Best Campgrounds near Dell City, TX

Dell City, Texas serves as a gateway to several campgrounds in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, including Pine Springs Campground and Dog Canyon Campground. The area features a mix of established campgrounds and more secluded options like More Travel Less Talk, which offers yurts and cabins. Tent camping is available throughout the region, with wilderness campgrounds such as Guadalupe Peak, Tejas, and Mescalero providing backcountry experiences. RV sites are limited but can be found at Pine Springs Campground and Mountain View RV Park, though many lack hookups. Proximity to both Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Carlsbad Caverns makes this location strategic for exploring both parks.

Road conditions and accessibility vary significantly throughout the region, with many campgrounds requiring preparation for remote conditions. Tent sites at Pine Springs are walk-in style while RV sites are essentially a paved parking lot. The climate can be extreme, with summer temperatures soaring during the day and dropping significantly at night. Winter brings potential for snow at higher elevations. Water availability is limited, with no sources available on mountain trails or at wilderness campgrounds. Visitors should arrive with full gas tanks and all necessary supplies, as services are minimal. "The closest gas station is in Dell City (about a 30 minute drive) that is also the closest place to get food or ice, so just be prepared!"

Campers consistently highlight the spectacular views and stargazing opportunities throughout the area. Pine Springs Campground receives praise for its convenient access to multiple trailheads, including the popular Guadalupe Peak trail to the highest point in Texas. Many reviewers note the trade-off between convenience and aesthetics at the developed campgrounds. One visitor described More Travel Less Talk as "an incredible spot" with "yurts, cabins, power and all amenities," offering "soooo peaceful and beautiful" surroundings just "15 minutes from Dell City for supplies." Dog Canyon Campground is noted for being cooler and having more shelter than Pine Springs due to its elevation. Wilderness campgrounds receive high marks for solitude and pristine natural settings, though they require significant hiking to access.

Best Camping Sites Near Dell City, Texas (27)

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Recent Reviews near Dell City, TX

287 Reviews of 27 Dell City Campgrounds


  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Sunset Reef Campground

    Very Nice - FREE

    Probably would have found faster if had this app.  Nice clean campground with bathroom.  Very open & no trees.  Stayed here 3 nights in my vehicle mid-April 2025 while i visited the 2 National Parks in the area (Guadalupe & Carlsbad). I could be over-rating but hard not too since it was free & had a bathroom facilities.

  • J W.
    Jun. 15, 2025

    Sunset Reef Campground

    Great BLM Site!

    Nice Quiet Clean campground. Beautiful views of the Guadalupe Range. Can see the Carlsbad Caverns Visitor center from the site. Free campground! Trash ca s and clean well stocked pit toilet also has tent camping. Fire pit, grill, and covered picnic table. Beautiful sunrise.

  • Britley B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2025

    Sunset Reef Campground

    Convenient

    Originally was going to stay somewhere else and then didn’t like it when we got there. We came across this place and loved it. Had a bathroom which was nice because we camped in a tent!

  • Nicki S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 25, 2025

    Sunset Reef Campground

    Nice and FREE

    I didn’t get a photo of the sign with the rules, but you are able to stay here for five nights for free. There are five tent pads and five pull-ins for RVs, but there were also RVs just parked on the edge wherever they wanted to be. We came here because each site has a SHELTER that kept the sun off of us for a few hours (and a picnic table, fire ring, charcoal grill, and trash cans) AND there was a pit toilet. It did get a little noisy when a group of college students arrived and then some other rando had to show his dominance by blasting music out of his truck for two hours, but not a bad spot. Tent pad was a huge relief after a few nights of straight rocks.

  • Haley L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 11, 2025

    Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping

    Perfect spot

    Car camped May 11 after full day of hiking at Guadalupe NP. Only passed 2 other cars on my way through the site. Road is a little bumpy, but my small non-sporty SUV made it easily all the way through. Very quiet, clean. A little windy, which was nice in the day, but got cold at night. Beautiful view of the sunrise in the morning. Would highly recommend this site to anyone going to the National parks

  • Alakzandar N.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping

    If it rains, you could get stuck

    I tried to make it all the way down. There was a spot that not safe, it only rained a little and there was a mud pit. Had to turn around. (I don't suggest low clearance)

  • Alakzandar N.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    Chosa Campground

    Easy 2wd / No worries

    This is just a big rocky/sandy lot. Perfect for RV's and there is even 4/5? Tent raised areas. This place is perfect if you're worried about getting stuck elsewhere, or if your vehicle can't make it elsewhere.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 27, 2025

    Camp Washington Ranch

    Nice little gem in the desert

    We stayed 3 nights. They have 3 spots next to each other (with some space) in full sun, dirt-road style, no tables at sites. The cool thing is that you’re in an oasis. It got to 89 degrees and we sat under the trees with our chairs & we used their picnic tables waiting for it to cool off. We do not have AC in our Scamp. Showers had very hot water & were clean. Note that despite it stating that they have full hookups, the sewer pipes are next to site A. So it’s really a dump station area. The owner & staff were really nice.


Guide to Dell City

Guadalupe Mountains National Park dominates the landscape surrounding Dell City, Texas. At lower elevations, the region experiences temperature swings of 30°F between day and night, with summer highs frequently exceeding 100°F and winter nights dropping below freezing. The backcountry camping spots within the park require permits obtained at visitor centers, while established campgrounds fill quickly on weekends and during spring and fall peak seasons.

What to do

Hike McKittrick Canyon trails: Accessible from the northeast side of the park, approximately 35 miles from Dell City. McKittrick Ridge Wilderness Campground offers hikers prime access to canyon exploration. "You need a permit to camp here. Two ways to approach with different difficulty levels, both 8 miles of backpacking and both are lovely. There's a little cave along the trail!" notes Dan N.

Backcountry camping adventure: For experienced hikers, the park's wilderness campgrounds provide solitude away from established sites. The hike to Tejas Wilderness Campground requires preparation but rewards with natural seclusion. "The hike up has great views, then you drop down in a valley for the camp sites. They supply tent pads only," explains Barbara G., noting that "the cold settled in fast. This would be a great site for the summer due to the tree coverage or on windy nights since you're protected."

Visit Carlsbad Caverns: Many campers use Dell City as a base for visiting both parks in one trip. "We also used this as base to go to Carlsbad Caverns," writes Mark M., demonstrating how Pine Springs Campground serves as a convenient staging area for exploring both parks despite being essentially "a paved parking lot."

What campers like

Private tent sites: Tent camping at Pine Springs offers more privacy than the RV section. "The tent camping sites are all private making it a very peaceful experience! The views are beautiful with access to several hiking trails. There are vault toilets at the tent sites with flush toilets at the rv lot," explains Robin B.

Secluded family-owned options: Located closer to Dell City, More Travel Less Talk provides a welcoming alternative to park campgrounds. "Great small family owned and lived at campground. A nice couple that has sites at their place literally setting right in front of the Guadalupe Mountains. 20 some minutes away from Guadalupe national Park. Minutes from Dell City," reports Raymond C., who appreciates this "quiet, secluded place" as "a great option to the overcrowded Pine Springs Campground."

Northern access point: Dog Canyon Campground sits on the northern side of the park, offering different perspectives and typically cooler conditions. "Though it is located in the desert in the middle of December it was still pretty warm. There were a total of 9 sites but only two were occupied. The sites were fairly huge," shares Jasmine L., who stayed for two nights despite the park's no-campfire rule.

What you should know

Limited services: The entire region surrounding Dell City requires self-sufficiency. One camper advises: "Have a full tank of gas. Bring your propane stove - fires are not allowed in any of the campgrounds." This remoteness extends to Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground, where one backpacker encountered challenges: "Note: your phone might switch back and forth between mountain time. This was a bit of an issue for us because our plan was to wake 90mins before sunrise."

Water planning essential: No water sources exist on trails or at backcountry sites. For peak hikers, this means carrying all water needed. "You'll need to carry all of your water for your ascent and descent so be prepared to haul 4 to 8 liters depending on the season, heat and personal needs," advises Troy W.

Weather extremes: Wind conditions can change rapidly, especially at exposed sites. One camper at Pine Springs reported: "At the Pine Springs campsite the winds picked up speed and for the rest of the day and into the night. Many tents in the campground were collapsing or blowing down. Luckily we had secured our tents with extra cordage and rocks."

Tips for camping with families

Dog Canyon for less crowded experience: With more space between sites and typically lower visitation, the northern entrance provides a calmer family camping environment. "Short walk to the campsites from the parking lot. The campground is extremely quiet and peaceful," notes Allison G.

Start hikes early: Summer heat makes morning departures essential. For families planning to hike Guadalupe Peak with older children, timing matters: "The hike typically take about 4 hours up and 3 hours down. We left early at 8am so that we could avoid the potential crowds."

Consider tent sites over RV areas: Families in tents will find more comfortable accommodations in designated tent areas. "Campers should know that despite being small and 'unknown' this campground fills up without warning. The pit toilets are NOT smelly and there is a water source. You will need to hike a short distance in to your tent site but it is totally worth it!" explains Erica S. about Pine Springs Campground.

Tips from RVers

RV size limitations: Most park campgrounds accommodate smaller RVs only. At Dog Canyon, one RVer notes: "I cannot imagine that these sites will accommodate rigs over 25'." Site selection matters too: "RV-A, and RV-D are on the ends. These are the best sites. RV-D is the best site if you can park your RV nose first. This makes sitting area more private."

Alternative options outside park: For those needing full hookups, Mountain View RV Park offers facilities not available within park boundaries. "This RV park is Awesome. They offer full hook ups and a Laundry Room. It is run by a friendly family who lives on the property. It is approximately 30 minutes to Guadaloupe, TX," reports Huey J.

Overnight preparation: No generators are allowed at Pine Springs after 8pm, making battery or solar power essential. "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," warns one camper, suggesting RVers "mark your spot with something before you leave."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Dell City, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, Dell City, TX offers a wide range of camping options, with 27 campgrounds and RV parks near Dell City, TX and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Dell City, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dell City, TX is Pine Springs Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park with a 4.2-star rating from 45 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dell City, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Dell City, TX.