Camping near White Sands with wildlife watching

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94% (245 reviews)

United States
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New Mexico
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White Sands

94% (245 reviews)

Popular camping styles for White Sands

Public campgrounds near White Sands

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Stories from the community

Marissa

2 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at Mars Research Base (MRB)

This place was beautiful! We loved staying here and were in awe of the mountains.

1 night at Mars Research Base (MRB)

If you're looking for seclusion, this your spot! Don't let the drive in scare you away! Totally worth it. The view! The quiet! Totally worth it!!

1 night at Ray & Lucille's place

Ray was so welcoming and accommodating. We had beautiful views and a safe place to camp for the night.

Weekend Trip to Timberon NM Golf & RV Camping Site

Excellent location easy to follow directions. Quiet and clean place with plenty of space. Fast response from host. Highly recommend.

12 nights at Ray & Lucille's place

The perfect place to spend a night or two weeks. Ray & Lucille are absolutely lovely and most gracious. Enjoyed our stay and recommend this quiet, peaceful spot, to anyone that wants to be away from the “typical” rv park. Loved it so much we are going back for 3 nights next week!

2 nights at Mars Research Base (MRB)

Amazing skies, sunsets, and views! Be prepared to bring your own shade, but otherwise very comfortable for a dry camp. Campsites are nicely spaced.

Weekend Trip to Horner Hacienda

A beautiful place to stay right on the Rio Grande. If you want to see water in the river, go after May 1st as that's when they open up the dam. It was still a beautiful spot, and we can't wait to come back to see all the things Carolyn has planned for her little piece of heaven.

April 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Mars Research Base (MRB)

Phenomenal campsite. Literally looks like a set piece from Total Recall. I’ll be back.

Weekend Trip to Mars Research Base (MRB)

The views were very pretty from this site and it was a good location, close to White Sands National Park as well as other hiking areas within Oliver Lee Memorial State Park! Would recommend getting there before dark however due to the bumpy road and the minimal lights present. A relaxing place to unwind!

1 night at Spur-C Desert Oasis #1

It’s a nice peaceful spot just far enough away from I-10 but not too far. You get a great view of El Paso at night from Sally’s property.

Weekend Trip to Mars Research Base (MRB)

I wanted to be out in the middle of the desert without being too far out. Perfect for that. Took my motorcycle in no problem but you need to be careful the last few hundred yards. Would go again in a heartbeat.

1 night at Timberon NM Golf & RV Camping Site

We really enjoyed the remote location and didn’t see another person the whole time (a plus for me). Beautiful scenery and quiet campsite. Couldn’t ask for more.

2 nights at Horner Hacienda

Carolyn’s land is a peaceful spot right on the Rio Grande. The view across the river is stunning. I enjoyed having a picnic table and spigot. The icing on the cake was host Carolyn. She popped over shortly after I arrived, touched base to let me know of another camper who’d be showing up, helped me out when I got myself into a pickle - and even waved good bye. Her home is across the road - plenty far away for privacy, yet close enough if you happen to need something. I was there during a dry, windy March time. Definitely check out the slot canyon hike down the road. Also an easy spot if you have pups along.

1 night at Horner Hacienda

Carolyn is a delightful host! The property is a work in progress, but even with that my stay was wonderful. I parked next to the river with a view of the hills on the other side. The sunset and sunrise were beautiful and the night was very peaceful. Next time I’m in the Las Cruces area. I plan on staying at the same place again.

10 nights at Spur-C Desert Oasis #1

I enjoyed my stay w Sally and the horses at SpurC I highly recommend her and her beautiful place far off the beaten path but well worth every minute!!! She was phenomenal and very caring as I was staying during medical procedures and she took time each day to check on me! So very sweet of her as I know she’s got a schedule to keep! Thank you so much Sally it was very pleasant….

March 2025

20 ft travel trailer

1 night at Mars Research Base (MRB)

Easy to get to with 20' trailer. Far enough from the interstate to be quiet. but close enough for an easy overnight. Campsite & road was that kind of loose super fine dust that flies everywhere so don't make my mistake and make sure every car/trailer opening is closed. My dogs were covered in it too. But the stars and open views are priceless

2 nights at Spur-C Desert Oasis #1

Our 5th wheel fit nicely in the parking place next to the water hose. The compost toilet outhouse was clean and easy to use. Sally was very friendly and accommodating. All directions were clear. We would camp there again should we be passing through in the future.

2 nights at Mars Research Base (MRB)

Definitely arrive before dark! The road is SUPER bumpy getting in so be aware. Besides that the views of the mountains and stars were lovely. Very quiet!

1 night at Ray & Lucille's place

Easy in and out…pleasant country setting…super convenient…full hookups much appreciated.

1 night at Spur-C Desert Oasis #1

We loved the spot for our stopover, nice sky, surrounded by nature but close to the main highway.

5 top campgrounds near White Sands with wildlife watching

93%

(64)

Mars Research Base (MRB)

9 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · 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.

97%

(57)

Horner Hacienda

15 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Radium Springs, NM

New to Hipcamp, but want to share my beautiful property with others. Located on the bank of the Rio Grande River with access to the river at all times. Property is rustic now, but improvements will continue to be made as time goes on. Come help me develop this beautiful location into the best Hipcamp in New Mexico. Just 14 miles of the Chile Capital of the World, Hatch, NM, come during chile harvest to take home fresh green chile right out of the field. 21 miles from Las Cruces, where you will find plenty of events and entertainment, should you so desire. Spaceport, America, T or C, White Sands are all within a day's drive, and Fort Selden is just a few miles down the road, as is Blue Moon Bar and Grill. My dad first came to this property as a farm hand for the elderly couple who owned it. This was in the 1930's. He met my mother, who lived 6 miles down the road, in 1939. She was just 14. Every Sunday he would ride those 6 miles to have supper with her and her family and in 1940, 2 weeks after her 16th birthday, they married. They traveled around before coming back here, buying a small portion of this farm from the elderly owners and farming the rest for them, but in 1953, the man died (his name was Ernest Ward) in the small concrete house I now use for storage, that my dad had built for he and his wife when he first came to work for them. My parents built a home for his widow in Hatch (14 miles) and bought the farm from her. My family has owned it since. I was gone for 31 years, but returned to the land and place I love and plan to stay here till I die!

89%

(42)

Timberon NM Golf & RV Camping Site

2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · 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.

99%

(137)

Ray & Lucille's place

2 sites · RVs3 acres · 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.

96%

(63)

Spur-C Desert Oasis #1

2 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Anthony, NM

Learn more about this land: This site, SPUR-C DESERT OASIS, is an acre of sandy soil full of desert bushes, cacti, and trees. Go to HIP-CAMP.COM/SPUR-CDESERT OASIS to schedule. An area for parking / or tenting, sleeping in your auto or RV is cleared. It is situated at the east end of a 20 acre horse boarding stable. This is a quiet setting in southern New Mexico just one mile off McNutt Rd on a dirt road. There is plenty of space to stretch your legs and enjoy a view of the Franklin Mountains and if you are lucky some of our wildlife. A great place to spend a quiet, safe, stopover. You are within easy reach of White Sands National Park, Hueco Tanks Park, Franklin Mountain Park, and all the amenities of El Paso ,Texas. Schedule with Hipcamp.com Desert Oasis. This site is only for a few days stay: not a permanent RV park. .

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(1)

Leasburg Dam State Park

Radium Springs, New Mexico

100%

(5)

Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site

Butterfield, Texas

92%

(6)

Oliver Lee Memorial State Park

Boles Acres, New Mexico

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near White Sands with wildlife watching guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, the ultimate camping resource! With over 2,300 options near White Sands, New Mexico, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for your wildlife watching adventure. Whether you prefer pitching a tent or staying in a cozy cabin, we've got you covered. Don't miss out on the top-rated campsites like Camp Rio (95 reviews), Quail Run Tiny Guesthouse (74 reviews), and Stargazers Mountain Camping Retreat (47 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like campfires, potable water, and cooking equipment, and take part in thrilling activities such as wildlife watching, whitewater paddling, and biking. Prices start as low as $10 per night, with an average price of $11 per night. Happy camping!