Gleaming gypsum crystal dunes roll as far as the eye can see at White Sands National Park. With waves towering up to 60 feet tall, the composition of the Northern Chihuahuan Desert landscape is constantly changing due to wind and weather patterns. Hardy plants like yuccas, grasses, and shrubs have evolved to survive in the shifting sands, adding texture to the spectacle of shapes and shadows that define the scenery.
This remarkable landscape is fit to be appreciated on camera, by foot, on Dunes Drive by bike, and famously on saucer sleds down the dunes. Like many national parks in the country, White Sands is remotely located and can require around an hour or more of travel time from your accommodation. The journey is well worth it, though, and these stays prove it.
Take your pick of hotels and vacation rentals. From boutique Western hotels, to gorgeous glamping domes, to a converted art gallery, we’ve selected places guaranteed to satisfy your Western adventure cravings. Below, our list of the 11 best places to stay near White Sands National Park, all less than two hours away.
We’ve vetted these listings based on Superhost status, ratings, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor.
Hotels
Hotel Encanto
Distance from park: 50 minutes
Bed & bath: Varies by accommodation
Top amenities: Private or semi-private patio rooms, outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, fitness center, pet-friendly
Nearby attractions: Historic Old Mesilla, New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, Fort Selden State Monument, Rio Grande Theatre, Las Cruces Museum of Art
Roll out of your king bed in the Deluxe Terrace Room crafted in collaboration with Virgin Galactic. Blending Southwestern aesthetics with space travel inspiration, this accommodation sports colonial-style French doors that open directly onto a private patio overlooking the terrace garden and pool. After a day of sledding in the dunes, indulge in a bite or beverage from the poolside menu. Located in downtown Las Cruces 50-minutes away from the park, this hotel features 203 guest rooms—some offering city or mountain views—adorned in rustic Spanish Colonial decor and local artwork. Choose the White Sands Package that provides visitors with two sand sleds, bottled water, and sunscreen when you book your stay.
Hotel Paso del Norte, Autograph Collection
Distance from park: 1.5 hours
Bed & bath: 1-2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Rooftop pool, cigar lounge, spa, multilingual staff, pillow top mattresses, complimentary airport shuttle
Nearby attractions: The Plaza Theater, El Paso Museum of Art, Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino, Southwest University Park, El Paso Streetcar, El Paso Museum of History
