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."
