Yes. We camped overnight there and spent the day at White Sands.

You certainly could do that if it's open, but recent reports indicate that it is locked down

Yep. That's exactly what we did.

When we were there last time a year ago (sept 19) the gate was locked. I do not know how the situation is now.

We saw people doing it like that.

We left our RV and car trailer there as we took our passenger car to White Sands, so unless a lot has changed since March, I don’t see why not.