Best Tent Camping near Carlsbad, NM
Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Carlsbad? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Carlsbad. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your New Mexico camping adventure.
Best Tent Sites Near Carlsbad, NM (7)
1. Rattlesnake Canyon - Backcountry Camping — Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Whites City, New Mexico5 Reviews•26 Photos•91 SavesHigh ancient sea ledges, deep rocky canyons, flowering cactus and desert wildlife - treasures above the ground in the Chihuahuan Desert. Hidden beneath the surface are more than 119 caves - formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone leaving behind caverns of all sizes.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers no overnight lodging or campgrounds. Primitive camping is allowed in the backcountry only and requires a free permit which is issued at the park's visitor center when you arrive (not reservable in advance). Overnight RV parking is not permitted in the park. Seven miles (11 km) from the visitor center you will find a campground (RV/tent/cabin) and amenities in White's City.
- Tents
2. Tejas Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Salt Flat, Texas10 Reviews•57 Photos•2 SavesA backcountry use permit is required for all use of these campsites. The extra distance to the Tejas Wilderness Campground is worth the time for those who wish to stay in a more densely forested surrounding. The tall trees provide deep shade in the morning and late afternoon and protection from high winds aloft. Centrally located, the Tejas campground is 5.5 miles from Pine Springs trailhead or 6.2 miles from Dog Canyon.ADA Access: The Tejas Campground is a primitive camping area accessible only by foot trail.
- Tents
3. Mescalero Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Salt Flat, Texas6 Reviews•8 PhotosThe extra distance to the Tejas Wilderness Campground is worth the time for those who wish to stay in a more densely forested surrounding. The tall trees provide deep shade in the morning and late afternoon and protection from high winds aloft. Centrally located, the Tejas campground is 5.5 miles from Pine Springs trailhead or 6.2 miles from Dog Canyon.
- Tents
4. Mckittrick Ridge Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Salt Flat, Texas3 Reviews•8 Photos•7 SavesThe extra distance to the Tejas Wilderness Campground is worth the time for those who wish to stay in a more densely forested surrounding. The tall trees provide deep shade in the morning and late afternoon and protection from high winds aloft. Centrally located, the Tejas campground is 5.5 miles from Pine Springs trailhead or 6.2 miles from Dog Canyon.
- Tents
5. Shumard Canyon Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Salt Flat, Texas1 Review•8 Photos•1 SaveA backcountry use permit is required for all use of these campsites. The extra distance to the Tejas Wilderness Campground is worth the time for those who wish to stay in a more densely forested surrounding. The tall trees provide deep shade in the morning and late afternoon and protection from high winds aloft. Centrally located, the Tejas campground is 5.5 miles from Pine Springs trailhead or 6.2 miles from Dog Canyon.ADA Access: The Tejas Campground is a primitive camping area accessible only by foot trail.
- Tents
6. Bush Mountain Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Salt Flat, Texas1 Review•16 Photos•7 SavesThe extra distance to the Tejas Wilderness Campground is worth the time for those who wish to stay in a more densely forested surrounding. The tall trees provide deep shade in the morning and late afternoon and protection from high winds aloft. Centrally located, the Tejas campground is 5.5 miles from Pine Springs trailhead or 6.2 miles from Dog Canyon.
- Tents
7. Wilderness Ridge Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Be the first to review!Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas•1 SaveA Wilderness Use Permit is required for all use of these campsites. An interesting hike along the Permian Reef Trail meanders up 2,000 feet to Wilderness Ridge where the sudden transition from rock to trees is refreshing. Once on top, the trail is level through forested and open areas and takes you to the edge of the escarpment where the view is outstanding. Wilderness Ridge Campground is in the trees, and worth the extra distance to save the resource from unnecessary damage.
- Tents
$6 - $48 / night
Recent Tent Reviews in Carlsbad
287 Reviews of 7 Carlsbad Campgrounds
ron R.
Ranger
Whites City Road Dispersed Camp
Looks like the area is no longer available for camping
I drove up to the area and a long the path they have put a row of rocks and gravel about a foot foot and a half tall to keep people from driving through so you can't access the dirt path to get to the area anymore. Also there was some clearing about two miles before that closer to the highway that had a sign that said area closed road closed no camping no soliciting
- SSteven L.
Traveler
Hackberry Lake OHV Area
Nice but can be noisy
Several level Gravel sites with covered picnic table. Pit toilets. OHV access point so it can be noisy. This time not too bad just a small group of rvs group together. Last time it was empty. 14 day limit
Kara S.
Guide
Parks Ranch Campground
Beautiful and quiet
We headed past the open campsite, first dirt road on the right then veered left and ended up at a fire ring site. It was quiet and we were far enough from the road that the cars were not a bother. Unfortunately it was extremely windy that night and we had to close up our rooftop tent and sleeping the truck. But overall site was lovely.
- SSteven L.Traveler
Hackberry Lake
Beautiful nothing
Large open area with washed out hills. Access was easy but the road back does have issues because of gully wash. It was lightly raining when I arrived and I did a bit of a walkabout before it got dark. Many flat spots to choose from. Ground is a white flaky soil. But saw no problems with sinking into it. Might be a different story if there is a hard rain.
- SShawnGuide
Brantley Lake State Park Campground
Windy but peaceful
Way off the beaten path. It happened to be extra windy the day I was there. Nice desert/lake view. Quiet. No working dump station right now. Ranger was very friendly and helpful.
Mangla S.
Scout
Sunset Reef Campground
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Sunset Reef Campground offers a scenic getaway with beautiful ocean views and well-maintained facilities. Perfect for nature lovers, the campground provides clean restrooms, cozy campfire spots, and easy beach access, making it a great spot for family and friends. Plus, for a seamless gaming experience, connect your devices to Bloxstrap—ensuring smooth, optimized gameplay while enjoying the tranquility of nature. Highly recommended for a balanced outdoor and digital retreat.https://getbloxstrap.app/download/
- KKim G.Ranger
Brantley Lake State Park Campground
Well-priced overnight stop
We stayed here before going to Carlsbad Caverns. Pros: only $14 for electric and water site. Sites well spaced and private. Easy to make online reservations. Clean bathrooms with flush toilets and showers. Friendly staff. Cons: ran out of hot water when no one else was showering. Not much to do here if you are not using the lake (which seems low). Pretty far from anything. I’d stay again if needing a spot while passing through, but wouldn’t make a point of coming here just for the campground.
- mmichael T.Guide
Sunset Reef Campground
Sunset campground is near perfect
The road in is a bit rough to travel but it’s less than one mile off the paved road . The sites are well marked and each site has a canopy over a cement slab with a grill , trash can and a picnic table . Five outta five stars …. It very close to Carlsbad Park
- UUT801Ranger
Pine Springs Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
GREAT locale for hiking in Guadalupe Mtns.
If not for the great locale for hiking, this would be a 2 star (nice views). As noted in other reviews, this is a paved parking lot, with sites in middle being parking spaces. Parking on perimeter have some tables. Due to middle spaces being pull through parking spaces, with the markers on ground and receipt post across street there was a misunderstanding with a couple of hikers who parked in wrong place and so camper who paid waited and waited for them to finish their hike (hikes here can take all day). IF you can, mark your spot with something before you leave.
We did not reserve but got last spot 27 for a Mon/Tues stay. Nice clean bathrooms with flush toilets and soap. Campground is adjacent to trailhead parking so busy and some parked cars overnight. Nice view of stars and milky way. Only 1 short trail for dogs.
We also used this as base to go to Carlsbad Caverns.
- AAndrew M.Ranger
Brantley Lake State Park Campground
Another great example of a NM state Park
Well appointed. Easy to make the reservation online. Clearly marked sites with convenient stone-marked pathways to the restrooms/shower. Hot showers, clean bathrooms.
All states should be this good
Campsites all have covered eating area although early and late sun can get under it.
Palma G.Scout
Shumard Canyon Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
love
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David J.Scout
Tejas Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
beautiful
This is the place where nature is most generous with beautiful scenery like in a picture. If I have the chance, I will definitely come here Geometry Dash Scratch once in my life with my companion.
Krajcik J.ScoutTejas Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
good
This tourist area Fall Guys has many interesting activities
Hưng N.Scout
Mescalero Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
thanh you
I really like natural places like this, the air here is definitely good and that is strands something that many people want to enjoy. I will try to arrange time to come here and explore it.
Kaloo D.ScoutTejas Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
a dream destination for true nature lovers
Tejas Wilderness Campground neal fun in Guadalupe Mountains National Park sounds like a dream destination for true nature lovers and those seeking a break from the hustle of modern life. The remote, tent-only setup offers a pure, immersive experience, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and deep shade from tall trees—perfect for those hot Texas summers. While the absence of amenities like electric hookups or showers might be a drawback for some, it’s exactly what makes this spot ideal for a peaceful retreat. Just be sure to come prepared with water and enjoy the beauty of the wilderness!
Lily C.ScoutTejas Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
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Five Nights at Freddy's is a perfect horror game for those who love thrills and suspense. Put yourself in the role of a night security guard and experience the tension of surviving each night facing terrifying robots is an unforgettable experience!
- Lily C.Scout
Pine Springs Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Monkey Mart
Monkey Mart is an incredibly engaging shopping simulation game! I love how the game combines store management and shopping experience, creating a fun and engaging world. If you like creative and fun games, give it a try!
- hhankmertzScout
Pine Springs Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Slope Game
Roll and jump over all challenges, explore the world of Slope Game.
deray L.ScoutPine Springs Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
verry good
The bou's revenge is a 3D horror game developed by POLARIZE DEVELOPERS, inspired by the popular Pou game? In this game, you will start by taking care of Bou, a cute creature, but things quickly become weird and scary. Unexpected and frightening events will challenge your patience and puzzle-solving skills.
- Mary T.Guide
Carlsbad KOA
Nice place to camp
Nice gravel sites. Wide roads to get into sites. Pool, playground. Restrooms OK. Only issue not great Wifi.
montana R.GuideTejas Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Origin of the Name
Tejas” is derived from the Caddo Native American word meaning“friend” or“ally.” Spanish explorers adopted the term, which eventually evolved into“Texas.” hydra launcher
Oren A.TravelerMescalero Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
thanks
For those who prefer a more densely forested slitherio setting, the extra distance to the Tejas Wilderness Campground is well worth the effort.
- Oren A.Traveler
Tejas Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
thanks
FNF has inspired a wave of fan art and music covers, showcasing the creativity of its community. This fan engagement adds to the game's cultural impact.
- nnytwordlehintsScout
Mescalero Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
very good
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Arrington M.ScoutMescalero Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
great
It's a great spot known for its scenic beauty and Drift Hunters opportunities for hiking and exploring.
- RRobert F.Guide
Avalon Lake Dispersed
Lakeside camping
Cool spot, but beware of NAILS! Other than that, some night you might get some loud locals riding OHV on the other side of the lake.
Texas Roving RangerGuideBrantley Lake State Park Campground
Limestone Campground
Arrived towards the end of July on a Sunday evening. Campground was largely empty. Some sites are marked "Reservation Only" however there were plenty of walk up sites to choose from. Sites were spaced out very well. Each site has the usual grill, and picnic table. Tables were shielded from the elements by a shade shelter roof. Fire rings were absent.
We especially liked the QR code on the campsite number post that allows you to link directly to the website and pay for your site. No need for exact cash or a visit to the park office.
All facilities were well maintained. Trails were easy to follow.
As with most desert like environments, all the plants want to kill you. Be careful going off trail and don't let your pets wander.
RV dump station was convenient on our way out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Carlsbad, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Carlsbad, NM is Rattlesnake Canyon - Backcountry Camping — Carlsbad Caverns National Park with a 4.6-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Carlsbad, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Carlsbad, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.