Tent campsites near Salt Flat, Texas primarily cluster within Guadalupe Mountains National Park, where elevations range from 3,000 to over 8,000 feet above sea level. The park's primitive camping areas require significant hiking distances, generally 3-8 miles from trailheads with elevation gains of 2,000-3,000 feet. Summer temperatures at higher elevations average 10-15 degrees cooler than the desert floor, making early mornings ideal for hiking activities.
What to do
Hike to Bush Mountain: Access Bush Mountain Wilderness Campground via an 8.4-mile trail with 2,700 feet of elevation gain. According to one visitor, Bush Mountain offers a "view of beauty and a land of wonder and amazement as you can awake and place your feet upon the lands of a thousand words."
Summit Guadalupe Peak: The 8.4-mile round-trip hike from Pine Springs to Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground takes most hikers 6-7 hours to complete. One camper noted, "We started around 7:30am, got to the summit around 12:30pm and then got back down around 4pm. We were chased down by some thunderstorms that were common that time of the year."
Explore McKittrick Canyon: The trail to McKittrick Ridge Wilderness Campground offers unique geological features including a small cave. As one backpacker mentioned, "Two ways to approach with different difficulty levels, both 8 miles of backpacking and both are lovely. There's a little cave along the trail!"
What campers like
Protection from winds: Tejas Wilderness Campground sits in a forested area that provides natural wind barriers. A camper explained, "The hike up has great views, then you drop down in a valley for the camp sites... This would be a great site for the summer due to the tree coverage or on windy nights since you're protected."
Bear boxes for food storage: South Rim primitive camping areas include metal storage containers for safety. According to one backpacker, "Our campsite had a large metal bear box in which you could store food and packs. The site was large enough for a few tents (2-3); we had a group of five and had more than enough room."
Solitude and wildlife viewing: Most backcountry sites see minimal traffic, especially midweek. A visitor to Rattlesnake Canyon in nearby Carlsbad Caverns noted, "Gorgeous sunset—seemingly nobody else around though the rangers said there were at least a couple other parties out there."
What you should know
Wilderness permits: All backcountry camping requires permits from Pine Springs Visitor Center. A camper at Rattlesnake Canyon explained, "Permits are required for camping along the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail, but those are easily acquired at the visitor center. As the ranger shakes the dust off the backcountry binder, it's easy to tell just how few people use this option."
Water requirements: No natural water sources exist in the Guadalupe Mountains. For Guadalupe Peak, one hiker advised, "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."
Temperature variations: Lower elevations experience desert heat while ridges can be significantly cooler. At Tejas Wilderness Campground, "The cold settled in fast" according to one camper, who noted the tree-covered valley gets chilly quickly after sunset.
Tips for camping with families
Choose appropriate trails: For families with children, select shorter backcountry routes. One visitor recommended, "If you continue along the South Rim trail, there are breathtaking views atop the ridge that look out over an immense canyon," making for a rewarding day hike option.
Timing your summit attempts: For families attempting Guadalupe Peak with children, one visitor suggested, "Next time I do it, I would start the hike before the sunrise" to avoid afternoon heat and storms.
Consider nearby alternatives: Rattlesnake Canyon in Carlsbad Caverns offers slightly easier access for families. A camper noted, "All you have to do is walk at least a half mile from the trailhead along the trail, then at least 100 feet off the trail, then try not to set up your tent on a prickly pear."
Tips from RVers
Pine Springs base camp: Though backcountry sites are tent-only, Pine Springs Campground serves as a staging area for backpackers. A visitor to Guadalupe Peak shared, "I stayed at the Pine Spring campground before hiking to Guadalupe Peak over Thanksgiving weekend. I got one of the last campsites so be sure to arrive early as they are first come, first serve."
Generator restrictions: RVers using Pine Springs as a base should note operating hour limitations. One camper explained, "There are no hookups, but campers can run generators before quiet hours begin at 8pm."
