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Camping near Guadalupe Mountains National Park

453 Reviews

Camping near Guadalupe Mountains National Park includes several good spots for tents and RVs. Chosa Campground has plenty of room between sites and easy roads to get in and out. Dog Canyon Campground sits farther from the main park roads, giving campers more quiet and fewer neighbors. If you're willing to hike with your gear, Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground puts you right in the backcountry. The land around the park changes from flat desert to deep canyons and tall mountains. Most people camp here during spring and fall when the weather stays mild. Summer days get really hot, and winter nights often drop below freezing. The park often puts fire bans in place during dry weather. You'll need permits if you want to camp in the backcountry, and some areas close seasonally. No one can stay longer than 14 days at a time, which helps keep spots open for everyone. Bring extra water and something for shade since trees are scarce in many camping areas. The campgrounds work well for both tent and RV campers, though amenities are basic.

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Best Camping Sites Near Guadalupe Mountains National Park (38)

    1. Chosa Campground

    55 Reviews
    Carlsbad Caverns, NM
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 234-5972

    "It's a large, level, gravel parking lot a quarter mile off of Hwy 62/180 8 miles north of the Texas border in New Mexico."

    "Literally 6 miles north of the Texas border. We got there at 5pm in 90 degree weather. Luckily we had a swamp cooler to keep us cool."

    2. Sunset Reef Campground

    42 Reviews
    Carlsbad Caverns, NM
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 234-5972

    "Great free campsite between Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks. Just a mile from the road but perfectly quiet."

    "campground right in between Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks. There are few amentities, but it does have cabanas, picnic tables, grills, fire places, trash cans, and a toilet."

    3. Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping

    33 Reviews
    Whites City, NM
    11 miles
    Website

    "Entrance was super easy to find- right off the highway next to mile marker 10. Road was good as well, our Honda Civic had no issues."

    "Quiet place away from others, which we like. We followed the GPS coordinates and found a spot away from the freeway. It had a firepit and we weren't super close to our neighbors."

    4. Pine Springs Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    45 Reviews
    Salt Flat, TX
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (915) 828-3251

    $20 - $60 / night

    "What a nice place to stop and use as a 'home base' for hiking in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park! Simple campground with no showers, but decent bathrooms."

    "It is in the perfect spot for many of the main trails in the park. We visited in July."

    5. Whites City RV Park

    23 Reviews
    Whites City, NM
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 361-3665

    $20 - $45 / night

    "Overall not too bad of a campground. 15 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns National Park and less than 40 minutes from Guadalupe Mountains National Park."

    "Located directly at the entrance to the Carlsbad Canyon National Park. Small restaurant across the street and a general store, gift shop and post office right next door."

    6. Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed

    24 Reviews
    Whites City, NM
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 234-5972

    "Great spot right off the highway. Only 25 minutes from Carlsbad NM, and 20 minutes from the NP.

    The road is a bit rough and may need a higher clearance the further you drive in."

    "Spot 7 is semi adjacent to oil equipment, so not an optimal view. Fire pits at all locations, but bring your own wood. There is none to scavenge."

    7. Parks Ranch Campground

    7 Reviews
    Whites City, NM
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 525-4300

    "Tent camped both nights and made it pretty far back in 2WD Ford Fusion with low clearance so if you're just looking for a great spot to post up for Guadalupe Mountains National Park or Carlsbad Caverns"

    "Great free spot close to whites city with laundry and showers as well as the national park. Close enough to highway where you can see headlights in the distance but you can’t hear the noise at all."

    8. Camp Washington Ranch

    4 Reviews
    Whites City, NM
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 785-2228

    $50 - $150 / night

    "The dump location is directly in front of a site so you may need to dump elsewhere (we did because it was blocked by another camper at the time).

    There’s a nice lake and walking paths."

    "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."

    9. Pine Springs Campground

    17 Reviews
    Salt Flat, TX
    21 miles
    Website

    "Guadalupe Mountains National Park is seriously underrated. And their developed campground, Pine Springs, is a gem in the NPS."

    "Bag the peak of Guadelupe Mountains National Park and you will have bagged the highest point in Texas. The Pine Springs Campground is an excellent starting point for a trip to the park."

    10. Dog Canyon Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    15 Reviews
    Dell City, TX
    22 miles
    Website

    $20 - $60 / night

    "Be aware that the park is on mountain time but close enough to the central time zone border that your smartphone/watch may not display the correct time!"

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Guadalupe Mountains National Park

83 Photos of 38 Guadalupe Mountains National Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Guadalupe Mountains National Park

453 Reviews of 38 Guadalupe Mountains National Park Campgrounds

Guide to Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Camping near Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a base for exploring the park, there are plenty of options to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: The park is famous for its hiking trails, including the challenging trek to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas. Many campers rave about the views, with one saying, "We watched the sun come up over the horizon from the top of Texas."
  • Exploring Carlsbad Caverns: Just a short drive away, the caverns are a must-see. Campers appreciate the proximity, with one noting, "This place makes a good basecamp for Carlsbad Caverns."
  • Wildlife Watching: The area is home to diverse wildlife. Campers have spotted cows and other animals, adding to the charm of the experience. One camper mentioned, "I awoke to cows near my tent."

What campers like:

  • Free Camping Options: Many enjoy the free camping at places like Chosa Campground, where one reviewer said, "It’s just a huge free dirt lot to camp in."
  • Spacious Sites: Campgrounds like Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping offer plenty of space. A camper noted, "Really nice place to stop. Impeccable cell service, lots of space with any neighbors far away."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and clean sites. One camper at Sunset Reef Campground mentioned, "The vault toilet was very clean."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Dog Canyon Campground, lack amenities like showers and electric hookups. A camper shared, "The RV sites are just a gravel parking lot."
  • Weather Variability: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. One camper at Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping warned, "I was caught in a two-day dust storm with 70mph winds."
  • Busy on Weekends: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Pine Springs Campground noted, "Sites fill up on the weekends."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Established Campgrounds: Places like Carlsbad RV Park & Campground offer more amenities, making it easier for families. One reviewer said, "Staff does a good job with upkeep and the bathrooms seem new."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a plan for hiking and exploring. A camper mentioned, "Great access to trails - we woke up and immediately did Guadalupe trail!"
  • Bring Entertainment: Since some campgrounds are remote, having games or activities can keep kids entertained. A camper at Whites City RV Park appreciated the "two laundry rooms" for downtime.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger RVs. A reviewer at Pine Springs Campground mentioned, "RV sites are easy to access."
  • Be Ready for Dry Camping: Many sites, like Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground, do not have hookups. A camper advised, "You’ll need to carry all of your water for your ascent and descent."
  • Watch for Road Conditions: Some access roads can be rough. A camper at Dark Canyon Dispersed noted, "High clearance needed and off-road tires recommended if going past the lot camp spot."

Camping near Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas, provides a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, there's something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Guadalupe Mountains National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, Guadalupe Mountains National Park offers a wide range of camping options, with 38 campgrounds and RV parks near Guadalupe Mountains National Park and 8 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Guadalupe Mountains National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Guadalupe Mountains National Park is Chosa Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 55 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Guadalupe Mountains National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

What parks are near Guadalupe Mountains National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 parks near Guadalupe Mountains National Park that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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