A
Alex W.
Scout
ScoutCarlsbad KOA
Clean and spacious. Great for staying in Carlsbad!
Great stargazing!
Camping near Guadalupe Mountains National Park
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.
Best Camping Sites Near Guadalupe Mountains National Park (41)
1. Chosa Campground
57 ReviewsCarlsbad Caverns, NM10 milesWebsite+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
45 ReviewsCarlsbad Caverns, NM12 milesWebsite+1 (575) 234-5972"Great free campsite between Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks. Just a mile from the road but perfectly quiet."
"Great base camp for Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks"
3. Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping
36 ReviewsWhites City, NM11 milesWebsite"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
46 ReviewsSalt Flat, TX21 milesWebsite+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
24 ReviewsWhites City, NM17 milesWebsite+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
25 ReviewsWhites City, NM19 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsWhites City, NM12 milesWebsite+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. Pine Springs Campground
18 ReviewsSalt Flat, TX21 milesWebsite"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."
9. Camp Washington Ranch
4 ReviewsWhites City, NM11 milesWebsite+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."
10. Dog Canyon Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
16 ReviewsDell City, TX22 milesWebsite$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."
Recent Camping Photos near Guadalupe Mountains National Park
87 Photos of 41 Guadalupe Mountains National Park Campgrounds
kayla B.
Chosa Campground
Flavien G.
Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping
Kara S.
Parks Ranch Campground
Britley B.
Sunset Reef Campground
Vidalia S.
Whites City RV Park
Joseph W.
Carlsbad Caverns Dispersed
Chasity M.
Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed
phillip L.
Pine Springs Campground
Ashley & Derek V.
Pine Springs Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Roger W.
Dog Canyon Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Richard M.
Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Danielle P.
Dark Canyon Dispersed
Recent Reviews near Guadalupe Mountains National Park
478 Reviews of 41 Guadalupe Mountains National Park Campgrounds
Kevin K.
GuideDark Canyon Dispersed
Dark Canyon
Wide open area, quite windy road, and was pretty rough camped at the first large campsite. We were the only campers here. There is more camping up above, but you better have a pretty serious four-wheel-drive rig and a minimal camper body or camping equipment on it to get up there without difficulty. Spend some money and save yourself some disappointment and just stay at Brantley Lake State Park. $30/night with electrical hookups, well worth it.
- kkathy C.
TravelerSunset Reef Campground
Great location
Close to Carlsbad Caverns. Clean, room to make more sites, drive in was not bad at all, nice view, there are tent only sites and rv sites with fire rings and picnic tables, rv sites go fast we were not able to get a spot for our camper van but were able to park against the fence with a nice view.
- Jason D.Guide
Limestone Campground — Brantley Lake State Park
Sleep spot
Nothing crazy. No fire ring or anything special. Has a flat area for tents. Pavilion with table and electric hookups. Very open area so winds can be strong. Used this park to just sleep while we visited the national parks.
Daniel E.
RangerGuadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Memorable
My friends and I visited the worst time to visit (June) due to the heat but because of this we had the peak campsite all to ourselves so we decided to camp directly on the peak and truth be told is sure is windy up there at night but was definitely worth it and would do it again in a heart beat especially with the night hike up to the top and the beautiful view we got to see for the first time in the morning with the sunrise
- Daniel E.Ranger
Pine Springs Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Hot
It’s a nice campsite with a nice view but it was very hot and seemed we were unable to escape from the heat and was the worst when we woke up since our tent had trapped in all our body heat even with just the mesh on and no rain fly but it’s a nice and easily accessible campsite
- Daniel E.Ranger
McKittrick Ridge Wilderness Campground
Hard and Hot
My buddies and I camped up here in the summer (dumb of us) but the view up to the campsite was worth it even though it was the steepest trail in all of Texas but when we got to camp there were some knocked down trees along the path and so we had to walk around and over them but when we got to the camp it was secluded and nice and quite
Sasha C.ScoutOld Cavern RV Park
Friendliest Owner Ever!!!
After boondocking a couple days nearby, a winter storm was coming through so we booked this spot so we could have full hook-up and fill up our water tank. I spoke to the owner, Wes, and he was incredibly accommodating; checking to make sure the site he was going to put us in had running water before we got there (things were starting to freeze at this point). After asking if they had propane, he said they didn’t, but would call a place nearby to see if they were open and call me back. When he called me back to tell me they weren’t answering, he went out of his way and drove in the storm to see if the place was open.
I made the mistake of not checking if they had a bath house (they don’t). With 3 kids in tow, and a water heater not working, we really needed a place with showers. Wes told us not to worry about staying and to go check out another campground down the road with showers. He didn’t charge us, and even offered for us to fill up our water tank if we needed to.
I would highly recommend staying here. The place was away from the highway, so no road noise. The laundry facilities are FREE. And you’re not too far from town or the caverns. The sites were level, which is a plus!!
Kennon H.GuidePine Springs Campground
Lacking maintenance
The RV parking is a converted parking lot. So think; group camping with new friends. Bring a friendly dog, and set up a happy hour. The facilities need significant repair. The hiking trails are awesome. Fuel is available outside Carlsbad Cavern NP.
Guide to Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Camping in Guadalupe Mountains National Park ranges from 3,000 to 8,751 feet in elevation, creating dramatic temperature variations between day and night. At Pine Springs Campground, nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing even when daytime highs reach into the 70s. The limestone mountain range contains both desert terrain and elevated pine forests, offering distinctive camping environments depending on location.
What to do
Explore cave systems: Parks Ranch Campground provides access to beginner-friendly caves. "Very cool campground with cave systems to explore. Bring helmets, headlamps, and some sturdy boots! As you drive up to the camping area, there are a lot of pull off sites if you don't want to camp in the larger area near the cave systems," notes Noah E. from Parks Ranch Campground.
Stargaze at dispersed sites: Free BLM land offers optimal night sky viewing. "Beautiful night for star gazing! ¯_(ツ)_/¯" shares Bruce&Linda A. who stayed at Chosa Campground. Another camper at Mile 10 reported, "The stars were amazing and we were about 20 mins from the Carlsbad National Park visitor center."
Visit springs and wildlife areas: Water features provide unexpected desert oasis experiences. "Close to Carlsbad Caverns, Rattlesnake Springs and Cottonwood Day Use Area which had a spring fed pool. Saw several Rio Grand Turkey near the two springs. Saw Pronghorn Antelope," reports Dan M. from Chosa Campground.
What campers like
Convenient locations: Many sites offer strategic positioning between multiple parks. "We stayed three nights for free while hiking and exploring Guadalupe Mountain NP and Carlsbad Caverns NP. Plenty of space and a room to let the dog explore. Close to both parks," says Teresa A. from Sunset Reef Campground.
Free camping with amenities: Several dispersed sites offer surprising facilities. "This was by far one of my favorite spots and it's free. Just like a National park site. Just a pit toilet. No water. Beautiful spot sunset, sunrise and stars," reports Kara D. at Sunset Reef Campground.
Remote, quiet experiences: Dog Canyon offers a less crowded alternative to main park areas. "Due to the elevation, this campground is cooler and has more shelter than the Pine Springs campground. Dog Canyon has excellent trail access with options of one-day or shorter day hikes," notes a ranger from Dog Canyon Campground.
What you should know
Weather challenges: Wind patterns can severely impact camping comfort. "Many tents in the campground were collapsing or blowing down. Luckily we had secured our tents with extra cordage and rocks," reports Troy W. from Pine Springs Campground.
Road conditions: Some dispersed sites require appropriate vehicles. "Road going in is rough, recommend high clearance vehicle. If you can't make it in, there is a large area right off the road you can stay in in a pinch," advises Laura M. about Parks Ranch.
Water availability: Bring extra water for tent sites without hookups. "I didn't notice the hand pump to the left of the trailhead the first couple days here," mentions Roger W. at Dog Canyon Campground regarding the sometimes hard-to-find water sources.
Time zone confusion: "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!" warns Lee D. about Dog Canyon.
Tips for camping with families
Seek sheltered sites: Find campgrounds with sun protection. "We had a stunning views with some shade. The National Park staff was very informative and interactive they patrol the area frequently. They have the cleanest chemical toilets I have ever seen," shares Chastity H. from Pine Springs Campground.
Choose sites with toilet facilities: When camping with children, accessible bathrooms matter. "I'd rate it as an excellent beginner cave. Firstly, it is very horizontal, and it isn't easy to get lost if you follow the map," explains Max D. at Parks Ranch Campground about the family-friendly cave options.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children appreciate animal sightings. "We saw a javelina and her babies cruise through the campsite," mentions Leah W. about Pine Springs Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose strategic spots within RV-friendly campgrounds. "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," advises Ashlee G. about Pine Springs Campground.
Prepare for no services: Ensure full tanks before arrival. "Have a full tank of gas. Bring your propane stove - fires are not allowed in any of the campgrounds," advises a ranger at Dog Canyon Campground.
Consider RV size limitations: Many sites cannot accommodate larger vehicles. "I cannot imagine that these sites will accommodate rigs over 25'," notes Roger W. about Dog Canyon's RV sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping within Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
Where can I find camping within Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
Guadalupe Mountains National Park offers several camping options within its boundaries. Pine Springs Campground serves as the primary campground and ideal home base for park exploration, offering level sites, basic restrooms, and easy access to hiking trails. For a more secluded experience, Dog Canyon Campground is located on the park's north end, providing cooler temperatures and more shelter due to its higher elevation. Backpackers seeking wilderness experiences can utilize Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground, which offers primitive camping with no facilities but incredible views for those summiting the highest point in Texas.
What camping options are available near Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
What camping options are available near Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
Several camping options exist near Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Sunset Reef Campground offers free camping with basic amenities including cabanas, picnic tables, grills, and a toilet, strategically positioned between Guadalupe Mountains and Carlsbad Caverns National Parks. Parks Ranch Campground provides accessible camping even for low-clearance vehicles, making it an excellent base for exploring both national parks. For more dispersed options, Chosa Campground offers a large, level gravel area just 8 miles north of the Texas border in New Mexico, providing a clean, relatively quiet spot close to both national parks.
Can I go RV camping at or near Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
Can I go RV camping at or near Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
RV camping options near Guadalupe Mountains National Park are primarily located outside the park boundaries. Whites City RV Park offers full hookups about 40 minutes from the national park and just 15 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns, making it convenient for visiting both parks. Carlsbad RV Park & Campground provides amenities like an indoor heated pool and helpful staff, serving as an excellent launching point to both national parks. Within the park itself, RV accommodations are limited, so these nearby options are your best bet for comfortable RV camping while exploring Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
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