Camping near Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Q: Can you camp in Guadalupe Mountains National Park?

Yes, you can camp in Guadalupe Mountains National Park . The park offers two developed campgrounds: Pine Springs Campground and Dog Canyon Campground. Both campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and they offer tent and RV camping options. Additionally, the park has backcountry camping available for those who prefer a more primitive and remote experience. To camp in the backcountry, you will need a backcountry use permit, which you can obtain at the Pine Springs Visitor Center or Dog Canyon Ranger Station.

Q: Do you need a camping reservation for Guadalupe Mountains National Park?

At Guadalupe Mountains National Park , reservations can be made in advance for the two main campgrounds: Pine Springs and Dog Canyon. Both are reservable up to six months in advance, and we recommend you book early, especially during peak seasons, as campsites can fill up quickly. For backcountry camping, you will need a backcountry use permit, which can be obtained at the Pine Springs Visitor Center or Dog Canyon Ranger Station on the day you plan to camp. These permits are also issued on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are accepted for backcountry camping.

98% (29 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Guadalupe Mountains National Park adventure.

Camp within view of Texas’s tallest peaks in the Guadalupe Mountains.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Guadalupe Mountains National Park

100%

(2)

Dog Canyon Campground

13 sites · RVs, Tents In Guadalupe Mountains National Park

This campsite is a virtual wind tunnel! Make sure to anchor that tent well. The views at night are amazing though!

100%

(10)

Pine Springs Group Campground

1 site · RV, Tent In Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Dog Canyon Group Campground

1 site · RV, Tent In Guadalupe Mountains National Park

97%

(17)

Pine Springs Campground

39 sites · RVs, Tents In Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Guadalupe Mountains National Park

97%

(211)

Good Guad Land Co.

5 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Dell City, TX

Find extreme solitude and unforgettable views of Guadalupe Peak at this desert escape next to Guadalupe Mountains National Park! This is choose-your-own-adventure camping. The terrain is rugged, and the dust and wind blow some nights. Once you're here, there are zero amenities (other than picnic tables). If this sounds fine — you don't mind roughing it — you'll be sleeping under the stars at the foot of West Texas' tallest mountain range. And who else can say they've done that? Distance to nearby attractions: Guadalupe Mountains National Park Visitor Center, 11 miles; Black River Recreation Area, 42 miles; Carlsbad Caverns National Park Visitor Center, 52 miles Distance from nearby towns: Dell City, 34 miles; Van Horn, 56 miles; Carlsbad, 65 miles; El Paso, 104 miles

97%

(19)

Mountain View RV Park

2 sites · RVs5 acres · Salt Flat, TX

Family Owned RV Park Discover a peaceful retreat nestled in Dell City, TX, with full hook-ups and stunning views of the Guadalupe Mountains. Experience the best of nature and adventure! Experience the Uniqueness of Mountain View RV Park Tranquil Mountain Scenery - Easy Access to Outdoor Adventure - Central Location for Explore & Play - Stargazing Oasis

89%

(14)

Hart Ranch

10 sites · RVs, Tents101 acres · Salt Flat,, TX

West Texas desert... Wide open skies... 57min to Guadalupe visiter center.... Open range to ride your ATV's on... Bring your horses and ride the range... Bring your telescope and look at the stars... this is the future home of my family we will be living there off grid Homestead with four kids and one adult and will be a small dairy farm eventually right now it is just a fenced-in 100 acres

The best camping near Guadalupe Mountains National Park guide

Overview

About

In far western Texas, the state’s highest point, Guadalupe Peak, rises 8,751 feet above the vast Chihuahuan Desert. This promontory and surrounding mountains give Guadalupe Mountains National Park its name and form the backdrop for adventures in the park. Go hiking, biking, and horseback riding in immersive canyons and on high-country trails. The National Park Service offers three campgrounds, each with dry camping and limited amenities. Outside the park, dispersed camping and primitive campgrounds are found in the Lincoln National Forest and on BLM lands. RVers may find private parks with full hookups near Whites City and Carlsbad, New Mexico.

Notable campgrounds

Best for easy access: The Pine Springs Campground is located near the visitor center.
Best for serenity: The Dog Canyon Campground is more remote and is located in a forested landscape.
Best for camping with horses: The Frijole Horse Corral Group Campground provides access to horse corrals and may be booked up to 6 months in advance.
Best for free camping: The Bureau of Land Management offers some primitive campgrounds and dispersed camping options nearby.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Campsites are reservable through the Recreation.gov website.
Reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance.
Flush toilets and potable water are available at both main campgrounds, but no hookups are offered at individual sites.
Both main campgrounds can accommodate RVs, while also offering walk-in campsites for tents only.
Wilderness camping is also available in 10 primitive campgrounds, offering tent camping only. Campers must obtain a permit.
Park campgrounds can fill to capacity during fall and spring.

When to go

Warm weather can be expected much of the year. Summer can bring extreme heat, with highs in the 90s. The summer monsoon season brings afternoon thunderstorms. Spring and fall are cooler, with chilly nights. Though winter has pleasant daytime temperatures, the area can be extremely windy from November through March. Occasional snows and freezing temperatures are a possibility. The weather can vary greatly by elevation, so it’s important to dress in layers and to plan accordingly when camping.

Know before you go

Campfires and propane fire pits are not allowed, only cookstoves.
There are no dump stations for the NPS campgrounds.
Cell signals are limited in many areas of the park.
In order to preserve a natural environment, no roadways were constructed through the park’s peaks.
Carlsbad Cavern National Park is a short drive away, making it easy to visit both parks on a single trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you camp in Guadalupe Mountains National Park?

Yes, you can camp in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The park offers two developed campgrounds: Pine Springs Campground and Dog Canyon Campground. Both campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and they offer tent and RV camping options. Additionally, the park has backcountry camping available for those who prefer a more primitive and remote experience. To camp in the backcountry, you will need a backcountry use permit, which you can obtain at the Pine Springs Visitor Center or Dog Canyon Ranger Station.

Can you boondock in Guadalupe Mountains National Park?

Boondocking, or dispersed camping, is not allowed within Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The park has two developed campgrounds, Pine Springs and Dog Canyon, where you can camp. These campgrounds have designated sites, and camping is only allowed in these areas. If you're looking for boondocking opportunities, you'll need to explore nearby public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or the U.S. Forest Service outside the park boundaries.

Do you need a camping reservation for Guadalupe Mountains National Park?

At Guadalupe Mountains National Park, reservations can be made in advance for the two main campgrounds: Pine Springs and Dog Canyon. Both are reservable up to six months in advance, and we recommend you book early, especially during peak seasons, as campsites can fill up quickly.

For backcountry camping, you will need a backcountry use permit, which can be obtained at the Pine Springs Visitor Center or Dog Canyon Ranger Station on the day you plan to camp. These permits are also issued on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are accepted for backcountry camping.

How do I get a campsite reservation at Guadalupe Mountains National Park?

Securing a Guadalupe Mountains National Park campsite reservation is usually a challenge due to the park's popularity. Camping trips typically need to be planned months in advance and even then, available campsites can book up within minutes. The good news is that you have other options for last-minute Guadalupe Mountains National Park campsite reservations. Try snagging one by setting up a free Hipcamp alert for any Guadalupe Mountains campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.

When should I reserve camping in Guadalupe Mountains National Park?

Most Guadalupe Mountains National Park campsite reservations open up months in advance. However, it's notoriously difficult to secure a Guadalupe Mountains National Park reservation even if you plan ahead, as campsites are often booked up within minutes. To increase your chances of snagging a campsite, set up a free Hipcamp alert for any Guadalupe Mountains campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.