High 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.


Rattlesnake Canyon - Backcountry Camping

Carlsbad Caverns Dispersed 

A backcountry use permit is required for all use of these campsites. Pine Top is the backcountry campground in closest proximity to the Bowl, and offers excellent views of the park's highest peaks. Pine Top is an excellent choice for a single night backpack trip. It is 4.2 miles from Pine Springs trailhead via the Tejas and Bush Mountain trails. Elevation gain is 2300 feet. Though secluded in trees, Pine Top is susceptible to high winds & lightning. Eight designated campsites are defined by tent pads.

Pine Top Wilderness Campground

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Searching for a hike-in campsite in Texas? You can enjoy its many benefits like stunning views and off the beaten path locations. You're sure to find the perfect hike-in campsite for your Texas backpacking adventure.

Texas

The Best Hike-In Camping in Texas

Searching for a hike-in campsite near Guadalupe Mountains National Park? Plan your hike-in camping trip, pack light, and use Leave No Trace principles to build fire rings at your next campsite. Check out some of the best hike-in campgrounds near Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

The Best Hike-In Camping Near Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

A wilderness use permit is required for all use of these campsites. This primitive campground is located on the Guadalupe Peak trail, 3.1 miles from the Pine Springs trailhead, and 1 mile below the Peak. The elevation gain from the trailhead to the campsites is 2,200 feet. The campground is on a small knoll and only minimally protected from high winds. Five designated campsites are defined by tent pads. These sites are exposed and high winds are common.

Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground

Pine Springs Campground - Guadalupe Mountains National Park

## Overview

  * **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 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).**
  * 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.



## Facilities

  * The campground features 13 sites total with 9 tent, 4 RV sites and 1 group site available by reservation. 
  * Campsite occupancy is limited to 6 persons or 2 tents, per site. The group site allows 10 -20 persons. 
  * **No open fires (this includes charcoal) are permitted anywhere in the park.** Only stoves or lanterns using containerized fuel is permitted. 
  * Tent sites are hike-in only (61’ – 178’ from parking) and cannot accommodate RV parking. Each site offers a tent pad and picnic table. 
  * RV sites are gravel with picnic tables. 
  * No shower facilities, hookups or dump stations. 
  * Dog Canyon is remote. Fuel your vehicle and purchase supplies before heading to the park. 



## 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, piñon 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 White’s City, via Dark Canyon Road to NM SR 137 through Queen (also the way to the national park’s 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 after 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the day of arrival you must contact park staff by email at gumo_administration@nps.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.

Dog Canyon Campground

Avalon Dam and Reservoir, Carlsbad Project, are located on the Pecos River 3 miles north of Carlsbad, New Mexico. The dam is a zoned earthfill structure constructed in 1907. Recreation at Avalon Reservoir is managed by the Carlsbad Irrigation District under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation. New Mexico Department of Game and Fish stocks reservoir and provides law enforcement. The recreation area is open year around. This is a non-fee area with primitive facilties. There are surface roads to recreation area and unpaved roads around reservoir. There is year-round fishing for white bass, catfish, and bream. Scuba diving for game fish is permitted. Boating must conform to New Mexico regulations. Boating fees charged.

Avalon Lake

Join the fun near Houston. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Houston camping trip.

Houston

The Best Camping Near Houston, Texas

Join the fun near San Antonio. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Texas camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your San Antonio camping trip.

San Antonio

The Best Camping in San Antonio | Texas Campgrounds

Dallas, TX is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Texas camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Texas camping adventure.

Dallas

The Best Camping Near Dallas, Texas

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Austin, TX has a lot to offer. Austin is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Austin camping trip.

Austin

The Best Camping Near Austin, Texas

Are you in need of a campground near Fort Worth, TX? Fort Worth is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Fort Worth, reviewed by campers like you.

Fort Worth

The Best Camping Near Fort Worth, Texas

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, El Paso, TX has a lot to offer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of El Paso. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your El Paso camping trip.

El Paso

The Best Camping Near El Paso | Texas Campgrounds

Arlington is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Arlington is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Arlington, TX. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Arlington

The Best Camping Near Arlington, Texas

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Corpus Christi. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Corpus Christi, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Corpus Christi

The Best Camping Near Corpus Christi, Texas

Plano, TX is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Plano, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Plano

The Best Camping Near Plano, Texas

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Lubbock, TX is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Lubbock, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Lubbock

The Best Camping Near Lubbock, Texas

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Caddo National Grassland. Caddo National Grassland is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Caddo National Grassland camping trip.

Caddo National Grassland

The Best Camping Near Caddo National Grassland, Texas

Davy Crockett National Forests, TX is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Davy Crockett National Forests. Find the best campgrounds near Davy Crockett National Forests, TX. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Davy Crockett National Forests

The Best Camping Near Davy Crockett National Forests, Texas

Searching for the best camping near Sam Houston National Forest, TX? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Sam Houston National Forest is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Sam Houston National Forest

The Best Camping Near Sam Houston National Forest, Texas

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Padre Island National Seashore. Padre Island National Seashore is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Padre Island National Seashore, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Padre Island National Seashore

The Best Camping Near Padre Island National Seashore, Texas

The crown jewel of the Lone Star State is Big Bend National Park. This spot of southwest Texas is the pinnacle of all things outdoors in the state of Texas. Whether you want to explore the history of the state, spot wildlife, or just enjoy a hike, Big Bend is the place to be.

There are a number of campgrounds associated with Big Bend. Some are run by the park, and one is an RV park operated by a resort. The busy season here is actually November to April, where campsites will be harder to come by. Make sure to reserve your campground ahead of time, especially during peak season. The best camping near Big Bend is in the park itself, as Texas has little BLM land to make use of. Study Butte, TX, and the surrounding areas offer some accommodations if you can't get a spot in the park.

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Big Bend National Park is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Big Bend National Park, TX. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

The Best Camping Near Big Bend National Park, Texas

Are you in need of a campground near Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, TX? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Texas camping has to offer. Discover great camping spots near Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, reviewed by campers like you.

Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

The Best Camping Near Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, Texas

Looking for the best campgrounds near Sabine National Forest, TX? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Sabine National Forest campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Sabine National Forest camping trip.

Sabine National Forest

The Best Camping Near Sabine National Forest, Texas

Angelina National Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Angelina National Forest. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Texas camping adventure.

Angelina National Forest

The Best Camping Near Angelina National Forest, Texas

Near the Guadalupe Mountains is some of the best camping in Texas. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert in western Texas. The park has more than 80 miles of hiking trails and is just a short drive from Dell City, TX. Follow the winding trails through grasslands and fossilized reef mountains up to the conifer forests from the nearby campsites and see stunning views of the El Capitan peak. Camping in the fall is the perfect time to see the colorful leaves along the McKittrick Canyon Trail. RV campers will find plenty of spots complete with all the amenities.

The Best Camping Near Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

McClellan Creek National Grassland, TX is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near McClellan Creek National Grassland, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in McClellan Creek National Grassland, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

The Best Camping in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

Top Guadalupe Mountains National Park Campgrounds

Rattlesnake Canyon - Backcountry Camping

Carlsbad Caverns Dispersed

Pine Top Wilderness Campground

Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground

Pine Springs Campground - Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Dog Canyon Campground

Avalon Lake

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