Water comes with you
No potable water is supplied. Plan the ride length around the point forecast.
NWS point forecast ↗ · Seasons →More than a roadside sand patch
BLM describes dunes more than 90 feet high across over 610 acres. The Bowl is the northern riding feature; Cottonwood serves the southern portion, with trails linking them. Decide which parking area the group will use before unloading.
BLM dune and staging description · Checked September 10, 2026
The dunes east of Roswell
Mescalero Sands North Dune OHV Area combines more than 610 acres of sand with mature cottonwoods. The Bowl serves the northern dunes; Cottonwood provides access to the southern portion.
BLM destination guide · Checked September 10, 2026
Choose Bowl or Cottonwood
Put the parking area and water load in the group plan.
Site fee and OHV permission
Separate BLM entry from New Mexico machine requirements.
Why cottonwoods grow here
Follow the connection between quartz sand and groundwater.
Conditions & trip planning
Wind changes the sand
Quartz dunes shift under prevailing southwest winds. Scout the first loop.
NWS warnings ↗Open year-round
BLM lists year-round use and no potable water. Temporary restrictions remain separate from that regular schedule.
BLM Roswell notices ↗Vehicle day use: $5
BLM currently lists $5 vehicle day use. Verify the posted fee and state OHV requirements.
Highways ↗ · Fees & rules →Roswell or Tatum on US 380
BLM points riders to Tatum or Roswell for food and gas. No live station prices here.
Towns & services →Local planning facts shown above. A fresh NWS forecast and alerts replace the weather text when available.
Free Dune Guide USA ArcadeA little sand.
A little sand.
A lot of adventure.
Pick a ride and explore the network’s available virtual adventures before the real weekend begins.
Enter the free Arcade →Play in your browser. Virtual adventures do not replace current maps or riding rules.
Camp Compass · Free safety toolMark camp.
Mark camp.
Find your way back.
Save camp before you ride. Camp Compass uses your phone’s GPS to show the distance and direction back, even beyond cell service.
Set it up before the trip. Installation needs a connection. Save your actual camp location when you arrive.
Read and share Camp Compass stories →Build a better weekend
Open trip planner →Your dune trip, in one simple plan.
Independent visitor guide. Published by MCKINNEY DIGITAL HOLDINGS LLC. Not affiliated with or endorsed by BLM Roswell.
Sources reviewed September 10, 2026. Current agency notices and on-site signs control.