Oliver Lee Memorial State Park New Mexico
Desert oasis at the base of the mountains, offering camping, hiking, and a historic ranch experience near White Sands.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking.
Oliver Lee Memorial State Park New Mexico
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Desert oasis at the base of the mountains, offering camping, hiking, and a historic ranch experience near White Sands.
"A beautiful state park with great views and friendly staff, perfect for exploring the desert."
Book Ahead for Hookups
Sites with water/electric are popular; reserve early! :ticket:
Beat the Desert Heat
Hike early or late to avoid intense daytime temperatures. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dog Canyon Trail
Trailhead
A challenging 5.2-mile hike with significant elevation gain, offering stunning desert landscapes and a rewarding climb.
Historic Ranch House
Visitor Center Area
Explore the remnants of Oliver Lee's 1893 homestead, offering a glimpse into the area's ranching history.
Desert Campground
Campground
Spacious, well-maintained sites with some offering utilities and shade shelters. Clean restrooms and showers available.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Campground Reservations & Fees
Timing Your Visit for Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead for Hookups
Sites with water/electric are popular; reserve early! +1 :ticket:
Beat the Desert Heat
Hike early or late to avoid intense daytime temperatures.
Check Dump Station Status
The dump station may be unavailable due to construction. :information_source:
Bring Reading Glasses
Trail maps can be very small; bring glasses for better readability. :iphone:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead for Hookups
Sites with water/electric are popular; reserve early! +1 :ticket:
Beat the Desert Heat
Hike early or late to avoid intense daytime temperatures.
Check Dump Station Status
The dump station may be unavailable due to construction. :information_source:
Bring Reading Glasses
Trail maps can be very small; bring glasses for better readability. :iphone:
Cancel Unused Reservations
If you can't make it, cancel your reservation so others can use the site. :calendar:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Oliver Lee Memorial State Park for its beautiful desert scenery, peaceful atmosphere, and proximity to White Sands. The campground offers spacious sites, and the staff are frequently noted as friendly and helpful. However, some find the fees, particularly for out-of-state primitive camping, to be overpriced, and shower facilities have received mixed reviews regarding temperature and cleanliness.
"We stayed here two night while in town to visit White Sands National Park. This state park is very nice. Paved loop plenty of big sites. It currently is first come first serve for the time of year and there was nearly every site open. It’s crazy hot in the day so having electricity was very nice. We stayed in site 24 with a 42ft 5th wheel and had plenty of room. The water hookup was leaky so we used the water from our tank not the parks. The dump station is unavailable due to some construction. The park is up next to the mountains and has a great view of everything as far as you can see. White Sands is visible in the distance, it’s about a 25 minute drive to the park. The bathroom and showers are nice and clean. The shower temp is hot or hotter so don’t get too excited for a refreshing cool shower. We enjoyed our time here, it was nice and quiet this time of year. Not many out camping in the heat."
Chancee Wilkinson
"A beautiful ( overpriced ) state park with some of the friendliest employees I've ever met. The trails are nice and range from difficult to easy, the campsites are well maintained and many of them are level. The restrooms were way on the other side of the campground from where I was camping, which was a bit of a disappointment, but I'm sure those that were right next to it wouldn't share that complaint.. ( I wouldn't have wanted to be right next to them .. though they were very clean and the showers were better than most .. there was a slight smell in that area ). When reserving online, you are hit with extra fees, and I believe the total came to $24 for a primitive campsite for out of state guests .. which is ridiculous.
The visitor center has nice displays, and I love that some of the historical features of the area have been kept. I've never paid this much money for a primitive campsite in my life and don't plan to again. There are some great free campsites on BLM land just outside the state park boundaries. Great showers and awesome attendants, custodians, and hosts. The people who work at this state park made it almost worth the price. Bravo."
Rebecca Lents
"This is in the desert but it has great ramadas for a day cookout. The cost is $10 for a day stay. They also have overnight camping.
The have a short trail it’s starts out being an easy kept trail. When it ends it becomes a moderate but still easy to follow trail.
It is a pleasant walk with rattle snake warnings. The trail ends at"
R AB
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Oliver Lee Memorial State Park is located about 15 miles south of Alamogordo, New Mexico. Take US-54 South and turn right onto Oliver Lee Road. Some visitors note the drive can feel a bit rough or questionable at first, but it leads to the park.
Yes, Oliver Lee Memorial State Park is conveniently located about a 25-30 minute drive from White Sands National Park, making it a great base for exploring the area.
The closest major town is Alamogordo, New Mexico, which offers amenities and is a gateway to White Sands National Park. +1
In the past, there have been reports of accidents and flooding causing road closures, particularly on routes leading to Alamogordo. It's always wise to check local traffic conditions before your drive.
Yes, the park has spacious campsites suitable for RVs, including larger ones that can accommodate 42ft fifth wheels.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Camping fees vary. Primitive campsites can cost around $10-$24 for out-of-state visitors, while sites with water and electric hookups are typically $14-$18 per night, plus online booking fees. +1
It is highly recommended to reserve campsites, especially those with hookups, in advance. While some sites are first-come, first-served, popular spots can fill up quickly.
The park generally has day-use hours and overnight camping. Specific hours for the visitor center and facilities may vary, so it's best to check the official park website.
Yes, there is a day-use fee, which was reported to be around $10 for a day stay with access to ramadas for cookouts.
You can try to reserve and pay for a site upon arrival, but booking online in advance is the most reliable way to secure a spot, especially during peak times.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The most notable trail is the challenging Dog Canyon Trail, a 5.2-mile hike with significant elevation gain. There are also shorter, easier trails available, though some find the hiking options limited.
Yes, the park has restrooms and showers. However, some visitors have noted that the showers can be scalding hot and have low water pressure, and the 'comfort station' can be dirty and smelly.
The park preserves the historic ranch of Oliver Milton Lee, homesteaded in 1893. It was a thriving ranch that utilized canyon springs for irrigation and cattle.
As a desert park, you might encounter various desert wildlife. Rattlesnake warnings are posted on some trails, so be aware of your surroundings.
While not a primary focus, some visitors have enjoyed using personal electric devices like unicycles within the park's open spaces.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers stunning desert landscapes, mountain backdrops, and beautiful sunsets. The historic ranch house and the views towards White Sands in the distance are also photogenic.
Yes, the park provides excellent opportunities for sunset photography with its expansive desert vistas and mountain silhouettes.
Absolutely, the historic ranch house is a key feature and a popular subject for photographers interested in the area's history.
The unique desert flora, the rugged mountain terrain, and the vast open skies offer diverse photographic opportunities.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography in the desert environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for the desert heat; pack plenty of water and plan outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day. The campground offers a chance for kids to experience camping, though it's worth noting that shower facilities have received mixed reviews. 💰 Budget Travelers
🚗 RV Campers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park
+1 Visitors are encouraged to cancel reservations if they cannot make it to allow others to use the sites, as unoccupied reserved spots have been an issue. Site selection is important; while many sites are spacious and well-maintained with picnic tables and shade shelters, some reviewers noted a lack of level sites in certain areas.
The dump station has also been reported as unavailable due to construction. +1Hiking and Outdoor Activities
Beyond hiking, the park offers opportunities for exploring the desert landscape and enjoying the natural beauty. The historic ranch house provides a glimpse into the area's past, and the desert garden showcases local flora.
Visitors can also utilize the day-use ramadas for picnics and cookouts. Historical Context of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park
Lee was a prominent figure in the region, and his ranch became a significant operation, utilizing the natural springs in Dog Canyon to irrigate orchards and sustain a large cattle herd. This ranching legacy is preserved within the park, offering visitors a tangible connection to the past. Before Lee's homestead, the land was inhabited by Native peoples, who utilized the canyon's resources. The park's visitor center often features displays that touch upon this earlier history, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the area's human story.
Exploring the ranch house and the surrounding grounds allows visitors to imagine life in this rugged desert environment over a century ago, making the park more than just a natural landscape but also a historical site. 
Social
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