Park

100%

(5)

Hueco Tanks Campground

42mi from White Sands · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site

Good morning, Oliver Lee. Dog Canyon at its finest.

92%

(6)

Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground

42mi from White Sands · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · in Oliver Lee Memorial State Park

Stories from the community

J

Juan

2 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at Mars Research Base (MRB)

This place was sick. Stayed here two nights and saw a bunch of shooting stars. Can't wait to be back!

B

Bridgid

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Mars Research Base (MRB)

Close to White Sands, desert vibes. Beautiful place for photos of the sunset and stars. Would hip again

L

Lydia

2 weeks ago

45 ft Class C

With pets

4 nights at Desert Oasis

Loved camping here, great quiet spot — walking distance to a state park nearby. Beautiful sunrises, sunsets & starry nights sky. Thanks for a great stay!

J

Jay

3 weeks ago

21 ft campervan

1 night at La Vina rd

Beautiful quiet and level place to stay. Beautiful grounds with a picnic table and very clean bathroom. Great hospitality and they serve excellent wine! Wonderful place!

J

Jack

November 2025

18 ft campervan

1 night at La Vina rd

This stay was exactly what I needed on this trip; a quiet, clean and friendly space to park my van while on a road trip to Marfa, TX from Tucson, AZ. A bonus was the wine bar and patio with a small band playing. I had fine conversations with the friendly and interesting staff. I totally recommend this facility if you are looking for a place to stay while on the road headed for elsewhere. Thank you Dakota and your staff for the hospitality!

S

Sam

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Mars Research Base (MRB)

Great spot! Secluded but safe and clean. Road a little bumpy getting in but not bad if you go slowly.

T

Theresa

November 2025

3 nights at The Desert Dome @ BNC Farms

Check in was easy. Great communication. Very cozy. Loved seeing stars through Dome windows. Everything we needed. Easy to use kitchen.

Dawn

October 2025

40 ft travel trailer

1 night at Hacienda RV Resort

Hacienda RV Resort is not something I would expect to find on Hipcamp. Its a full-fledged RV Resort with all the bells and whistles. The only downside is there's no privacy. So, if you like camping for solitude, this isn't the place, otherwise, its awesome!

Site 2. Hosts RV is a nice privacy barrier between sites

S

Shelleen

October 2025

27 ft Class A

With pets

3 nights at Ray & Lucille's place

Easy to get to with ample space to maneuver our 27' class A and tow vehicle to our site one. Given the fact that site 2 was vacant we were able to drive thru that site to site 1. However, there is ample space to get to either site even if one is occupied. Ray and Lucille were wonderful hosts and very accommodating. We have a young dog who is new to us and still in training. Their dogs and ours were frequently "talking" to one another due to the proximity of their fenced private area and site 1. After site 2 was vacated by an over nighters rv we switched to site 2 which was a better fit for all. The location of Pecan Grove was perfect for our week-long getaway. Peaceful, relaxing, cool temps, days trips to: Old Mesilla, Hatch, White Sands NP, Alamogordo, Organ Mtns. We would stay at Ray and Lucille's anytime again! No hesitations.

T

Tom

October 2025

23 ft Class B

1 night at Ray & Lucille's place

Great little out of the way place. Afternoon shade with the pleasant country atmosphere.

S

Sara

October 2025

32 ft fifth wheel

With pets

Weekend Trip to Desert Oasis

Kevin has created a beautiful and welcoming space. It is near walking paths not to mention his private and calming rock paths throughout the property. It is within a day drive to White Sands National Park & the amenities of Las Cruces. Thanks for a great stay, Kevin!

E

Elizabeth

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Desert Dome @ BNC Farms

Loved this dome, all the amenities and such a comfortable stay. Was planning to camp until those plans changed unexpectedly I am so happy I found this, it was perfect

L

Lisa

October 2025

26 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Ray & Lucille's place

This was our second stay here. Beautiful property. Full hook ups. Lots of space between other campers. Plenty of room for our 3 dogs to roam.

Tyler

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mars Research Base (MRB)

We enjoyed our camping spot very much! Amazing vistas in every direction. We utilized the picnic table, fire pit and portable toilet. A great location to explore southern NM from. Thanks for hosting.

J

Jose

October 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to La Vina rd

Dakota is great. Good wine and the live band was awesome

Christine

October 2025

33 ft Class A

With pets

1 night at Ray & Lucille's place

Very nice spot and plenty of space. Hookups were very easy to access with lighting available right above the hookups that we could control. Host was there when we arrived and assisted us with backing in and was readily available if we had any questions. Very nice site and very quiet location. Would definitely stay again in the future.

E

Elizabeth

October 2025

20 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to La Vina rd

Always a great time with awesome views, nice people, and great wine.

M

Mohammed

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Desert Dome @ BNC Farms

It was a quiet place for a nice get away from the city life, the place was easy to get to with clear and precise instructions.

A

Anthony

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Mars Research Base (MRB)

Really loved it here, beautiful sunset, sunrise, and views all around. Makes you feel like your in the middle of the desert. If your worrying about sun exposure bring a umbrella or some type of shade. Wasn’t an issue at all for me though would camp here again and recommended to all my homies.

C

Clara

September 2025

26 ft campervan

1 night at La Vina rd

We arrived very late, but it was wonderful waking up sorrounded by vineyards! Very quiet and comfy.