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.
Current Alerts
- Park ClosureDunes 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.
More info → - InformationBackcountry Camping Closed
Backcountry camping at the park is closed. There is no established opening date at this time.
- InformationInterdune 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.
- InformationPark 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.
More info → - InformationRV 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.
Source: National Park Service.
Upcoming Events
- Dunes Discovery Morning HikeSun Aug 23 2026Meet the ranger at Dune Life Nature Trail
- Moonlight HikeFri Aug 28 2026