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Best Tent Camping near Guadalupe Mountains National Park

303 Reviews

Wilderness tent camping dominates the options around Guadalupe Mountains National Park, with several backcountry tent campgrounds offering primitive, isolated experiences. Tejas, Mescalero, McKittrick Ridge, Guadalupe Peak, Bush Mountain, and Shumard Canyon wilderness campgrounds all accommodate tent campers seeking to immerse themselves in the rugged terrain of west Texas. These sites require backcountry permits and provide minimal amenities beyond tent pads in designated areas within park boundaries.

Backcountry tent sites within Guadalupe Mountains National Park operate under strict regulations designed to preserve the wilderness character. Fires are not permitted at any of the wilderness campgrounds, requiring campers to bring stoves for cooking. Most sites lack drinking water, requiring visitors to pack in all water needed for their stay. Toilet facilities are extremely limited, with only Guadalupe Peak offering vault toilets and trash service. The majority of sites require hikers to practice proper waste disposal and pack-out all trash. Permits must be obtained before setting up at any backcountry location, though most are not reservable in advance.

The hike-in nature of these tent-only sites creates a genuine wilderness experience away from developed areas. Tejas Wilderness Campground offers a forested environment with protection from wind and sun, making it suitable for summer camping. McKittrick Ridge provides dramatic views after a challenging 8-mile backpacking route with varying difficulty levels depending on approach. Several campers note that while the hiking can be strenuous, the reward is worth it. A visitor to Tejas commented that "The hike up has great views, then you drop down in a valley for the camp sites. They supply tent pads only." For those seeking additional backcountry options, Rattlesnake Canyon in nearby Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers similar tent-only wilderness camping with free permits available at the visitor center.

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Best Tent Sites Near Guadalupe Mountains National Park (8)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Guadalupe Mountains National Park

303 Reviews of 8 Guadalupe Mountains National Park Campgrounds

  • Troy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2019

    Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    Guadalupe Peak + Views + Carlsbad Caverns

    The main reason why you might want to stay at this campsite during your visit to West Texas and Guadalupe Mountains National Park is to summit Guadalupe Peak and stand on the highest point in Texas. And the main reason why you hike to the peak is to see the views. 

    There are no facilities or amenities at this campsite - no water, no restrooms, no shelters, no firewood, no wifi. Just views that stretch on for miles and miles.

    You'll likely start your trip by checking into the Pine Spring Visitor Center where you can obtain a backcountry use permit. Permits are issued on a first come, first serve basis so try to arrive as early as possible and preferably before noon. During peak visitation periods permits may be in demand, so it might be a good idea to stay one night at the Pine Spring campground. If the Pine Spring campground is full, there is some Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land nearby in New Mexico. Ask the visitor center for more info. The backcountry permit authorizes camping in designated sites in the established backcountry campsites. Fires are prohibited so containerized fuel is your best bet to be used for cooking.

    The hike from the Pine Springs Visitor Center to the Guadalupe Peak campground is 3.1 miles - and it is almost all uphill. The hike from the Guadalupe Peak campsite to the peak is an additional 1 mile. The campsite is on a nook of the mountain and marginally protected from high winds. There are a few trees and a few rock windbreaks near the tent pads. The winds often exceed 80 miles per hour, so even if it is not windy when you arrive, secure your tent with additional guy lines. Elevation gain from the visitor center to this campsite is about 2200 feet. You'll need to carry all of your water for your ascent and descent so be prepared to haul 4 to 8 liters depending on the season, heat and personal needs. 

    After you've conquered Guadalupe Peak and hiked around other parts of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, check out the nearby Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico.

  • Dare To Everywhere .The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2020

    Pine Springs Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    Mostly private, close to trailhead

    Stayed: 10/12 - 10/14/2020 - $15/night

    Site: 5

    Vehicle: Hyundai Rogue

    Equipment: Tent

    Beautiful little first come, first served campground within Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Pretty private for the most part, although we could easily see site 4 and the people staying there.

    I was hoping for site 1 or 2, as you can park directly in-front of the site, but those were both taken, along with sites 19& 20. Site 5 wasn’t too bad of a walk from the parking area, but it was a little further back. This was fine because we had privacy and two separate areas. One with our picnic table and a second area for the tent. We just weighed the tent and tarp down with rocks, because it was too rough for the stakes.

    We were excited to stay here so that we would have easy access to the Guadalupe Peak trail in the morning. A short trail takes you to the visitor center. The campground is right at the trailhead of 4 trails and is adjacent to the RV section. The RV section holds the trailhead, water filling station, bathrooms, potable water, dishwashing station and self-registration.

    It was nice to have bathrooms and running water after a long trip. No showers. Beautiful views of the mountains and stars. A great place to stay if you’re visiting the park for more than a day!

    AT&T and Sprint: Poor & spotty

  • Sara S.
    Jun. 12, 2016

    Pine Springs Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    simple campground

    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. Site was nice and level with a tent pad and even had a bit of shade. No reservations are taken here, but for the inexpensive price tag- it's worth a shot to find a spot. The park was only 1/2 full or so when we stayed there. It was peaceful and the sites felt spacious and truly connected to nature.

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 30, 2019

    Dog Canyon Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    Great place to beat the Texas heat!

    Dog Canyon is located on the north end of Guadalupe Mountains National Park aka the highest point in Texas. Though secluded, Dog Canyon fills up fast so arrive early or plan in advance to claim your spot.

    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.

    Ranger recommendations:

    • Have a full tank of gas
    • Bring your propane stove - fires are not allowed in any of the campgrounds.
  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 16, 2022

    Pine Springs Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    "They paved paradise and put up a parking lot"

    General: There is a tent section and an RV section; RVs of any kind (including our van) are not allowed in the tent sites. We pulled into what we thought was an overflow parking lot to discover it WAS the campground! 

    Site Quality: Diagonal paved parking spaces along the perimeter - each large enough to fit a camper and additional vehicle; these have picnic tables but no hookups or other amenities. The sites in the middle are suitable for larger RVs (Class A) but they don’t have picnic tables. On the upside, the sites are level and there is a gorgeous view of the mountains. 

    Bathhouse: Decent bathhouse with flush toilets and sinks. Soap dispensers and air dryers but no paper towels. No showers. 

    Activities: Lot of hiking trails, many of them strenuous; the most popular one is the Peak trail. We opted for McKittrick Canyon; the trailhead for this hike requires a drive.

    Other: This is the FIRST place in all of Texas (and we’ve been in the state for over a week) where we have seen recycling receptacles! There is also a dishwashing sink, a nice bonus. Be aware that your smartphone/watch may not give you the correct time (my Apple watch and my husband’s Garmin displayed different times!) The park is on mountain time although it is close to the border of central time so expect confusion.) Quiet hours are 8 pm– 8 am, longer than usual but not a problem for us. Limited cell service with Verizon. This was not what we expected for a campground, and we were dismayed that it was paved; with the views, it could have been a much nicer campground if more natural.

  • SwitchbackKids
    Jul. 6, 2017

    Pine Springs Campground

    Beautiful, scenic, hiker's paradise!

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

    Pine Springs is located near the visitor center and main hub of the park, making it a great base camp for epic day hikes in the park.

    When we first arrived at the park, we felt adventurous and got a backcountry permit (free) for several overnights we planned to do throughout the park. However, since there is no road running up and over the huge ridge, and most of the trails don’t easily connect, we quickly realized that our plans would require a lot of hauling our packs up and down 3,000-foot elevations changes and camping in sub-freezing temperatures each day. Our first night was spent up along the ridge in the “Bowl,” but our other three nights were spent in Pine Springs.

    Pine Springs checked off most of our requirements for an awesome campsite: cheap (only $8/night for a tent site), close to the highlights (the classic Guadalupe Peak trail leaves from the parking lot) and scenic, spacious sites (check, check). Amenities were the basic flush toilets and picnic tables, but for the cost, that was more than understandable.

    There is a lot the Guadalupe Mountains offers, including the hikes we mentioned: The Bowl loop, Guadalupe Peak (highest point in Texas!), McKittrick Canyon hiking, and some of the greatest sunsets of our entire trip.

    You can read much more about our four days in the park on our blog: Switchback Kids (Guadalupe Mountains)

  • Ashley & Derek V.
    Jul. 20, 2018

    Pine Springs Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    Perfect location for Guadalupe Mts Ntl Park

    This is the best place to be when hiking/touring Guadalupe Mts National Park, especially if you plan to hike Guadalupe Peak (the trailhead is in the parking lot). The sites are nice - some are a short walk-in, some are right next to your parking spot.

    We don't RV, but the RV sites were underwhelming - it's just a parking lot with no hookups.

    The restrooms were nice and clean, but no showers. This wasn't fun when you're sweaty and stinky from hiking all day. There was also a dish washing station. There's one bathroom with flush toilets, and another at the other end of the campground with vault toilets. The closest hotel, store, and restaurant are all ~30 minutes away in White's City so bring everything you need.

    There's no campfires allowed (ever), plus they had a slightly increased burn ban when we were there so we couldn't use camp fuel products but I understand that you normally can use them. Good thing we had a backup butane stove.

    It's a very pretty location and is a great campground, especially for being in the middle of nowhere!

  • Bridget C.
    May. 24, 2018

    Pine Springs Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    Great Campground for Tents / Hammocks

    This is a great campground for tents & hammocks. If you are in an RV is it parking lot camping only. There is a working restroom (no showers) as well as a washing station for dishes. It is in the perfect spot for many of the main trails in the park. We visited in July. The nights were nice, however, from 11am-6pm it is best to find shade or something to do (we drove around and explored the area).

    Closest gas station is in Dell City (about a 30 minute drive) that is also the closest place to get food or ice, so just be prepared! I have more pictures and information here on my blog.

  • Kaloo D.
    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!

Guide to Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Tent camping near Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in stunning natural landscapes, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With several well-reviewed campgrounds, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a peaceful retreat surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • The Tejas Wilderness Campground provides a remote, tent-only experience, perfect for those seeking tranquility in nature without the distractions of modern amenities.
  • At Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground, campers can enjoy clean facilities and well-maintained restrooms, making it a comfortable choice for those who appreciate a bit of convenience.
  • The Mescalero Wilderness Campground is known for its scenic beauty and offers a peaceful environment, ideal for those looking to escape into nature.

Some prices for tent camping range from $15 to $0

Local activities to enjoy while tent camping

  • Hikers will love the trails accessible from Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground, which lead to the highest point in Texas, offering breathtaking views.
  • The Tejas Wilderness Campground is ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat, surrounded by tall trees and stunning landscapes, perfect for relaxation and exploration.
  • Campers at Mckittrick Ridge Wilderness Campground can enjoy a challenging backpacking experience with stunning views along the way, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Guadalupe Mountains National Park is Rattlesnake Canyon - Backcountry Camping — Carlsbad Caverns National Park with a 4.6-star rating from 5 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Guadalupe Mountains National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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