White Sands National Park

Visitor Centers:
The White Sands Visitor Center hours vary by season. Check the park's website for current hours of operation.

Fees & Passes:
To learn more about park fees, click here.

White Sands National Park is open daily, year round, except on December 25. Hours of operation vary throughout the year. Check the park's website for current hours of operation. The park may close due to weather or road conditions in the winter.

Additionally, due to missile testing on the adjacent White Sands Missile Range, the road into the monument may be closed for periods of up to three hours. U.S. Highway 70/82 between Alamogordo and Las Cruces is also closed during missile testing. Visitors are encouraged to call the visitor center at (575) 479-6124 ext. 236 or 206 to verify that a closure is not in effect.

There are ten primitive backcountry camping sites that area available on a first-come, first-served basis. A permit is required and can be obtained at the front desk of the visitor center. The campsites are accessible from the backcountry trail and are located between 3/4 of a mile to 1.1 miles from the start of the trailhead. There are no water or toilet facilities at the campsites. For more information, visit the park's website.

There is no restaurant or café at White Sands National Park. The gift shop located in the visitor center does offer packaged sandwiches, snacks, water, and soda. Nearby dining options can be found in the towns of Alamogordo and Las Cruces. Alcohol is prohibited within the park from February 1 through May 31 of every year.

White Sands National Park offers a variety of ways for you to explore the beautiful dunes. Whether participating in a ranger-led tour on foot, an overnight excursion at a backcountry campsite, an afternoon picnic on the sand, an eight-mile scenic dune drive, or sledding on the steep faces of the dunes, you are sure to enjoy your time spent on the magnificent dunes.

To download a variety of free brochures to help plan your visit, click here.