Best Camping near Salt Flat, TX

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Salt Flat, TX is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. 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.

Best Camping Sites Near Salt Flat, TX (22)

    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Springs Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Springs Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Springs Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Springs Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Springs Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Springs Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    1. Pine Springs Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    48 Reviews
    139 Photos
    172 Saves
    Salt Flat, Texas

    Overview

    The Pine Springs RV campground is not a traditional campground. Be aware, this is a paved parking lot. The area shares a popular and busy trailhead accessing four major trails. The area is frequently congested with day use hikers searching for available parking and with foot traffic from overflow parking areas. 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. Pine Springs Campground is located near the Pine Springs Visitor Center, just off U.S. 62/180 and at an elevation of 5,730 feet. The location offers great hiker access to the Guadalupe Mountains National Park trail system. The campground is situated at the opening to the Pine Springs Canyon with spectacular views of the worlds best example of a fossil reef and of the vast Permian Basin to the east. The campground is open year-round and is busiest, March-May and September-November. High winds with over 50 mph gusts are common, especially during winter and spring.

    Recreation

    The Pine Springs Trailhead includes access to many different types of hikes. Hikes to Guadalupe Peak or the Bowl are strenuous, 8-9 miles, and have 2500-3000 feet of elevation gain. Another strenuous hike is the Devils Hall Trail (4.2 miles round-trip, 500 feet elevation gain, of the trail in a rocky, uneven wash which includes route-finding and boldering skills). For a more moderate hike consider the the Frijole/Foothills Trail. The El Capitan Trail offers excellent open views of the surrounding desert and close approaches to the cliff face of El Capitan. Because of its distance, lack of shade, some primitive route travel, and numerous elevation changes, this trail is best saved for cooler times of year and for people with experience in route-finding. The ruins of a Butterfield stage station, called the Pinery are next to the highway, and a short, paved nature trail connects the visitor center and the historic site. The Frijole Ranch & History Museum is 1.5 miles away. The grounds are always open, but the museum is staffed intermittently. Seven miles to the east on Hwy 62/180 is McKittrick Canyon. This area offers three trails, the McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail (0.9 miles loop), McKittrick Canyon Trail (4.8 miles round-trip to Pratt Cabin or 6.8 miles round-trip to the Grotto) and the Permian Reef Trail (8.4 miles round-trip, for serious geology buffs).

    Natural Features

    The Pine Springs Campground is in an area with small, scattered trees, shrubs, and grasses. Trees include gray oaks and alligator junipers, which cast partial shade at some sites. Texas madrones, bigtooth maples, chinquapin oaks, and ponderosa pines become more common along the canyon floor. Higher elevations include Douglas fir and hop-hornbeam. Shrubs include whitethorn acacia, Mexican orange, Apache plume, sumacs, and algerita. Desert-adapted plants also occur in this area, and include prickly pear cactus, New Mexico agave, sotols, and soaptree yuccas. Hunter Peak and cross-sectional views of the Capitan reef are visible from the campground. Roadside pullouts (one mile and four miles away) provide excellent views of El Capitan. Hiking into Pine Springs canyon or along the foothills reveals Guadalupe Peak. The Guadalupe Peak trail ascends to the highest point in Texas and offers excellent views of the surrounding desert. Birds commonly seen and/or heard around the campground can include Canyon towhees, turkey vultures, white-winged doves, common ravens, chipping sparrows, Says phoebes, common poorwills, and phainopeplas depending on the season. Night sky visibility is excellent and nearly pristine directly overhead, to the south, and the southwest. Nearby high ridges and peaks are situated to the west and north.

    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 Whites City, via Dark Canyon Road to NM SR 137 through Queen (also the way to the national parks 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, 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
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $60 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Springs Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Springs Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Springs Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Springs Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Springs Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Springs Campground

    2. Pine Springs Campground

    16 Reviews
    90 Photos
    35 Saves
    Salt Flat, Texas

    Pine Springs Campground is a simple, desert camping area situated at the base of the mountain. Individual campsites are all at a first come, first served basis. There is no reservation system.

    Campground conveniences include: potable water, accessible flush-toilet restrooms , utility sink, pay telephones, and a drink machine. There are no showers available in the campground.

    Tent campers have a choice of 20 leveled, gravel sites. Small junipers and oaks partially shade most of the sites and each site has a picnic table. Numbers are limited to 6 people or 2 tents per site.

    The RV camping area is a paved parking lot with 19 sites to choose from. RV sites are defined by painted lines and numbers on the pavement. There are no hook-ups and there is no dump station. RV water tanks can be filled from an outside water faucet near the registration board. RV campsite #21 is wheelchair accessible.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    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

    3. Dog Canyon Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    14 Reviews
    68 Photos
    19 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.

    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.

    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 Whites City, via Dark Canyon Road to NM SR 137 through Queen (also the way to the national parks 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, 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 Chosa Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chosa Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chosa Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chosa Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chosa Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chosa Campground

    4. Chosa Campground

    50 Reviews
    103 Photos
    367 Saves
    Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico

    Chosa Campground consists of a 3.5-acre, pipe-rail fenced pad that offers a trash container and a safe parking space for your Recreational Vehicle plus a protected area to set tents, whatever your camping style. Chosa campground provides visitors a fee free location strategically located between two national parks with Carlsbad Caverns a short 11-mile drive north and Guadalupe Mountains National Park 27 miles south on highway 62.

    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    5. Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    9 Reviews
    39 Photos
    71 Saves
    Salt Flat, Texas

    The campground is located on the Guadalupe Peak trail, 3.1 miles from the Pine Springs trailhead, and 1 mile below the Peak. The campground is on a small knoll and only minimally protected from high winds. Makeshift windbreaks and rocks left behind on tent pads are a reminder to others to prepare for wind. Five campsites are available; a backcountry permit is required for use.

    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    • Drinking Water
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Tejas Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Tejas Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Tejas Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Tejas Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Tejas Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Tejas Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    6. Tejas Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    10 Reviews
    57 Photos
    2 Saves
    Salt Flat, Texas

    A backcountry use permit is required for all use of these campsites. 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.ADA Access: The Tejas Campground is a primitive camping area accessible only by foot trail.

    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground

    7. Sunset Reef Campground

    37 Reviews
    61 Photos
    244 Saves
    Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico

    Sunset Reef Campground is a reclaimed well pad with 11 developed campsites; five RV spaces and six tent sites. Each site has a shaded picnic table, fire pit and grill for your camping convenience with a vault toilet on site. Visitors can dry camp at this campground for a maximum of five nights for free. If on the hunt for a great place to camp while exploring the two national parks in the area, this is the place to stay! Carlsbad Caverns is a 25-minute drive (14 miles) to the north and Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a 35-minute drive (30 miles) to the southwest. __

    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Tent Cabin
    • Glamping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mescalero Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mescalero Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mescalero Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mescalero Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mescalero Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mescalero Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    8. Mescalero Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    6 Reviews
    8 Photos
    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.

    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from More Travel Less Talk
    Camper-submitted photo from More Travel Less Talk
    Camper-submitted photo from More Travel Less Talk
    Camper-submitted photo from More Travel Less Talk
    Camper-submitted photo from More Travel Less Talk
    Camper-submitted photo from More Travel Less Talk

    9. More Travel Less Talk

    3 Reviews
    37 Photos
    15 Saves
    Salt Flat, Texas

    More Travel Less Talk

    Camping at its Best

    We do all of our bookings through our Site at More Travel Less Talk. Look us up and click the reserve button for all sites and availability. Thanks.

    Hello and welcome to More Travel Less Talk. We are a small family owned "campground" that serves the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Salt Basin Dunes, and Dell City area. We cater to families and individuals looking for a true desert experience. We strive to provide a quiet, secluded, safe, friendly place for people looking for a unique experience in this amazing area.

    We offer the following services:

    Camper top and class B camper drive in primitive sites

    Yurt rentals.

    Primitive tent camping sites.

    Don't settle for a paved parking lot spot at the Guadalupe national park where you will be packed in like sardines for 20 dollars a night. We have 20 acres of land you can explore and plenty of room between you and our other guests.

    We are conveniently located just 6 miles off of HWY 62/180 on FM 1576. 27 miles from Quadalupe National Park. Home of El Capitan and the highest peak in Texas.

    Just a quick 15 minutes from Dell City where you can stock up on supplies. Dell City is a beautiful and quaint farming community that offers two grocery stores, a NAPA, fueling stations, two restaurants, a post office, and a wonderful Hardware store owned and run by the Perry's.

    14 miles to the Salt Basin Dunes.

    70 miles (1 hour) from Carlsbad Caverns National Park

    If the idea of seeing a sky full of stars at night, being surrounded by all sorts of desert wildlife, being minutes away from some of the most amazing mountains and hikes you will ever experience, or just looking for a nice overnight experience while traveling….This is the place for you.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Yurts

    $20 - $75 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping
Showing results 1-10 of 22 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Salt Flat

Recent Reviews in Salt Flat

252 Reviews of 22 Salt Flat Campgrounds




Guide to Salt Flat

Camping near Salt Flat, Texas, offers a unique experience with stunning landscapes and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to pitch a tent or a place to park your RV, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. One camper mentioned, "Great access to trails - we woke up and immediately did Guadalupe trail!" at Pine Springs Campground.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Dog Canyon Campground said, "Dog Canyon is one of those places where the pictures just won't do it justice. It's big, you're little."
  • Stargazing: The remote locations provide excellent opportunities for stargazing. One camper noted, "Great night sky. Quiet." while staying at Sunset Reef Campground.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking views. A review for Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground states, "It's clean, well maintained, and has some of the best views in the park."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the well-kept restrooms. A visitor at Dog Canyon Campground mentioned, "The restrooms were heated, which was a nice bonus."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peaceful environment. One reviewer at Tejas Wilderness Campground said, "It's exactly what makes this spot ideal for a peaceful retreat."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Mescalero Wilderness Campground, have no electric hookups or showers. A camper noted, "The tent sites are walk-in."
  • Remote Locations: Some campgrounds are quite remote. A visitor at Dog Canyon Campground warned, "This place is REMOTE! Like 1.5 hours away from any gas station remote."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A camper at Pine Springs Campground advised, "Sites fill up on the weekends."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with clean facilities. A parent at Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms are clean and well stocked."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games or activities for downtime. One camper at Tejas Wilderness Campground suggested, "Just be sure to come prepared with water and enjoy the beauty of the wilderness!"
  • Pack Snacks: Keep everyone energized during hikes. A visitor at Sunset Reef Campground said, "Great free campsite between Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Ensure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Dog Canyon Campground noted, "I cannot imagine that these sites will accommodate rigs over 25’."
  • Prepare for Dry Camping: Many sites don’t have hookups. A camper at Pine Springs Campground mentioned, "No generator use either so be prepared to dry camp."
  • Use Solar Power: If you have solar panels, they can be very useful. A visitor at Dog Canyon Campground shared, "Solar: Excellent."

Camping near Salt Flat, Texas, provides a chance to enjoy the great outdoors while experiencing the beauty of the Guadalupe Mountains. Whether you're hiking, stargazing, or just relaxing, there's something for everyone in this stunning area.

Frequently Asked Questions