White Sands NM

[Glasterpiece]

Does anybody know if all of the white sand is within the boundary of the monument? I would like to camp in white sand on a full moon night.

 

[IntrepidXJ]

Does anybody know if all of the white sand is within the boundary of the monument? I would like to camp in white sand on a full moon night.

No, not all of the white sand dunes are within the Monument....but the parts that aren't are still within the boundaries of the Missile Range / Air Force Base, and they aren't going to let you camp there. The Monument is located entirely within the Missile Range, which is why it can sometimes be closed down.

 

[Noun Sequitur]

The monument brochure illustrates it pretty well. As noted, much of the dunes area is off limits. There is some designated back country camping inside the monument though.

 

[IntrepidXJ]

There is some designated back country camping inside the monument though.

Yep, camping inside the park at one of the backcountry sites is a pretty awesome experience!

http://adventr.co/2017/03/white-sands-national-monument/

 

[Glasterpiece]

Thank you both for your replies.

 

[Shirt357]

I would also add that depending on when you go, with only 10 sites available on a first come, first served basis... they can fill up quick. I recommend #4

As noted, it is an awesome experience. I was there last Christmas (lights and all lol) and it was awesome. It was clear and a perfect night. I laid on a high dune for hours just counting satellites and checking out the stars.

 

[Wyatt Carson]

If there is a missile test going to happen they close down those 10 sites at those times. That happened to us once.

There are some interesting places in there away from the crowds.

 

[Glasterpiece]

I would also add that depending on when you go, with only 10 sites available on a first come, first served basis... they can fill up quick. I recommend #4

As noted, it is an awesome experience. I was there last Christmas (lights and all lol) and it was awesome. It was clear and a perfect night. I laid on a high dune for hours just counting satellites and checking out the stars.

And when at Warner Lake CG in the LaSals you #16. Sweet 16.

 

[Shirt357]

If there is a missile test going to happen they close down those 10 sites at those times. That happened to us once.

There are some interesting places in there away from the crowds.

Yeah, that would. I think though that you can either call ahead and ask if its closed for that. I am thinking they do not publish the tests online though.

Once I was at my location I meandered in further and was amazed at some of the views, the plants living out there, etc. Guess I should post some of those pics some day... I am the worst at doing TRs

 

[SKLund]

Does anybody know if all of the white sand is within the boundary of the monument? I would like to camp in white sand on a full moon night.

Watch the weather forecast for Alamogordo. The gypsum dust is terrible when the wind is up.