National Parks in New Mexico
New Mexico has 2 national parks: Carlsbad Caverns National Park, White Sands National Park. Carlsbad Caverns requires a reservation in season.
Fees and rules checked against NPS.gov · Updated October 6, 2026
Carlsbad Caverns
New Mexico
A huge limestone cave system under the Chihuahuan Desert, plus a nightly summer bat flight
Free entryReservation needed
White Sands
New Mexico
Wave after wave of brilliant white gypsum dunes in the Tularosa Basin
$25 per car
Compare the parks
| Park | Entry | Reservation | Best time to go | How long to stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlsbad Caverns | Free entry | Required in season | Late spring through early fall is best for the bat flights (peaking in August and September), while the cave itself stays 56 degrees and is good any time of year. | One day covers the cavern; stay the evening for the bat flight. |
| White Sands | $25 per car | Not required | October, November, March and April bring mild temperatures, while summer is very hot and winter mornings can be below freezing. | Half a day to one full day is enough for most visitors. |
Nearby parks in other states
- Guadalupe Mountains National ParkTexas · about 29 miles as the crow flies
- Big Bend National ParkTexas · about 210 miles as the crow flies
- Petrified Forest National ParkArizona · about 257 miles as the crow flies
- Saguaro National ParkArizona · about 269 miles as the crow flies
- Mesa Verde National ParkColorado · about 331 miles as the crow flies
See the full list of U.S. national parks · Open the park map · Compare park passes