NRA Whittington Center

Tucked into the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains just outside Raton, New Mexico, the NRA Whittington Center spans 33,300 acres of high desert and mountain terrain. It is one of the largest and most complete civilian shooting and outdoor recreation facilities in the country. Founded in 1973 and named for former NRA President George R. Whittington, the center was created to give shooters, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts a permanent place free from the pressures of urban development. Today it operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and you do not need to be an NRA member to visit.

What You'll Find There

The developed portion of the property includes a wide range of ranges covering nearly every shooting discipline: high-power rifle, smallbore, pistol, silhouette, benchrest, black powder, and archery. The Shotgun Center is one of the largest in the country, with trap, skeet, five-stand, and sporting clays. Long-range and extreme long-range shooters will find steel targets stretching well beyond a mile, with some opportunities out past 3,700 yards.

Beyond the ranges, the center offers guided and unguided big-game hunts (elk, mule deer, pronghorn, turkey, black bear), the Frank Brownell Museum of the Southwest, Whittington University training courses, a Youth Adventure Camp for ages 13–17, lodging options from modern cabins to full-hookup RV sites, and access to historic landmarks including a section of the Santa Fe Trail and the Van Houten ghost town. Elevations run from roughly 6,300 to over 8,000 feet, and elk, pronghorn, mule deer, and turkey are commonly seen on the property.

Youth Adventure Camp

The Youth Adventure Camp is one of the standout programs at the Whittington Center. Our son Chance attended the camp this year and had an amazing experience. He came home with new skills, confidence, and plenty of stories from the ranges and the property. We'll have an article from him about his time at camp coming soon.

Founders Weekend

If you want an easy way to get familiar with everything the Whittington Center has to offer, Founders Weekend (also called Donor Appreciation Weekend) is one of the best options. Held every year over Labor Day weekend since the early 1990s, the event is designed to thank the members and donors who have supported the center.

The weekend typically includes shooting activities and games, live and silent auctions, meals, live entertainment, museum tours, and plenty of time to meet other visitors and staff. It is a relaxed, social atmosphere that lets you experience the ranges, lodging, and grounds without having to plan every detail yourself. Many first-time visitors use it as their introduction to the property.

One notable member of the Whittington Center is singer-songwriter Michael Martin Murphey, best known for his classic hit "Wildfire." He has performed at Founders Weekend events in the past. Higher-level members often attend at reduced or no cost; other supporters can register for a fee. Lodging fills up, so reserving early is recommended. Check nrawc.org for current dates and registration details.

Practical Notes

Ranges are generally open from sunrise to sunset. The Shotgun Center and administrative buildings have set hours. Call ahead at 800-494-4853 for availability, especially during summer and major events. Daily range fees apply for casual shooting, and lodging is available to the general public.

Visitors consistently describe the facility as well-maintained, the staff as helpful, and the setting as impressive. The combination of serious shooting infrastructure and open Western landscape is hard to match elsewhere. Whether you come for a weekend of range time, a guided hunt, a training course, the Youth Adventure Camp, or simply to explore the property during Founders Weekend, the NRA Whittington Center delivers a full outdoor experience on a scale few other places can offer.