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Backcountry Camping

Updated November 2, 2026. Based on Recreation.gov and National Park Service records. Published by Humblebee.

Campsites
10[1]
Nightly fee from
$1.50[2]

Backcountry Camping is a campground run by the National Park Service in White Sands National Park, New Mexico[3]. NPS lists 10 sites there, all first come, first served[1].

What to expect

NPS says permits are sold the same day, first come, first served, at the entrance station[4]. NPS lists 0 reservable sites and 10 first come, first served sites[1]. NPS lists no toilets, no drinking water, no showers and no dump station[5]. It does list cell reception year round and trash collection year round[5]. NPS does not permit open campfires in the dunes, and camp stoves are allowed if they are at least 6 inches (15 cm) above the sand[6]. NPS expects campers to pack out all trash and waste[6].

Campsite details

From Recreation.gov campsite records. Details can change, so check the listing before you book.

Detail Value
Sites (NPS count)[1] 10, 0 reservable, 10 first come, first served

Camping fees

Nightly fees listed by the National Park Service. Fees can change by season.

Site or fee Per night
Backcountry Camping Fee - Per Adult[7] $3
Backcountry Camping Fee - Per Child[2] $1.50

Amenities

Before you go

Questions people ask

How much does backcountry camping cost at White Sands?
NPS lists the Per Adult fee at $3 per night[7]. A separate Per Child fee is listed for ages 15 and younger[2]. Fees can change.
Can I reserve a site at Backcountry Camping?
NPS lists 0 reservable sites and 10 first come, first served sites[1]. Permits are sold the same day at the entrance station[4].
Are campfires allowed at Backcountry Camping?
NPS does not permit open campfires in the dunes[6]. Camp stoves are allowed if they are at least 6 inches (15 cm) above the sand[6].
Does Backcountry Camping have water or toilets?
NPS lists no toilets and no drinking water at Backcountry Camping[5].

Facts and sources

  1. NPS lists 10 sites at Backcountry Camping: 0 reservable and 10 first come, first served. National Park Service
  2. Camping fee, Backcountry Camping Fee - Per Child: $1.50 per night. National Park Service
  3. Backcountry Camping is a campground managed by the National Park Service in White Sands National Park, New Mexico. National Park Service
  4. Reservation note from NPS: Permits are sold on a same day, first-come, first-served basis at the entrance station. National Park Service
  5. Amenities at Backcountry Camping listed by NPS: toilets: No Toilets; showers: None; drinking water: No water; dump station: No; cell reception: Yes - year round; camp store: No; firewood for sale: No; food storage lockers: No; laundry: No; trash... National Park Service
  6. NPS campground rules for Backcountry Camping. National Park Service
  7. Camping fee, Backcountry Camping Fee - Per Adult: $3 per night. National Park Service

Site details come from Recreation.gov campsite records. They can lag behind changes on the ground. Fees change by season and site type. Quote only fee facts and say they can change. Description and rules facts are sources for facts only: retell in your own words, never copy 8 or more words in a row. Hookup, pet and campfire counts are per listed campsite record, not a promise for every site.