Top 10- Where to Stay Near White Sands National Park
If you’re heading to the southern part of New Mexico to see the unique and gorgeous White Sands, then you’re in for a real treat. And you’re probably looking for where to stay near White Sands National Park that will be perfect for your family and convenient to the park.
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We stayed in the town of Alamogordo, the closest town to White Sands. The town was larger with plenty of resources and stores, and plenty of lodging options. Whether you are looking for hotels, RV parks, or campgrounds, here are the best places to stay near White Sands National Park so you can plan the perfect trip.
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Best Hotels Near White Sands National Park
1. Affordable Hotels near White Sands- Holiday Inn
If you’re looking for cheap hotels near White Sands National Park, luckily you’ll have a few options. Alamogordo has plenty of chain hotels that come in at decent prices.
We stayed at the Holiday Inn, which was one of the higher rated hotels, but didn’t cost much! We were able to fit our family of 6 in one room.
The best part? The pull out sofa actually had a memory foam topper. My kids loved not feeling the springs in their backs.
The Holiday Inn has an indoor pool, free hot breakfast, free WiFi, and other great amenities. It was very clean and comfortable.
It’s only about a 15 minute drive to White Sands from here, making it super convenient. Prices typically stay around the mid-100’s for this great hotel.
On A tighter budget? Check out Quality Inn and Suites, whose average pricing is under $100, but has high reviews.
2. (&3.) Luxury Hotels Near White Sands National Park
Alamogordo doesn’t really have any luxury hotels, but rather a nice selection of chain hotels.
The most luxurious hotel you’ll find is the Classic Dessert Aire Hotel, which is only a 3-star hotel and on the rather affordable side. You’ll get a pool and cooked-to-order breakfast included, making it stand out a bit from just a buffet.
If you are wanting luxury, you may consider checking out a rental home nearby. Check out this private retreat in Alamogordo.
All you need to know is that it’s a private villa with an indoor pool.
If that wasn’t enough, the villa can sleep up to 6 people across 3 bedrooms. You’ll also get free WiFi, laundry machines, and great mountain and White Sands views.
4. Best Hotel for Large Families
If you’d like a hotel that can comfortably sleep large families (no sofa beds!), then you’ll have to head down to Las Cruces.
Las Cruces is another large town within the White Sands area, but it’ll take just under an hour from the park to the hotel.
The Staybridge hotel in Las Cruces can sleep up to 6 people in beds. This hotel offers rooms that have 2 bedrooms and even a kitchen, which is perfect for any food or meals you may have brought along.
Staybridge offers rooms with up to 3 beds, which can comfortably sleep 6 people.
You’ll also get breakfast included, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool.
While you may have to drive farther, this is a great options for larger families who have older kids who don’t want to sleep on the sofa bed. This allows your family to be together without having to book multiple rooms.
Best RV Parks Near White Sands National Park
5. Alamogordo/White Sands Journey KOA
KOAs are just awesome RV / camping spots all around America. They come with great amenities at decent prices.
The KOA near White Sands is no exception.
This location offers RV and tent camp sites, as well as cabins for those looking for glamping near White Sands National Park.
The White Sands KOA offers a large rec room filled with games and fun for the whole family. Or cool down in the seasonal outdoor pool after a day of driving, run around the playground, play a game of horseshoes, or try your skills at tetherball.
KOA also provides restrooms and a laundry facility.
As far as RV specs go, KOA provides pull through spots with 50 amp hookup for vehicles up to 100′.
It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy staying in one place for a bit, while having a little fun.
6. Boothill RV Park
Here is another place for RV camping near White Sands National park that’s rated pretty well.
KOA is pretty awesome, but if that’s booked, or you just don’t need the extras it comes with, check out Boothill RV Park.
Boothill is located just outside of town near the giant pistachio. (The biggest pistachio in the world, by the way).
It’s a smaller RV park with gravel parking and a dog park to let your 4-legged friend out to play. As far as entertainment, you can borrow books or DVDs to relax to.
It also offers a workout room, laundry facility, a bathroom with a shower, and 30/50 amp hookups.
Boothill RV Park is great for a quick overnight, as there isn’t much to do for the kids.
Best Camping Near White Sands National Park
Now that we’ve covered hotels, rentals, and RV parks, here are a few of the best tent camping options near White Sands National Park.
7. Camping at White Sands National Park
The first and most obvious choice is to camp right at the park. But it may not be the best choice. Here’s what you need to know about camping at White Sands.
There are no hotels or lodges in the park, so the only option to stay in the park overnight is to tent-camp.
You cannot make White Sands National Park camping reservations. You can camp by permit only, and the permit must be picked up the same-day as your camping plans.
Primitive camping at the sand dunes is no joke and honestly, probably not the best choice for families. But if you are well prepared and have older, experience kids, here is what you need to know:
- camping in the park is by permit only. You may get a permit the same day at the visitor center
- Reaching the camp site requires hiking in the sand and over the dunes along the backcountry camping trail
- be at your campsite before dark as it’s easy to get lost
- bring GPS AND a compass and map.
- Once you’re in, you’re in. Gate to the park close after sunset.
- The only bathroom is a 1-mile hike back to a vault toilet.
- There is no water. Bring plenty in with you. Bring plenty of healthy snacks, too.
If you are prepared for all of that, then you just need to get ready for some incredible night skies (assuming it doesn’t storm on you. Be prepared for that, too.)
Also, make sure to check ahead of time as backcountry campsites do often close for safety or restoration. Closures will be listed on their backcountry camping site.
8. Oliver Lee Campground – State Park
If hiking in over the dunes and setting up camp at the park doesn’t sound ideal (and I wouldn’t blame you for thinking so!), then a really awesome place to camp near White Sands National Park is at the Oliver Lee Memorial State Park.
Oliver Lee is the best campground near White Sands National Park!
Oliver Lee is a great place to camp if you’re wanting a little space, or privacy, at the campground. You’ll be in the Chihuahuan desert with cottonwood trees and the beautiful Dog Canyon beside you.
While the camping may not be in the park, it is the closest camping option to the park at less than 30 minutes away.
You’ll still have a few conveniences as well like bathrooms, running water, and showers. Families will love experiencing the hiking trails in the park and exhibitions at the visitor center.
To reserve, check out park info on the button below. When you’re ready to book, click “campsite reservations” on the side menu.
9. FREE Camping Near White Sands
Dog Canyon, located right by Oliver Lee Memorial, offers free dispersed camping.
As it is dispersed camping, there isn’t a lot to do at the campground. But, it does lend visitors a great view of the Sacramento Mountains and is just about 30 minutes from White Sands.
Check it out at 436 Co Road A16, Alamogordo
10. BLM Camping near White Sands National Park
For camping on BLM lands, check out the Aguirre Spring Campground. Located to the south, this campground is about 45 minutes from the national park.
While Aguirre Spring is on BLM land, it is a proper campground so there are (small) fees to use the campground, making it a great place for camping near White Sands National Park.
You’ll be welcome on a first-come first-served basis to choose from 55 camp sites on scene. Each site has a shade, picnic table, and grill along with a tent pad.
The campground will give you great views of White Sands in the distance, plus some great seasonal springs at the bottom of the canyon.
You could also check out another BLM campsite near White Sands at Three Rivers Petroglyph Site. This campsite is about an hour north of White Sands and is on location to (you guessed it) petroglyphs. Over 21,000 of them. Might be a tad fun for the kids to explore.
Best Places to Stay Near White Sands National Park
Whether you are looking for a hotel, RV park, or the best camping near White Sands National Park, there are plenty of options. The nearby town of Alamogordo hosts plenty of chain hotel options while the area also has some great RV Parks. Luckily, there are plenty of great camping area at both the local state park and on BLM lands around the area.
So if you need a great place to add to the experience of playing at White Sands, be sure to check out the list to find the perfect place for your family.
Where to Stay Near White Sands National Park: Where will you stay?
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