Top Horse Camping near Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Are you looking for a place to stay in Guadalupe Mountains National Park with your horse? Equestrian camping is the best way to experience nature. Search horse campsites and discover top-rated spots, as reviewed by other campers.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Guadalupe Mountains National Park, TX (3)

    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

    1. Dog Canyon Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    14 Reviews
    68 Photos
    18 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.

    Facilities

    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.

    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.

    contact_info

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

    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 Carlsbad KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad KOA

    2. Carlsbad KOA

    39 Reviews
    64 Photos
    118 Saves
    Carlsbad, New Mexico

    From the KOA website: Kick back with family and friends at this beautiful desert oasis built in 2000. This award-winning KOA is big rig friendly: All sites are huge 30/50-amp pull thrus with free Wi-Fi and free cable TV. The staff will spoil you as you enjoy the 2,000-square-foot community room, meals delivered to your site, a beautiful commercial laundry, outstanding restrooms, a fenced dog park and a heated pool. From this KOA in the heart of SE New Mexico, visit Carlsbad Caverns, Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park, Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area, Roswell's International UFO Museum and White Sands National Monument. Check out the Robert H. Goddard rocket collection at the Roswell Museum and Art Center and the "Billy the Kid" history at the campground. A horse hotel also is available. See how this KOA is going green with the help of a wind turbine. Pool: March 15 - October 15. Max pull thru: 75 feet. Your hosts: Scott, Susan and Brian Bacher.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Top Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Top Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Top Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Top Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Top Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Top Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    3. Pine Top Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    3 Reviews
    14 Photos
    16 Saves
    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.

    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Cabins
    • Tent Cabin
    • Glamping

Recent Equestrian Reviews In Guadalupe Mountains National Park

56 Reviews of 3 Guadalupe Mountains National Park Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad KOA
    July 31, 2024

    Carlsbad KOA

    Nice place to camp

    Nice gravel sites. Wide roads to get into sites. Pool, playground. Restrooms OK. Only issue not great Wifi.

  • 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad KOA
    April 6, 2024

    Carlsbad KOA

    A bit noisy, dusty, but nice enclosed tent spot

    Overall a good campsite, some minor drawbacks. Site is close to highway, so lots of road noise throughout the day and night. Contained tent hexagon shelter structure was nice, allowed for contained and divided campsites. Marginal shade and pretty dusty.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pine Top Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    September 25, 2023

    Pine Top Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    Beautiful camping site

    Once you have your permit, you can embark on your backpacking adventure to Pine Top. The 4.2-mile hike from Pine Springs to the campground will take you through diverse landscapes, including forests, meadows, uno online, and possibly even some stunning vistas. As you make your way to Pine Top, keep an eye out for wildlife and take in the natural beauty surrounding you.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dog Canyon Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    May 22, 2023

    Dog Canyon Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    If you want remote... You've found it (hopefully)

    This place is REMOTE! Like 1.5 hours away from any gas station remote. First and foremost make sure you fill up before you get off that highway. Whites City by Carlsbad is not to far. If youre coming that direction fill up before you go out there.

    This campground does not have a lot of amenities. It has trash cans, a toilet, and some drinking fountains.. and the rest is nature. I really liked this place.

    Dog Canyon is one of those places where the pictures just wont do it justice. Its big, youre little.

    We spent 5 days @25$ a day

    BATHROOOM SCORE: 3/5 # LEAKING TOILETS, LOW ON TOILET PAPER

    STARLINK SCORE: 5/5

    SOLAR SCORE:5/5

    REMOTE WORKERS SCORE: 4/5

    PS: the guys with the big trailers were not happy with the site... they are a little tight

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dog Canyon Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    February 21, 2023

    Dog Canyon Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    Disappointed not a great place for rv

    We first pulled up to the main campground and ranger station. The bathrooms were very dirty and not well kept. The campground for rv’s was just a parking lot. I held out hope for this campground and after a 2hr drive it was another parking lot for rv’s. Right next to each other. Luckily after the first night everyone else left and we were there all by ourselves until that night. Tent camping looked nicer.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad KOA
    December 18, 2022

    Carlsbad KOA

    Not an exact review

    Arrived in the Dark during December and it was one of the darkest ingresses at a KOA I’ve experienced. The office was about to close due to me arriving later than expected. Staff was very kind and got me situated.

    Got to the site and seems the neighbor parked in my designated but all good, I’m just wanting my boots up for the night[lucky I didn’t have a larger displacement haha, all good).

    Facilities were immaculate and warm during this arctic blast.

    A great place to help bridge west to east travels in my opinion.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dog Canyon Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    November 16, 2022

    Dog Canyon Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    Remote campground

    General: small campground (four “RV” sites and nine tent sites (plus one group tent site). Access is remote (only one 60-mile paved option and one 30-mile dirt road alternative) so you need to make sure you have filled up with gas in Carlsbad as there are no services within many miles of the campground. No cell reception at all (not unexpected). 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 Quality: The “RV” sites are just a gravel parking lot. Each site has a picnic table and while the sites are spaced a decent amount of distance apart, there is no physical separation between the sites. No hookups. The tent sites are walk-in. 

    Bathhouse: We were expecting a pit toilet in such a remote location but there is one men’s and one women’s bathroom with a flush toilet and sink. They were very clean. Soap dispensers but no paper towels. Although there was no hot water, the restrooms were heated, which was a nice bonus. 

    Activities: There is a .6-mile nature trail and several more challenging hiking trails. There was a horse corral behind the RV sites, but we did not see any horses while there. About 25 miles away is Sitting Bull Falls, a spring-fed waterfall that is a nice side trip. 

    We camped here because we were not able to get reservations in the other more popular campground in Guadalupe Mountains NP. Access between the two sides of the park is long (about 60 miles) so while this was a nice, comfortable campground, it is not easy to get to.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad KOA
    June 21, 2022

    Carlsbad KOA

    Great Communication!

    This KOA will start texting you in advance of your arrival, which I found a bit tedious, but it came in handy during our stay.

    Check in was simple and informative. The pool is open and was clean. It definitely came in handy during this heat!

    The campground is based about an hour away from Carlsbad Caverns, which worked for us so we could drop our rig and make the drive the next morning. Only about 20 minutes from the town of Carlsbad.

    On our second night, there was a wicked storm and we started heading loud booms. The park was thoughtful enough to text everyone after hours to reassure us that the pecan fields up the road use air cannons to prevent hail. Not sure about the effectiveness but was so glad to know what was happening.

    We would certainly return if we ever need full hook ups in the area.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad KOA
    May 26, 2022

    Carlsbad KOA

    Dyrt Campground

    Expensive but you knew that, it's a KOA and you don't mind if it's full of amenities and clean right? Well it was not.

    The three bathrooms, that's right three, in the campground need renovating but the one in the clubhouse was clean.

    The Campground is a dirt and gravel parking lot with a few small trees. Around the office was well manicured with a koi pond benches and some grass so 1st impression was ok. butt..

    The dog park was tiny which is confusing because the property is so large no way was my dog going to run in the dog run.

    The camp store had astronomical prices. I'm used to high camp store prices but it had ridiculous markups.

    The pool was closed it was record heat May.

    No trash barrels except for your poop bags along the dog walk which was a dirt road not on but beside the campground which BTW when someone drove down it everyone near was dust bathed.

     My wife signed us in and latter told me we were charged $10 early fee because we were an hour early...Really? She didn't want to let me know. They wouldn't have charged us if I went in. BTW we left 3 hours before check out so ....?

    I'm bumping it up to three stars because there were so many birds and bunnies.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dog Canyon Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    December 31, 2021

    Dog Canyon Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    Rooftop Tent Camping

    This campsite is very remote, but it is gorgeous. It’s quite small, with only 4 RV spots and several tent spots. There is no cell phone service, but there is free Wi-Fi available. There are bathrooms, but no showers. It’s about 1.5 hours from the closest gas station so make sure to fill up before heading in. Dogs are allowed at the campsite, but not on any of the trails. I definitely recommend this site if you are going to be hiking around the national parks (Guadalupe Mountain and Carlsbad Caverns). It was also very windy when we were there in December, so bring warm clothes!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad KOA
    November 23, 2021

    Carlsbad KOA

    Very clean and great staff

    This KOA was a great property in thy it was very clean and had a lot to offer for families with kids, and even adult only patrons. They had a really big “Rec Room” for kids and adults to play ping pong, or a video game. They also deliver food to your site, and they smoke their own BBQ on site! It’s less than an hour from Carlsbad Caverns, and only 15 minutes from Carlsbad proper, in case you need some supplies or want to go find a place to eat in town. The only downside to this place was the sulfur/propane smell from the gas/oil wells in the area, and the fact that there wasn’t much to block the wind.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad KOA
    November 3, 2021

    Carlsbad KOA

    Extremely nice staff

    Quiet, clean, great wifi, and excellent staff! The showers were nice and hot although it took awhile to heat up. Great areas to exercise pets too. I highly recommend this place.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad KOA
    July 18, 2021

    Carlsbad KOA

    Just the basics

    The area is scenic, spots are close together. Bathrooms could’ve been cleaner, men’s restroom was closed due to remodel. WiFi did not work. Has a dog run and lots of amenities! It worked for what we needed.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dog Canyon Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    July 15, 2021

    Dog Canyon Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    Stargazing like never before!!!!

    This was our first time visiting and it was absolutely amazing!!!! I will absolutely plan another trip back. The park Ranger (I can’t remember her name but I want to say it was Bev) was awesome. She was so kind and helpful and kept the park looking crisp and clean. We went the last week of February and stayed on a Sunday night. We were the only people in the park, including RVs and day-use. That creeped us out a bit since it’s so secluded and you don’t have cell service whatsoever, but the Ranger made us feel comfortable and like we had a friend there. I don’t know what it would be like during the busy season when it’s crowded because the campsites felt like they were on top of each other (like if you went camping with a group of people and you wanted to be close) but we didn’t have to worry about it since we were the only ones. My only complaint (and I didn’t dock a star on my review because it could’ve been that my fiancé and I just poorly planned and we also didn’t ask for help or clarification) was that the trails were not well marked. We hiked but we had no idea how far we went or what trail we were on, we just walked. That was frustrating because I wanted to keep going but I didn’t want to get lost, but the hiking was still gorgeous and enjoyable so I would still do it again.

    The mountains are stunning but what keeps replaying over in my mind is the stargazing. I’m an amateur stargazer and I brought my telescope to check it out but unfortunately it was so cold and windy I couldn’t set it up long enough to use it. However, the stars were so bright and so vivid I couldn’t take my eyes off of the sky. And the moon came out over the mountains (which was almost a full moon) and it was like someone turned on a spot light on the campground. It was breathtaking.

    We didn’t really get a pleasurable experience outside of that because it got so cold overnight (earlier that day the ranger warned us that it was supposed to be one of the coldest nights) and we weren’t really as prepared as we could’ve been so we ended up sleeping in the car with the heat on and leaving at first light but we are dying to go back again when it’s warmer. It also snowed incredibly heavily leaving the next day on our way out so the roads got pretty dangerous. Overall, still completely worth it!!!

    If you go, at least take some binoculars for stargazing. You will absolutely not regret it!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad KOA
    July 9, 2021

    Carlsbad KOA

    One night to visit the caves

    It’s a nice campground, large and good seize of sites. Very friendly staff, good pool but it’s a good drive to the caves.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad KOA
    June 8, 2021

    Carlsbad KOA

    Solid Pick but Nothing Special

    This was our first time staying at a KOA and in general, we liked it. It’s about an hour from the Caverns which is doable, the staff is friendly and the amenities (shower, laundry, flush toilets) are very nice to have. It’s a great site for those who prefer glamping. However, it’s not very scenic and you are very close to your fellow campers (we listened to a couple fight the whole two nights we were there). There is a lake nearby and the dessert surrounding provides its own type of scenery but it was not my favorite campground.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad KOA
    May 22, 2021

    Carlsbad KOA

    Great spot!

    All spots are larger than typical koa campgrounds. There are Fire pits! Large playground for the kiddos and pet friendly!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad KOA
    April 30, 2021

    Carlsbad KOA

    First KOA for us—won’t be the last

    I was a bit nervous about the location of this KOA when I first booked it, but it turned out to be perfect for us. We arrived from OK City, so the slightly north location was welcomed, plus it was a great spot to leave from when e we headed to White Sands. The sites were spacious and the playground was great for the kids. The bathhouse was clean, and warm (!!), and the sunsets and sunrises were amazing! Also, only $10 to extend your check out until 2pm, so though we didn’t need it, it was a nice option to have if we’d stayed at one of our sites longer than expected.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad KOA
    April 21, 2021

    Carlsbad KOA

    The Alien Host

    Arrived late at night. Easily discovered by the aliens that greeted us. Awoke to a beautiful sunrise, and watched from a swinging bench. I am reborn now.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad KOA
    April 18, 2021

    Carlsbad KOA

    Lovely campground

    This is one of the nicest KOAs we’ve ever been too. Sites are spacious and level and you don’t feel packed in like sardines. They have all the amenities expected. The only negative to the location is the proximity to the oil fields and the smell that rolls in from the methane burnoffs. Obviously, the owners of the KOA can’t do anything about that, but if you’re sensitive to overwhelming sulphur smell, I’d recommend giving it a pass. It’s doesnt smell all the time, but we woke up both nights to the smell and being from a non-oil state, had no idea what was happening the first night.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad KOA
    April 6, 2021

    Carlsbad KOA

    Better than expected

    This was the 1st time I've ever stayed at a KOA. First time using hookups.

    I was anticipating being sandwiched between monster RVs and listening to generators all night.

    But, it wasn't that bad. We lucked out with a spot at the end of a row, which helped a bunch. Yes, there were monster RVs everywhere, but we actually had a decent amount of space. The bathrooms and showers were clean and very welcome after 6 days on the road.

    The BBQ food that they serve was pretty decent as well.

    Not my style of camping, but when you need to wash up, its not a bad option. Location near Carlsbad Caverns was excellent as well. There are closer RV parks, but none that I wanted to stay at.

    Also note: It was a very windy campsite. Don't count on having a fire.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad KOA
    December 27, 2020

    Carlsbad KOA

    Nice place.

    Plenty of room drive thru’s room for rvs tents has nice laundry mat and a pool during summer months. They have awesome food and you can call it in and they deliver to your campsite.



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

  • Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Guadalupe Mountains National Park?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Guadalupe Mountains National Park is Dog Canyon Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park with a 4.2-star rating from 14 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Guadalupe Mountains National Park?

    TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Guadalupe Mountains National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.