ParkRoam
White dunes in foreground with sun setting behind mountain.

White Sands

White Sands National Park · NM

Alerts and closures

  • Park Closure

    Dunes Drive Safety Corridor

    Dunes Drive is open. A safety corridor is in effect between mile marker 3 and 5.5 along Dunes Drive. Visitors may drive but not stop or exit their vehicle in this area.

    Details on nps.gov
  • Information

    Backcountry Camping Closed

    Backcountry camping at the park is closed. There is no established opening date at this time.

  • Information

    Interdune Boardwalk Closed

    Due to the active safety corridor, the Interdune Boardwalk is closed. Please visit the park visitor center to learn about other options during your visit.

  • Information

    Park Closures

    From time to time the missile range that surrounds the park performs military testing that may require the closure of the park or Highway 70. Please plan your visit around upcoming military tests.

    Details on nps.gov
  • Information

    RV and Tractor Trailer Parking at the Visitor Center

    There is limited space for parking for recreational vehicles and trailers in the parking lot directly in front (south) of the visitor center. RVs are asked to not park in the lot behind the visitor center. There is no parking space for tractor trailers.

About

Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world's great natural wonders - the glistening white sands of New Mexico. Great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert, creating the world's largest gypsum dunefield. White Sands National Park preserves a major portion of this unique dunefield, along with the plants and animals that live here.

Things to do: Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Biking, Road Biking, Camping, Backcountry Camping, Food, Picnicking, Guided Tours, Hiking, Junior Ranger Program

Entry and fees

  • Entrance - Private Vehicle

    Per vehicle fee is charged to visitors for entry by a single, private non-commercial vehicle. Entrance fees are valid for reentry for seven consecutive days from the date of purchase.

    $25

  • Entrance - Per Person

    Per person fee is charged to visitors for entry by means other than a single, private non-commercial vehicle. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals who enter the park by walking and bicycling. Entrance fees are valid for reentry for seven consecutive days from the date of purchase.

    $15

  • Entrance - Motorcycle

    Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

    $20

  • Commercial Entrance - Van

    Commercial bus/van tours are charged a flat rate based on the capacity of the vehicle (not the number of persons on board).

    $50

  • Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus

    Commercial bus/van tours are charged a flat rate based on the capacity of the vehicle (not the number of persons on board).

    $60

  • Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach

    Commercial bus/van tours are charged a flat rate based on the capacity of the vehicle (not the number of persons on board).

    $150

Fees change. Confirm on nps.gov before you go.