Best Camping near Dell City, TX

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Dell City, TX has a lot to offer. Dell City is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Dell City and user-submitted reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near Dell City, TX (24)

    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Springs Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Springs Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Springs Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Springs Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Springs Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Springs Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    1. Pine Springs Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    46 Reviews
    138 Photos
    175 Saves
    Salt Flat, Texas

    Overview

    The Pine Springs RV campground is not a traditional campground. Be aware, this is a paved parking lot. The area shares a popular and busy trailhead accessing four major trails. The area is frequently congested with day use hikers searching for available parking and with foot traffic from overflow parking areas. Before booking a reservation: It is your responsibility to review all (Site Details, Allowable Equipment, Allowable Vehicle/Driveway and Need to Know) for the individual campsite. Failing to do so may result in being prohibited from occupying the site upon your arrival. Refunds are not provided by the park. Pine Springs Campground is located near the Pine Springs Visitor Center, just off U.S. 62/180 and at an elevation of 5,730 feet. The location offers great hiker access to the Guadalupe Mountains National Park trail system. The campground is situated at the opening to the Pine Springs Canyon with spectacular views of the worlds best example of a fossil reef and of the vast Permian Basin to the east. The campground is open year-round and is busiest, March-May and September-November. High winds with over 50 mph gusts are common, especially during winter and spring.

    Recreation

    The Pine Springs Trailhead includes access to many different types of hikes. Hikes to Guadalupe Peak or the Bowl are strenuous, 8-9 miles, and have 2500-3000 feet of elevation gain. Another strenuous hike is the Devils Hall Trail (4.2 miles round-trip, 500 feet elevation gain, of the trail in a rocky, uneven wash which includes route-finding and boldering skills). For a more moderate hike consider the the Frijole/Foothills Trail. The El Capitan Trail offers excellent open views of the surrounding desert and close approaches to the cliff face of El Capitan. Because of its distance, lack of shade, some primitive route travel, and numerous elevation changes, this trail is best saved for cooler times of year and for people with experience in route-finding. The ruins of a Butterfield stage station, called the Pinery are next to the highway, and a short, paved nature trail connects the visitor center and the historic site. The Frijole Ranch & History Museum is 1.5 miles away. The grounds are always open, but the museum is staffed intermittently. Seven miles to the east on Hwy 62/180 is McKittrick Canyon. This area offers three trails, the McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail (0.9 miles loop), McKittrick Canyon Trail (4.8 miles round-trip to Pratt Cabin or 6.8 miles round-trip to the Grotto) and the Permian Reef Trail (8.4 miles round-trip, for serious geology buffs).

    Natural Features

    The Pine Springs Campground is in an area with small, scattered trees, shrubs, and grasses. Trees include gray oaks and alligator junipers, which cast partial shade at some sites. Texas madrones, bigtooth maples, chinquapin oaks, and ponderosa pines become more common along the canyon floor. Higher elevations include Douglas fir and hop-hornbeam. Shrubs include whitethorn acacia, Mexican orange, Apache plume, sumacs, and algerita. Desert-adapted plants also occur in this area, and include prickly pear cactus, New Mexico agave, sotols, and soaptree yuccas. Hunter Peak and cross-sectional views of the Capitan reef are visible from the campground. Roadside pullouts (one mile and four miles away) provide excellent views of El Capitan. Hiking into Pine Springs canyon or along the foothills reveals Guadalupe Peak. The Guadalupe Peak trail ascends to the highest point in Texas and offers excellent views of the surrounding desert. Birds commonly seen and/or heard around the campground can include Canyon towhees, turkey vultures, white-winged doves, common ravens, chipping sparrows, Says phoebes, common poorwills, and phainopeplas depending on the season. Night sky visibility is excellent and nearly pristine directly overhead, to the south, and the southwest. Nearby high ridges and peaks are situated to the west and north.

    Nearby Attractions

    Carlsbad Caverns National Park: In addition to a variety of cave tours, the national park also offers hiking trails and a scenic drive. Rattlesnake Springs and Slaughter Canyon, part of Carlsbad Caverns are nearer attractions for day use activities. Birding is excellent at Rattlesnake Springs. Lincoln National Forest: The Guadalupe District of the Lincoln National Forest is located just over the state line, north of the national park. Road access is through New Mexico, north of Whites City, via Dark Canyon Road to NM SR 137 through Queen (also the way to the national parks Dog Canyon). The forest provides for various camping, hiking, caving, hunting, and picnicking opportunities. Sitting Bull Falls is a nice waterfall and picnic area in the Lincoln National Forest. Five Point Vista is a glorious ridge road ride of the area, closer to Dog Canyon. Fort Davis National Historic Site and State Park: Fort Davis is one of the best surviving examples of an Indian Wars' frontier military post in the Southwest. From 1854 to 1891, Fort Davis was strategically located to protect emigrants, mail coaches, and freight wagons on the Trans-Pecos portion of the San Antonio-El Paso Road and on the Chihuahua Trail. This is located about 2.5 hours south of the park. A state park is located nearby with camping and a scenic drive. Also located in Fort Davis is McDonald Observatory with several programs available. White Sands National Park: Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world's great natural wonders - the glistening white sands of New Mexico. Great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert, creating the world's largest gypsum dunefield. White Sands National Park preserves a major portion of this unique dunefield, along with the plants and animals that live here. Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site: Hueco Tanks State Park is located on the east side of El Paso, about an hour and a half from the Guadalupes. At Hueco Tanks, you can hike, rock climb, bird watch, study nature and history, picnic and stargaze. Visitors can take guided and self-guided tours to view rock imagery.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Individual Site: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you modify your reservation or change your stay dates. Cancelling your reservation prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time two nights before your stay will incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. Camping reservations cancelled the day before and day of arrival incur a $10 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. If you need to cancel or modify your reservation, you must do so through Recreation.gov. Group Site: Customers who cancel a group overnight reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee & forfeit the first night's use fee.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $60 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Springs Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Springs Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Springs Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Springs Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Springs Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Springs Campground

    2. Pine Springs Campground

    17 Reviews
    90 Photos
    36 Saves
    Salt Flat, Texas

    Pine Springs Campground is a simple, desert camping area situated at the base of the mountain. Individual campsites are all at a first come, first served basis. There is no reservation system.

    Campground conveniences include: potable water, accessible flush-toilet restrooms , utility sink, pay telephones, and a drink machine. There are no showers available in the campground.

    Tent campers have a choice of 20 leveled, gravel sites. Small junipers and oaks partially shade most of the sites and each site has a picnic table. Numbers are limited to 6 people or 2 tents per site.

    The RV camping area is a paved parking lot with 19 sites to choose from. RV sites are defined by painted lines and numbers on the pavement. There are no hook-ups and there is no dump station. RV water tanks can be filled from an outside water faucet near the registration board. RV campsite #21 is wheelchair accessible.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Dog Canyon Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dog Canyon Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dog Canyon Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dog Canyon Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dog Canyon Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dog Canyon Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    3. Dog Canyon Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    15 Reviews
    68 Photos
    20 Saves
    Dell City, Texas

    Overview

    Dog Canyon is a 70-mile drive from the nearest town of Carlsbad, New Mexico and is 110 miles from the Pine Spring Visitor Center & Campground (a 2 hour drive time). Before booking a reservation: It is your responsibility to review all (Site Details, Allowable Equipment, Allowable Vehicle/Driveway and Need to Know) for the individual campsite. Failing to do so may result in being prohibited from occupying the site upon your arrival. Refunds are not provided by the park. Dog Canyon Campground lies in the secluded, forested canyon on the north side of Guadalupe Mountains National Park at an elevation of 6,300 feet. It is located at the end of NM Hwy. 137 (Queen Highway). This quiet location is great for relaxing, wildlife watching and hiking. The campground is open year-round and is busiest, March-May and September-November.

    Recreation

    Trails from Dog Canyon offer good access, with relatively easy grades, to the high country of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The hike to Lost Peak is 6.4 miles round-trip, is considered strenuos and has 1500 elevation gain. The hike to Marcus Overlook is 4.5 miles round-trip, is considered moderate with an 800' elevation gain. The Indian Meadow Nature Trail near the campground is 0.6 miles and winds around a grassy area surrounded by a mix of broadleaved evergreens, deciduous trees, and pines.

    Natural Features

    The Dog Canyon Campground is in an area with wooded drainages, meadows, and grassy hillsides and sparsely vegetated outcrops. Large alligator junipers, oaks, maples, madrones, pi__on and ponderosa pine are in and near the campground. Shrubs include ceanothus, sumacs, mahonia, and mountain mahogany. Desert-adapted plants include a variety of prickly pear cactus, agave, and chollas. Western scrub jays, acorn woodpeckers, and a variety of hummingbirds frequent the area. Mule deer are commonly seen. Algerita ridge casts morning shade, and cool mountain air settles in the canyon bottom nightly. Daytime highs are similar to the Pine Springs area, but nighttime lows can be much cooler. Views of the night sky are pristine. During the Permian Period, shallow marine water that was behind the Capitan Reef, created a series of layers of limestone and sandstone. Faulting and subsequent erosion created the canyon. Nearby topographic features include Lost Peak, Blue Ridge, West Dog Canyon, and the Brokeoff and Cutoff Mountains.

    Contact Info

    This location has limited staffing. Please call (915) 828-3251 for general information.

    Nearby Attractions

    Carlsbad Caverns National Park: In addition to a variety of cave tours, the national park also offers hiking trails and a scenic drive. Rattlesnake Springs and Slaughter Canyon, part of Carlsbad Caverns are nearer attractions for day use activities. Birding is excellent at Rattlesnake Springs. Lincoln National Forest: The Guadalupe District of the Lincoln National Forest is located just over the state line, north of the national park. Road access is through New Mexico, north of Whites City, via Dark Canyon Road to NM SR 137 through Queen (also the way to the national parks Dog Canyon). The forest provides for various camping, hiking, caving, hunting, and picnicking opportunities. Sitting Bull Falls is a nice waterfall and picnic area in the Lincoln National Forest. Five Point Vista is a glorious ridge road ride of the area, closer to Dog Canyon. Fort Davis National Historic Site and State Park: Fort Davis is one of the best surviving examples of an Indian Wars' frontier military post in the Southwest. From 1854 to 1891, Fort Davis was strategically located to protect emigrants, mail coaches, and freight wagons on the Trans-Pecos portion of the San Antonio-El Paso Road and on the Chihuahua Trail. This is located about 2.5 hours south of the park. A state park is located nearby with camping and a scenic drive. Also located in Fort Davis is McDonald Observatory with several programs available. White Sands National Park: Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world's great natural wonders - the glistening white sands of New Mexico. Great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert, creating the world's largest gypsum dunefield. White Sands National Park preserves a major portion of this unique dunefield, along with the plants and animals that live here. Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site: Hueco Tanks State Park is located on the east side of El Paso, about an hour and a half from the Guadalupes. At Hueco Tanks, you can hike, rock climb, bird watch, study nature and history, picnic and stargaze. Visitors can take guided and self-guided tours to view rock imagery.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Individual Site: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you modify your reservation or change your stay dates. Cancelling your reservation prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time two nights before your stay will incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.__Camping reservations cancelled the day before and day of arrival incur a $10 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. If you need to cancel or modify your reservation, you must do so through Recreation.gov. Group Site: Customers who cancel a group overnight reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee & forfeit the first night's use fee.

    • Pets
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian

    $60 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Chosa Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chosa Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chosa Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chosa Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chosa Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chosa Campground

    4. Chosa Campground

    50 Reviews
    103 Photos
    370 Saves
    Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico

    Chosa Campground consists of a 3.5-acre, pipe-rail fenced pad that offers a trash container and a safe parking space for your Recreational Vehicle plus a protected area to set tents, whatever your camping style. Chosa campground provides visitors a fee free location strategically located between two national parks with Carlsbad Caverns a short 11-mile drive north and Guadalupe Mountains National Park 27 miles south on highway 62.

    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    5. Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    9 Reviews
    39 Photos
    71 Saves
    Salt Flat, Texas

    The campground is located on the Guadalupe Peak trail, 3.1 miles from the Pine Springs trailhead, and 1 mile below the Peak. The campground is on a small knoll and only minimally protected from high winds. Makeshift windbreaks and rocks left behind on tent pads are a reminder to others to prepare for wind. Five campsites are available; a backcountry permit is required for use.

    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    • Drinking Water
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from More Travel Less Talk
    Camper-submitted photo from More Travel Less Talk
    Camper-submitted photo from More Travel Less Talk
    Camper-submitted photo from More Travel Less Talk
    Camper-submitted photo from More Travel Less Talk
    Camper-submitted photo from More Travel Less Talk

    6. More Travel Less Talk

    5 Reviews
    37 Photos
    15 Saves
    Salt Flat, Texas

    More Travel Less Talk

    Camping at its Best

    We do all of our bookings through our Site at More Travel Less Talk. Look us up and click the reserve button for all sites and availability. Thanks.

    Hello and welcome to More Travel Less Talk. We are a small family owned "campground" that serves the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Salt Basin Dunes, and Dell City area. We cater to families and individuals looking for a true desert experience. We strive to provide a quiet, secluded, safe, friendly place for people looking for a unique experience in this amazing area.

    We offer the following services:

    Camper top and class B camper drive in primitive sites

    Yurt rentals.

    Primitive tent camping sites.

    Don't settle for a paved parking lot spot at the Guadalupe national park where you will be packed in like sardines for 20 dollars a night. We have 20 acres of land you can explore and plenty of room between you and our other guests.

    We are conveniently located just 6 miles off of HWY 62/180 on FM 1576. 27 miles from Quadalupe National Park. Home of El Capitan and the highest peak in Texas.

    Just a quick 15 minutes from Dell City where you can stock up on supplies. Dell City is a beautiful and quaint farming community that offers two grocery stores, a NAPA, fueling stations, two restaurants, a post office, and a wonderful Hardware store owned and run by the Perry's.

    14 miles to the Salt Basin Dunes.

    70 miles (1 hour) from Carlsbad Caverns National Park

    If the idea of seeing a sky full of stars at night, being surrounded by all sorts of desert wildlife, being minutes away from some of the most amazing mountains and hikes you will ever experience, or just looking for a nice overnight experience while traveling….This is the place for you.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Yurts

    $20 - $75 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Tejas Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Tejas Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Tejas Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Tejas Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Tejas Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Tejas Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    7. Tejas Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    8 Reviews
    57 Photos
    2 Saves
    Salt Flat, Texas

    A 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
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground

    8. Sunset Reef Campground

    36 Reviews
    61 Photos
    247 Saves
    Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico

    Sunset Reef Campground is a reclaimed well pad with 11 developed campsites; five RV spaces and six tent sites. Each site has a shaded picnic table, fire pit and grill for your camping convenience with a vault toilet on site. Visitors can dry camp at this campground for a maximum of five nights for free. If on the hunt for a great place to camp while exploring the two national parks in the area, this is the place to stay! Carlsbad Caverns is a 25-minute drive (14 miles) to the north and Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a 35-minute drive (30 miles) to the southwest. __

    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • Tent Cabin
    Camper-submitted photo from Mescalero Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mescalero Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mescalero Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mescalero Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mescalero Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mescalero Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    9. Mescalero Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    5 Reviews
    8 Photos
    Salt Flat, Texas

    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.

    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping
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Showing results 1-10 of 24 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Dell City

Recent Reviews in Dell City

268 Reviews of 24 Dell City Campgrounds


  • Kara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Parks Ranch Campground
    Nov. 8, 2024

    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.

  • m
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    Oct. 27, 2024

    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

  • UThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Springs Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Oct. 17, 2024

    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.

  • Raymond C.
    Camper-submitted photo from More Travel Less Talk
    Sep. 10, 2024

    More Travel Less Talk

    Amazing Place. Yurts, cabins, peace and quiet. Why would anyone stay at NP

    What an incredible spot. 6 yurts. 4 cabins with power and all amenities. A hot shower. Less than 30 minutes to the park. Soooo peaceful and beautiful. 15 minutes from Dell City for supplies. I'm so glad the park was full and I stumbled onto this place. This place could be a destination on its own.

  • Kaloo D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Tejas Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Aug. 29, 2024

    Tejas 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!

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dog Canyon Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    May. 4, 2024

    Dog Canyon Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    RV Area - Nice Virw

    Dog Canyon RV area: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 3.5 Price 2024: $ 10 winteragency pass Security: No Usage during visit: 50 to 100%, however there are more no shows than usually experienced elsewhere. Site Privacy: No Site Spacing: Close Pad surface: Gravel Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Quiet Outside Road Noise: This campground is the end of the road. Through Traffic in campground: Hiker parking area across from the RV sites Electric Hookup: No Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: No Potable Water Available: Yes. I didn’t notice the hand pump to the left of the trailhead the first couple days here. Generators: Allowed Bathroom: Flush toilets are a short walk, located in the tent camping area. There is also a heated bathroom at the visitor center which is a short distance further.
    Showers: No Pull Throughs: All 4 sites are back in Cell Service (AT&T): No bars. There is WiFi at the visitor center. We were able to periodically pick up WiFi at our campsite, RV- D. Setting: Surrounded by ridges. Recent Weather: Very windy and cold nights.
    Solar: Excellent.
    Insects: None Host: Not filled.
    Rig Size: i cannot imagine that these sites will accommodate rigs over 25’. Sites: RV-A, and RV-D are on the ends. These are the best sites. RV-A door faces horse trailer parking area. No horse there trailers during our stay. RV- D is the best site if you can park your RV nose first. This makes sitting area more private . In RV- D and RV-A sites the occupant can spread out more.

  • Arthur M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from More Travel Less Talk
    May. 1, 2024

    More Travel Less Talk

    Loved It!

    We stayed here two nights and absolutely loved it. Very remote and quiet but close to Guadalupe Mountaind and Carlsbad Caverns National Parks. The site are very well maintained with solar lights to guide you at night. Peaceful, quiet and would stay here again.

  • Arthur M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    May. 1, 2024

    Sunset Reef Campground

    Nice free camping

    Great free campsite between Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks. Just a mile from the road but perfectly quiet. Not the most private sites but they are new and clean (including the pit toilet)

  • Cari E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping
    Apr. 30, 2024

    Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping

    Magical sunsets, horrible wind

    The proximity to both Guadalupe Mountains NP and Carlsbad Caverns NP are unbeatable and the sunsets over the mountains are truly phenomenal. I even got a kick out of the cows.

    Spacious with fire rings, and a thousand times better than Sunset Reef (they were packed in like sardines with zero privacy) but beware of the winds! I was caught in a two day dust storm with 70mph winds and it was admittedly miserable, as was the amount of dirt inside my van.

    Overall I would recommend staying here, but don’t rely too heavily on the weather forecast—it drastically changed every hour I was there over 4 days. Cell service was also phenomenal for working remotely.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    Apr. 30, 2024

    Sunset Reef Campground

    Sunset Reef Campground (BLM)

    Easily accessible to either Carlsbad Caverns NP or Guadalupe MTN NP and FREE and very good 4 bar Verizon service. The .5 mile drive in was a bit bumpy/washboard but level and hard packed so I'd think any vehicle could manage it, as there were many car campers. Very nicely done with 11 sites (5 pull thru RV and 6 car/tent) which we're overfilled by 6 p.m., although several folks parked by the fences without the shelter/table and stayed overnight. Signs notify that there are cameras/s monitoring activity so it was very quiet and felt safe.

  • Crista G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping
    Apr. 14, 2024

    Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping

    Quiet, spacious, great location

    Really nice place to stop. Impeccable cell service, lots of space with any neighbors far away, and location 20 minutes away from Carlsbad Caverns can't be beat. No sun or wind protection though!

  • Rachel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping
    Apr. 6, 2024

    Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping

    Does the job

    Coming from Carlsbad the GPS may have you get off at Chosa Campground and there’s a dirt road connecting that to this site, but recommend you turn around to get back on the highway going north and then exit at this marker. Even camped right off the highway the noise didn’t bother us, but a few people continued down the roads going further away. Windy and hot until the sun went down!

  • Ashlee G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Springs Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Mar. 21, 2024

    Pine Springs Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    Easy access to the park!

    This is a good campsite but pretty much just a parking lot. Rv sites are easy to access (some are pull through, some are back in. There are bathrooms but no hookups. No generator use either so be prepared to dry camp. Great access to trails - we woke up and immediately did Guadalupe trail! Sites fill up on the weekends


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Guide to Dell City

Camping near Dell City, Texas, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Many campers rave about the access to trails, with one reviewer noting, "Great access to trails - we woke up and immediately did Guadalupe trail!" at Pine Springs Campground.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Dog Canyon Campground mentioned, "Dog Canyon is one of those places where the pictures just won't do it justice. It's big, you're little."
  • Caving: If you're up for an adventure, check out the nearby caves. A visitor to Parks Ranch Campground said, "Very cool campground with cave systems to explore."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the breathtaking views. One reviewer at Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground said, "It's clean, well maintained, and has some of the best views in the park."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peaceful environment. A camper at Sunset Reef Campground noted, "Just a mile from the road but perfectly quiet."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms are a big plus. A visitor at Dog Canyon Campground mentioned, "The restrooms were heated, which was a nice bonus."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds have few amenities. A camper at Tejas Wilderness Campground pointed out, "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."
  • Remote Locations: Some campgrounds are quite remote. One reviewer at Dog Canyon Campground warned, "This place is REMOTE! Like 1.5 hours away from any gas station remote."
  • Weather Variability: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. A camper at Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping said, "I was caught in a two-day dust storm with 70mph winds."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with clean facilities. A parent at Pine Springs Campground mentioned, "Clean bathrooms, dishwashing area, fresh water available."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to plan family-friendly activities. One camper at Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground shared, "There are plenty of hiking trails nearby."
  • Pack Snacks: Always have snacks on hand for the kids. A visitor at Sunset Reef Campground suggested, "Bring helmets, headlamps, and some sturdy boots!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Dog Canyon Campground noted, "I cannot imagine that these sites will accommodate rigs over 25’."
  • Prepare for Dry Camping: Many sites do not have hookups. A camper at Pine Springs Campground advised, "Be prepared to dry camp."
  • Use Generators Wisely: If allowed, run generators before quiet hours. A visitor at Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground mentioned, "Campers can run generators before quiet hours begin at 8pm."

Camping near Dell City, Texas, offers a mix of adventure and tranquility. Whether you're hiking, exploring caves, or just enjoying the scenery, there's something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions