Guadalupe Mountains National Park - Camping

Open All Year


For those who wish to enjoy an arduous backpacking experience there are 10 primitive backcountry campgrounds available on a first-come, first-served basis. A permit is required, and must be obtained in person at the Headquarters Visitor Center or the Dog Canyon Ranger Station. Permit may only be obtained the day of, or the day before the planned itinerary. Use containerized fuel for cooking; fires (including charcoal) are prohibited in the park. One gallon of water per person, per day is recommended; water is available at the trailheads. There are no available water sources in park"s backcountry.




Open All Year


Dog Canyon lies in a secluded, forested canyon on the north side of the park. Due to the higher elevation it remains cooler than Pine Springs campground in the summer. There are 9 tent sites and 4 RV sites (no hookups, no dump station).  Restrooms have sinks and flush toilets, but no showers. Charcoal and wood fires prohibited. 1 group site is available by reservation. Minimum group size 10, maximum 20.




Open All Year


Located 1/3 mile from the Headquarters Visitor Center, this high desert campground is ideally situated at the park"s main trailhead where visitors enjoy hiking to Guadalupe Peak or The Bowl. 20 tent sites and 19 RV sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Water, restrooms, service sink, and pay telephone are available. No dump station or hook-ups for recreational vehicles. Tent sites frequently fill early in the day during peak visitation times such as summer weekends, holidays, and fall color weekends in late October. Two group sites are also available by reservations up to 60 days in advance - minimum of 10, maximum of 20 persons.