Best Campgrounds near Salt Flat, TX

Camping options in Salt Flat, Texas primarily center around Guadalupe Mountains National Park, where Pine Springs Campground serves as the main established camping area. The region includes both developed campgrounds and primitive backcountry sites for tent and RV camping, with several private alternatives like More Travel Less Talk offering yurts and cabins just outside park boundaries. Guadalupe Mountains National Park features wilderness campgrounds along hiking trails, including sites at Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, while nearby private facilities provide full hookups for RVs and additional amenities not available in the national park.

Road conditions and amenities vary significantly throughout the Salt Flat area, with most national park campgrounds offering basic facilities like toilets and potable water but no showers or hookups. Fire restrictions are common within the national park, where campfires are generally prohibited. Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly in Pine Springs, which fills quickly during peak hiking seasons. The remote desert location means campers should prepare for extreme temperature variations, limited cell service, and potentially high winds. As one visitor noted, "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."

Hikers appreciate the convenient access to trailheads from Pine Springs Campground, making it an ideal base for exploring the park's trail system. Several visitors mentioned the spectacular night sky viewing opportunities throughout the region, with minimal light pollution allowing for excellent stargazing. The more secluded wilderness campsites offer privacy and solitude but require backpacking with all necessary supplies, including water. Private campgrounds near the park boundaries provide alternative options with additional amenities. According to one camper, "What an incredible spot. 6 yurts. 4 cabins with power and all amenities. A hot shower. Less than 30 minutes to the park. Soooo peaceful and beautiful." For RV campers, Pine Springs offers limited parking lot-style sites, while nearby private RV parks provide full hookups and services not available within the national park.

Best Camping Sites Near Salt Flat, Texas (23)

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Recent Reviews near Salt Flat, TX

263 Reviews of 23 Salt Flat Campgrounds


  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Sunset Reef Campground

    Very Nice - FREE

    Probably would have found faster if had this app.  Nice clean campground with bathroom.  Very open & no trees.  Stayed here 3 nights in my vehicle mid-April 2025 while i visited the 2 National Parks in the area (Guadalupe & Carlsbad). I could be over-rating but hard not too since it was free & had a bathroom facilities.

  • J W.
    Jun. 15, 2025

    Sunset Reef Campground

    Great BLM Site!

    Nice Quiet Clean campground. Beautiful views of the Guadalupe Range. Can see the Carlsbad Caverns Visitor center from the site. Free campground! Trash ca s and clean well stocked pit toilet also has tent camping. Fire pit, grill, and covered picnic table. Beautiful sunrise.

  • Britley B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2025

    Sunset Reef Campground

    Convenient

    Originally was going to stay somewhere else and then didn’t like it when we got there. We came across this place and loved it. Had a bathroom which was nice because we camped in a tent!

  • Nicki S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 25, 2025

    Sunset Reef Campground

    Nice and FREE

    I didn’t get a photo of the sign with the rules, but you are able to stay here for five nights for free. There are five tent pads and five pull-ins for RVs, but there were also RVs just parked on the edge wherever they wanted to be. We came here because each site has a SHELTER that kept the sun off of us for a few hours (and a picnic table, fire ring, charcoal grill, and trash cans) AND there was a pit toilet. It did get a little noisy when a group of college students arrived and then some other rando had to show his dominance by blasting music out of his truck for two hours, but not a bad spot. Tent pad was a huge relief after a few nights of straight rocks.

  • Haley L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 11, 2025

    Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping

    Perfect spot

    Car camped May 11 after full day of hiking at Guadalupe NP. Only passed 2 other cars on my way through the site. Road is a little bumpy, but my small non-sporty SUV made it easily all the way through. Very quiet, clean. A little windy, which was nice in the day, but got cold at night. Beautiful view of the sunrise in the morning. Would highly recommend this site to anyone going to the National parks

  • Alakzandar N.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping

    If it rains, you could get stuck

    I tried to make it all the way down. There was a spot that not safe, it only rained a little and there was a mud pit. Had to turn around. (I don't suggest low clearance)

  • Alakzandar N.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    Chosa Campground

    Easy 2wd / No worries

    This is just a big rocky/sandy lot. Perfect for RV's and there is even 4/5? Tent raised areas. This place is perfect if you're worried about getting stuck elsewhere, or if your vehicle can't make it elsewhere.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 27, 2025

    Camp Washington Ranch

    Nice little gem in the desert

    We stayed 3 nights. 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. It got to 89 degrees and we sat under the trees with our chairs & we used their picnic tables waiting for it to cool off. We do not have AC in our Scamp. Showers had very hot water & were clean. Note that despite it stating that they have full hookups, the sewer pipes are next to site A. So it’s really a dump station area. The owner & staff were really nice.


Guide to Salt Flat

Camping near Salt Flat, Texas centers around Guadalupe Mountains National Park, which contains the highest point in Texas at 8,751 feet. The area experiences extreme weather fluctuations with summer temperatures reaching 100°F during day and dropping to 60°F at night, while winter brings freezing conditions. Wind is a significant factor for campers, with gusts frequently exceeding 40 mph during spring months.

What to do

Reach Guadalupe Peak summit: Guadalupe Peak Trail offers access to the highest point in Texas through a challenging 8.5-mile round trip hike with 3,000 feet of elevation gain. According to one camper at Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground: "We had a great time... We drove 10 hours to find their camp ground full they were able to make room and squeeze us in. Saved us a headache. The hike it's self can be done in one day but we chose to stay the night on the mountain."

Explore McKittrick Canyon: This moderate 4.8-mile hike starts near Pine Springs Campground and follows a creek bed into a canyon. A visitor noted: "The Pratt Cabin trail was a nice introduction to the park for the first time visitors in our group. The trail is a 4.8 miles long out and back hike, relatively flat and the leaves were just starting to change colors."

Visit Sitting Bull Falls: Located about 25 miles from Dog Canyon Campground, this spring-fed waterfall makes a worthwhile side trip. "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."

What campers like

Night sky viewing: Salt Flat offers exceptional stargazing due to minimal light pollution. A camper at Pine Springs Campground reported: "Nice view of stars and milky way. Only 1 short trail for dogs."

Secluded camping options: For those seeking solitude, wilderness campgrounds provide isolation from crowds. A visitor to Tejas Wilderness Campground shared: "The hike up has great views, then you drop down in a valley for the camp sites. They supply tent pads only. This would be a great site for the summer due to the tree coverage or on windy nights since you're protected."

Alternative accommodations: Several private options exist just outside park boundaries. At More Travel Less Talk, a visitor commented: "We stayed here two nights and absolutely loved it. Very remote and quiet but close to Guadalupe Mountains and Carlsbad Caverns National Parks. The site are very well maintained with solar lights to guide you at night."

What you should know

Water availability: No water sources exist on trails or at wilderness campsites. A hiker at Guadalupe Peak explained: "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."

Limited fuel options: Gas stations are extremely scarce around Salt Flat. "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."

Campsite competition: Sites fill quickly, especially at Pine Springs. "Campers should know that despite being small and 'unknown' this campground fills up without warning. The pit toilets are NOT smelly and there is a water source. You will need to hike a short distance in to your tent site but it is totally worth it!"

Time zone confusion: The park sits near a time zone boundary. "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!"

Tips for camping with families

Start with shorter trails: For families visiting the best places to camp near Salt Flat, Texas, begin with less demanding hikes. "Arriving by mid-day allowed us the option to choose between a number of short trails to acquaint ourselves with the park and acclimatize to the higher altitude. We had the options to explore The Devils Hall trail, The Smith Spring trail or The Pratt Cabin trail."

Secure tents properly: The area's notorious winds require extra preparation. "Many tents in the campground were collapsing or blowing down. Luckily we had secured our tents with extra cordage and rocks."

Consider alternative accommodations: Private campgrounds provide family-friendly options outside park boundaries. At The Radcliffe Family Homestead, visitors enjoy "Peaceful and great vistas. Perfect and quiet open space in the desert with an amazing view of the Guadalupe mountains."

Plan for primitive conditions: Most sites offer minimal facilities. "Small but peaceful campground with no showers, but decent bathrooms. Site was nice and level with a tent pad and even had a bit of shade."

Tips from RVers

RV site limitations: Pine Springs RV sites function primarily as a parking lot. "This is a good campsite but pretty much just a parking lot. 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."

Consider size restrictions: Larger RVs face challenges in certain campgrounds. "I cannot imagine that these sites will accommodate rigs over 25'."

Private options with hookups: For those needing full services, private RV parks near the park provide alternatives. "This RV park is Awesome. They offer full hook ups and a Laundry Room. It is run by a friendly family who lives on the property. It is approximately 30 minutes to Guadaloupe, TX. Easy Access off the highway."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Salt Flat, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, Salt Flat, TX offers a wide range of camping options, with 23 campgrounds and RV parks near Salt Flat, TX and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Salt Flat, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Salt Flat, TX is Pine Springs Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park with a 4.2-star rating from 45 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Salt Flat, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Salt Flat, TX.