White Sands National Monument

[GraciesMom]

There is a boondocking area one mile east of the entrance of WSNM. It's called Raptor Lake. It's a little tricky turning in, but the roads are great, it's on a lake, and you can go way back through a couple of fences to the back side. . . OR you can turn left and go across the little dam and camp on the west side of the lake. Quiet, private and really really nice. You can see the white sand blowing in the wind from here - great views. There were only 2 other rigs here when we arrived and they were just as you come in. We went way on back and had total privacy. It looks pretty new - well maintained gravel roads, dirt areas to park on. Campfires are allowed if the wind is less than 30 mph. . . it's been WAY over that today! The sand has been blowing so much it was virtually a white-out at WSNM. Enjoy!!

[Ray,IN]

Thanks for the information. We didn't know about any place to park within reasonable driving distance from WSNM, so we just made it a day stopover. That isn't adequate time to really see the park.

[Blue Ribbon]

I guess it is on the south side of the highway, as I would think all the north side is HAFB.

comment?

[GraciesMom]

It's on the north side of the highway - before you get to HAFB. About 3 miles east/south of WSNM. You will see a dried up lake and then a filled lake behind it to your left as you are driving east away from WSNM. There's a big brown sign there, "Raptor Lake".

[Edwin]

I was stationed at HAFB in '72-73 and loved WSNM. Never camped there and there was NO lake back then..Ed

[GraciesMom]

Ed - It looks relatively new and man made. Especially the roads and camping spots surrounding it. You can see the commissary of HAFB from the back east side of the lake. Commissary is new too . . . . anyway, it's a nice place to boondock. Can't eat the fish and can't swim in the lake . . . but it's still nice.