The Mescalero Sands North Dune OHV area is located just off of US-380 in the New Mexico desert, west of the Texas/New Mexico state line. This federally-managed recreation area consists of 610 acres of buff to light red sand dunes that can reach as much as ninety feet in height. As you might have guessed by the name, it’s primarily used by off-highway vehicle users, but we found that on weekdays it’s a wonderful place to stop and explore on your way to or from Roswell.
Fees For Mescalero Sands North Dune OHV Area
All visitors must pay an entry fee, ($3 per person or $5 for vehicles withe 2 or more persons). You can pay the entry fee by scanning a QR code on the sign at the entrance. If you have an America The Beautiful park pass you don’t have to pay any additional fees. Additional requirements may exist for off-highway vehicles, so be sure to check the sign at the entrance if planning to ride off-road.
Things to See and Do at Mescalero Sands North Dune OHV
Please note that while most stock vehicles are capable of driving the main dirt road into the area, off-road driving in the sand is best left to those with highly specialized vehicles. The extremely fine sand, when dry and loose, can easily get even lifted 4×4’s “good and stuck” in just a short distance off the main road.
- OHV riding in the dunes
- Nature viewing (best on non-busy days)
- Picnicking at one of several shaded tables in the Bowl Parking area and Cottonwood site – each have BBQ grills.
- Exploring the dunes on foot. (Exercise caution and watch for off-road vehicles).
- Dispersed camping in the dunes. (Must have an all-terrain vehicle capable of traveling in deep sand).
- RV camping is allowed in the north, middle, and south parking lots.
We Had The Place All to Ourselves
On a Tuesday, we stopped in on our way back from a recent off-road camping trip in the Lincoln National Forest and had all of Mescalero Sands North OHV area to ourselves for the two hours we stayed. Despite the heavy weekend and holiday use by OHV enthusiasts, nature seems to find a way to coexist. While we were there we saw several hawks, desert tortoise, coyotes, quail and lots of small lizards in the dunes.
The shallow water table here supports a surprising number of large cottonwood trees, which can be found scattered between the dunes.
Dogs Are Allowed at Mescalero Sands North Dune OHV Area
Dogs are allowed on or off-leash at Mescalero Sands North Dune OHV area; however, we’d recommend you keep them by your side if there are OHV users four-wheeling in the dunes. Our dogs had a blast there and it was a very welcome stop for stretching our legs on the long drive from Ruidoso to Austin.
Directions To Mescalero Sands North Dune OHV Area
From Roswell, travel east 45 miles on US 380 and turn south at the sign. From Tatum, travel west 27 miles on US 380.
Please follow us to learn about more fun places to stop when traveling with your dogs across the USA!
Information Sources
Guide to BLM Camping Areas, 2nd Edition
Mescalero Sands North Dune OHV area info on BLM website.
