|
-SPONSORED LINKS-
Texas LodgingTexas Hotels Texas Maps Texas Camping Texas Weather Texas Vacation Rentals |
|
Sponsored National Park Search |
|
|
|
| Backcountry Camping | Backcountry Campgrounds | Campgrounds |
| Horseback Riding and Corrals | Minimum Impact Camping | Regulations and Use Limit |
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.
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.
Regulations
Use Limits
| 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.. |
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 springs or seeps.
The park offers diverse riding opportunities. Sixty percent of the trails are open to stock use. Those closed to stock are difficult to maintain or pass through unique and fragile areas intolerant of such use. Stock manure droppings introduce exotic plants that displace native vegetation.
There are no horses or pack animals for hire in or near the park; you must bring your own stock. All rides require thorough preparation. Improper equipment, poor conditioning, and disregard for weather conditions can result in an unpleasant or dangerous ride. Respect for the environment you ride through will help further the mission of protecting park resources for you and for future generations.
Stock corrals are available at Dog Canyon and Frijole Ranch, near the Headquarters Visitor Center. Each has four pens and will accommodate a maximum of 10 animals. Reservations may be made by calling 915-828-3251 ext. 0 (for Frijole), or 505-981-2418 (Dog Canyon) between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm Mountain Time.
Tent pads and RV camping (no hookups) are available at the Frijole corrals. At Dog Canyon, vehicles may be parked in designated locations near the corrals. A camping fee is required for overnight camping while using the horse corrals. You are required to camp near your stock at the corrals.
All stock trips must start and end at the trailheads located at these two corrals. Stock may not be transported by trailer to any other trailheads.
Riding is limited to day trips only. All stock must return to the corrals each night.
Permits
A backcountry use permit is required for all stock use. These free permits are issued at the Headquarters Visitor Center or at the Dog Canyon Ranger Station. Permits must be obtained in person, the day of or the day before a proposed trip. Stock riding is limited to day trips only. Animals may not be kept in the backcountry overnight. Special use permits are required for commercial groups.
Planning Your Trip
All stock should be properly shod before arriving in the park. You should also bring extra shoeing tools and supplies. Almost all trails consist of bedrock and/or gravel materials. Park trails are steep, narrow, rocky, and dangerous for flatland or out of condition horses. The high elevations (6,000 to 8,500 feet), cliffs, and frequent high winds are also factors to consider.
No feed is available in the park.
Water is available at the corrals but there is no water available for stock use along any of the park trails. All backcountry water sources (which are few and unreliable) are fragile and off limits to stock use.
Weather conditions change rapidly here. Be prepared for extreme weather by having the proper clothing with you. Trails are subject to temporary closures during wet weather to prevent trail damage.
Pets are not permitted on park trails or in the backcountry. They are permitted in campgrounds but must be on a leash or physically restrained. Pets may not be left unattended.
All livestock must meet state vaccination requirements. Copies of vaccination documents must be in your possession.
Nursing colts may not accompany their mothers on park trails. Loose herding is not permitted.
Stock groups are limited to no more than 10 animals per group. Larger groups must split up and use different trails. Only one party of stock animals is permitted on the same trail at the same time. This reduces trail damage and minimizes conflicts between riders and hikers caused by long strings of stock.
Firearms are not permitted in Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
Trails Open To Stock
Stock are permitted on the following trails only. No off-trail riding is allowed. Trails open to stock are shown in red on the park map.
Easy Trails: Gentle grade, easy to follow.
Moderate Trails: Steeper grades; rocky sections; generally easy to follow; may require dismounts; intermediate rider experience; stock conditioned to mountain trails.
Difficult Trails: Steep grades; narrow sections; rocky; trail may be difficult to follow; requires specific knowledge of trail or experience with similar trail conditions; for experienced riders and stock conditioned for difficult mountain terrain.
Copyright © 1995 - 2007 Hillclimb Media
This site is in no way associated with the United States Government, the Department of the Interior or the National Park Service
