Guadalupe Mountain Nat'l.Park & Campground

Of all of the RVers traveling around this beautiful country of ours and enjoying 
every minute of it, about 5% of us (my estimation) want to get off the paved 
road and out into the real country and do their camping. Guadalupe Mountain
National Park has the right campground for you! I have never been there ( I am
not the wilderness camping type, I like my comforts),but I did find some good
information that might help anyone wanting to head up into the hills for some
good times.
When you leave your site, remember to clean up your camping area & leave 
nothing but footprints.




Camping Guide
Backcountry Camping Backcountry Campgrounds Campgrounds
Horseback Riding and Corrals Minimum Impact Camping Regulations and Use Limit


Campgrounds
Located just off Highway 62/180 near the Headquarters Visitor Center, Pine Springs Campground is a simple desert camping area for those wishing to explore the Guadalupe Mountains. Water, wheelchair accessible restrooms , a service sink, and pay telephone are available.


The Dog Canyon area 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 two campgrounds in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Pine Springs Campground and Dog Canyon Campground. They are both on a first-come, first-served basis.


Campgrounds


Campground Open Sites Water Restrooms Dump Station Group Site Fee
Pine Springs All Year 20 - Tent, 19 - RV Yes Yes No Yes $8.00
Dog Canyon All Year 9 -Tent, 4 - RV Yes Yes No Yes $8.00
Additional Camping Information


When you arrive, select a campsite, then pay at the self-registration board near the restrooms. The fee is $8.00 per night per site, $4.00 for Golden Age and Golden Access Passport holders. There is no discount for Golden Eagle Passport holders. Both campgrounds have tables. Cooking is allowed with camp stoves only. Group sites are available for organized groups with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 20 people per site. The fee is $2.50 per person, a minimum of $25.00 per site. Group sites are available for reservation up to 60 days in advanced. Call 915-828-3251 extension 0 between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm daily, Mountain time.


Rules and Regulations


Sanitation


Wash dishes in the utility sink. Please do not use faucets in the campground for dish washing. It is unsanitary and can attract nuisance wildlife.


Discharge of dishwater or gray water onto the ground is prohibited. Use the utility sinks for their disposal.


RV water tanks can be filled from an outside water faucet near the registration board.


Skunks and other mammals roam the campground at night. Place all garbage in receptacles. Store food, including pet food, in vehicles.


Pets


Pets must be leashed at all times.


Pets are not allowed on the trails because they disturb park wildlife and other visitors.


Leashed pets may be exercised on the trail to the Visitor Center and the Pinery Trail at the Visitor Center.


Please clean up after your pet.


Park wildlife may carry plague and rabies. Do not allow your pet near animals or their dens or burrows.


Pets may not be left unattended. The nearest kennel service is at Carlsbad Caverns.


Fire


Wood and charcoal fires are not allowed because of generally dry conditions and intermittent high winds. Camp stoves are allowed.




Backcountry Camping - Open All Year
All overnight backpackers must obtain a free Backcountry Use Permit, issued at the Headquarters Visitor Center (Pine Springs), or the Dog Canyon Ranger Station. Permits are issued on a first come, first serve basis. Permits must be obtained in person, the day of or the day before the proposed trip. The permit authorizes camping only in designated sites in the established backcountry campgrounds. Adherence to your itinerary insures minimum impact on resources, and prevents overcrowding.


Water available at trailheads. There is no water in park's backcountry.


No water is available in the backcountry. Carry one gallon per person per day in hot weather.
Trails are rocky; wear good boots.
Afternoon thunderstorms occur frequently in the summer; bring rain gear.
Fires are prohibited. Cooking is allowed only on camp stoves.
Wear a hat and use sunscreen.
Pack out all trash, including toilet paper.
Bury human waste away from trails and campsites.
Temperatures are cooler at higher elevations.
Pets are prohibited.
No collection of natural or historic objects.


Regulations and Use Limits
Regulations


Camping is allowed only in the designated backcountry campgrounds
Tents must be pitched on the hardened tent pads provided. Tent pads are defined with wooden borders that includes tie-downs
Fires, both wood and charcoal, are strictly prohibited. Containerized fuel is the only allowable method to be used for cooking or warming
Possession of any firearm is prohibited
Pack out all litter including cigarette butts and toilet paper
Bury human waste properly, at least four to six inches deep, 100 feet from established trails, and 150 feet from campsites
Pets are not allowed on trails or in the park's backcountry
Smoking is prohibited when posted at trailheads or other locations during periods of high fire danger
All plants, animals, rocks, minerals, cultural/historical sites, and artifacts are strictly protected and will remain undisturbed
All natural water sources are restricted from human use.
Use Limits


For each backcountry site, a limit of four persons per site will be used. Each site will hold two small tents or one large tent
Backcountry use permits will be issued for a maximum of seven (7) nights, with no more than two consecutive nights in any campground
Organized groups (scouts, church groups, schools, etc.) are limited to ten persons, (3 sites per group) per campground
Only one organized group will be allowed in any campground at one time.


Backcountry Campground Descriptions
Campground         Sites Description
Guadalupe Peak 5 For those whose goal is to reach the highest peak in Texas, and relish the moment, an overnight at the Guadalupe Peak campground is ideal. On a clear night the stars may tempt you to lay awake for hours. The campground is located on the Guadalupe Peak trail, 3.1 miles from the Pine Springs trailhead, and 1 mile below the Peak. It 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. Elevation gain is 2200 feet.
Pine Top           8            Located at the top of the ridge, Pine Top is the backcountry campground in closest proximity to the Bowl, and offers excellent views of the park's highest peaks (a short walk to the edge of the escarpment). Pine Top is an excellent choice for a single night backpack trip. It is 4.2 miles from Pine Springs trailhead via Tejas and Bush Mountain trails. Elevation gain is 2300 feet. Though secluded in trees, the campground is susceptible to high winds and lightning.
Tejas                       4 The extra distance to Tejas 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, Tejas campground is 5.5 miles from Pine Springs trailhead or 6.2 miles from Dog Canyon.
Bush Mountain           5 A favorite of many for the exceptional vistas and western sunsets. Though the campsites at Bush Mountain are semi-protected from high winds, backpackers will find hiking on the exposed trails to reach the campground difficult during periods of high wind activity. Bush Mountain campground is 6.2 miles from Pine Springs trailhead via Tejas and Bush Mountain trails.
Mescalero           8 This campground is near several trails leading in different directions, making it an excellent choice for a "base camp" while exploring the highcountry. (Listen for wild turkeys off in the distance.) Mescalero is situated in ponderosa pine and brush, and is on a slope overlooking a small drainage. Located on the Tejas trail, Mescalero is 6.2 miles from Pine Springs trailhead or 4.7 miles from Dog Canyon.
McKittrick Ridge           8 Travel through the beautiful McKittrick Canyon before beginning the very steep climb up to the ridge. This hike isn't for everyone, but if your endurance is up to it, the views along the climb and on top are breath-taking. From McKittrick Canyon trailhead, the distance is 7.6 miles, with the elevation gain (significant for quite some distance) of over 2700 feet. If you'd like to visit this beautiful ridge without quite the workout, begin instead at Dog Canyon. Though the distance is roughly equal (7.4 miles), the elevation gain is much less (under 1500 feet)!
Blue Ridge           5 Blue Ridge campground is less frequently used than some of the more "popular" ones, and may offer a greater opportunity of solitude for hikers willing to go the extra distance. The campground is surrounded by ponderosa pine and Douglas fir; wild roses and grassy areas are nearby - a beautiful location and very remote. The distance from Pine Springs trailhead: via Tejas/Blue Ridge 7.8 miles, via Tejas/Bush Mountain 8.9 miles.
Marcus                       5 From Dog Canyon, hikers travel through grassy areas and the remnants of recent wildland fire, then cross Manzanita Ridge to view West Dog Canyon before descending to an elevation equivalent to the starting point. Not frequently used; some of the trails leading away from this campground may be difficult to follow at times. Pay attention to the trail and rock cairns marking the way. The campground is in pinion and juniper, shaded and protected from the wind. The distance from Dog Canyon is 3.7 miles.
Wilderness Ridge 5 An interesting hike along the Permian Reef geology trail meanders up 2000 feet to Wilderness Ridge where the sudden transition from rock to trees is refreshing. Once on top, the trail is level through forested and open areas and takes you to the edge of the escarpment where the view is outstanding. Though it's tempting to pitch camp on top of the ridge prior to reaching the campground, it is illegal to camp anywhere other than the designated campgrounds. Wilderness Ridge campground is in trees, and worth the extra distance to save the resource from unnecessary damage.
Shumard           5 ALmost hikers head straight for the highcountry, and avoid this desert hike as an overnight adventure. If you enjoy arid Chihuahuan desert or you find yourself fascinated by the geology of the Guadalupes, consider a backpack trip to this remote location. Though it is 9.2 miles from Pine Springs trailhead, the elevation gain is much less significant than many of the other trails. Do make sure you are prepared for sun, wind, and weather exposure. The trail is not protected by trees along the way..


Minimum Impact Camping
With more and more visitors coming into the national parks each year, it becomes increasingly more important to learn and practice minimum impact ethics. Though we may be lucky enough to enjoy some moments of solitude while hiking or camping, we must not forget that hundreds of others will come to experience the same. Our overwhelming numbers alone make it tough to preserve and protect those resources we love so much.


Please follow these simple principles of Leave No Trace:


Plan Ahead and Prepare


Appropriate equipment, understanding the terrain you travel through, and leaving enough time to reach you destination are ways of reducing impact on the land. Proper protection from wind, for example, means you won't be forced to use native materials to build unnecessary windbreaks. Eliminating (by recycling) unnecessary packaging of food products (prior to leaving) reduces the potential for litter on trails or at campsites.


Camp and Travel on Durable Surfaces


The desert is fragile and recovers from human impact much more slowly than many other ecosystems. Roads, trails and campgrounds leave lasting scars. To minimize these scars, designated campgrounds with hardened tent pads have been established in the wilderness of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Respect the land - do not camp outside these designated areas. Stay on established trails, and as you enjoy the view, remember it would not be as pretty if each of us trammeled wherever we chose. When off-trail, use durable surfaces - step lightly. Travel on established trails between campsites, don't make new ones.


Pack It In, Pack It Out


What would seem a common sense principle is often very misunderstood. Pack out not only your inorganic waste or trash, but also organic waste or garbage. A clear distinction should be made between native, natural, and beneficial. Garbage such as peanut shells, apple cores, or orange peels, though natural, are not native and therefore not necessarily beneficial. The arid climate means they decompose slowly, they may be harmful to wildlife and are unsightly. If your pack is light, help by packing out the litter left by others.


Leave What You Find


All plants, animals, rocks, minerals, cultural/historical sites and artifacts are strictly protected and will remain undisturbed. Don't let a temptation to take something stand in the way of preservation and protection of resources. Avoid disturbing wildlife. Our entry into the wilderness should not be at their expense.


Protect and Conserve Water Resources


Water is a precious and finite resource in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Recognized as such, it is strictly prohibited to disturb any water source in any way. As you enter the backcountry, be prepared by carrying at least one gallon of water per person per day, and do not carry a filter to take advantage of 

campgrounds

Pine Springs (Elevation 5,822')
Located just off U.S. Highway 62/180 near the Headquarters Visitor Center, Pine Springs Campground is a simple, desert camping area situated at the base of the mountain.

• 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.

Dog Canyon (Elevation 6,280')
Dog Canyon is in a secluded, forested canyon on the north side of the park. Due to a slightly higher elevation, and protected location beneath steep cliff walls, it remains cooler than Pine Springs campground in the summer, and sheltered from strong gusty winds in winter and spring. The campground has 9 tent sites and 4 RV sites (no hookups, no dump station). Restrooms have sinks and flush toilets, but no showers.

Camping Fees

Family Camping
When you arrive, select a campsite, then pay at the self-registration board near the restrooms. The fee is $8.00 per night per site, $4.00 for Golden Age and Golden Access Passport holders. There is no discount for Golden Eagle or National Park Passport holders.

Group campsites
There are two group campsites available at Pine Springs, and one at Dog Canyon for organized groups with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 20 people per site. The fee is $3.00 per person. The fee for Golden Age and Golden Access Passport holders is $1.50 per person. Group campsites are available by reservation up to 60 days in advance. Call (915) 828-3251, between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM daily, Mountain Standard Time. Due to the small size of park campgrounds, group campsite users may not overflow into family campsites.

Sanitation

Skunks and other small mammals roam the campground at night. These animals are attracted to food odors. Prevent encounters by keeping campsites free of food scraps.

• Dispose of scraps and other garbage in trash receptacles.
• Store food, including pet food, in vehicles, not in tents.
• Please refrain from using faucets in the campground for dish washing or bathing. Wash dishes in the utility sink beside the restrooms.
• Discharge of dishwater or gray water on the ground is prohibited. Use the utility sinks for their disposal.
• The closest free RV dump station is off Canyon Street in Carlsbad, NM (behind the TNM&O bus terminal).

Pets

Pets on leash are permitted in the campground, but please abide by the following with regard to your pet's welfare, the protection of park wildlife, and consideration of other park visitors:

• Leashed pets may be exercised on the trail between the campground and Headquarters Visitor Center, and the Pinery Trail at the Visitor Center. Pets are not allowed on other park trails because they may disturb park wildlife or be harmed themselves by wild animals. There are many rattlesnakes in the park, and park wildlife may carry plague or rabies. Do not allow your pet near animals or their dens or burrows.
• Please clean up after your pet.
• Pets may not be left unattended. The nearest kennel service (with limited hours) is at Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Fires

Wood and charcoal fires are strictly prohibited due to generally dry weather conditions and intermittent high winds. Containerized fuel camp stoves are permitted.

Quiet Hours

Quiet hours are from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM. RV's may not run generators during these hours.