Exploring White Sands National Park for the first time

Exploring White Sands National Park is like visiting a foreign land. It's truly a unique place. White Sands New Mexico lies in the Tularosa Basin at the northern end of the Chihuahuan Desert in the southern part of the state. White Sands is made up of 275 square miles of gypsum sand dunes – in fact, it's the largest gypsum dune field in the world. The dunes were formed after the evaporation of an ancient sea and survive because of little rainfall and no way for water to flow out of the basin and devolve.

White Sands has been a national momentum since 1933 but received national park status at the end of 2019. Because of White Sands National Park relatively new status upgrade, the park is still not widely visited, which is wonderful for those of us who don't care for the massive crowds that come with many of the more popular parks in the system.

Interestingly, White Sands National Monument (now NP Park) is located in between several military bases, which means the park sometimes closes due to missile tests. So, if you find the roads closed, you’ll know why.

White Sands National Park is located about 50 miles northeast of Las Cruces New Mexico, and about 1.5 hours north of El Paso, Texas.

If you can, don’t miss a sunset at White Sands, it’s an Incredible experience. Note, the park hours are 7am to 9pm, so if you visit in the summer, make sure you make your way out with enough time to exit at 9pm.

Entrance Fee to the park is $25, or, you can use your national park pass

If you’re looking to camping at White Sands National Park - Unfortunately there are only 10 tent sites available, each are walk-in. RV’ers need to travel to a campground either north or south of the park. We stayed in both areas, one was at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, just outside of Alamogordo, it’s a really nice park with power and water at most sites. (Note: You can also stay at several hotel options in Alamogordo)

The other other campground is located to the south of White Sands and was our personal favorite. Aguirre Spring Campground is not for big rigs, but if you have a sub 24’ trailer or a tent, this is an amazing campground. Secluded within the Organ Mountains, the dramatic curvy road sets the stage for a memorable camping experience.

The nearest city is Alamogordo, it’s just 16 miles north of the park and has all the amenities needed, including gas, hotel, RV Parks, grocery store, etc.

Cheers, Mike

[reelhappytravellers]

We are so thankful to you for uploading such amazing video, Not only stunning but also gorgeous

[micaela_]

This is such a gorgeous place and totally deserves to be a National Park. Great job showcasing it !!👏

[paulmatulavich]

Greetings and great video. Would like to know what action cam you used here with selfie stick. Any special lenses, filters, tripod? Thanks !!

[Paunaldo]

I am planing to visit Whitesand NM, around later the year… I have a question, which one might be the best place or camp site so that we can sit and watch the sunset while chilling with a drink …

Oliver Lee, Aguirre or white sand campsites

[Go-Travel]

Great video! Looks like an amazing place. What was the weather like?