Texas / Culberson County / Guadalupe Mountains Wilderness / Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Marcus Wilderness Campground

Open — Open year-round for wilderness camping. Permits required and available via Recreation.gov up to three months in advance or walk-up at Pine Springs Visitor Center 8:00 a.m. to noon daily. Commercial toilet bag system required for all overnight stays.

About

Marcus Wilderness Campground is a primitive backcountry camping area in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, accessible only by foot trail from Dog Canyon. The 3.7-mile approach crosses grassy areas, ascends Manzanita Ridge with views of West Dog Canyon, then descends to the campground elevation. This infrequently traveled route demands careful navigation, following trail markers and rock cairns. The campground occupies a protected site among pinion and juniper trees, providing natural shade and shelter from wind. Five designated campsites accommodate backpackers willing to earn their solitude in this remote corner of the Guadalupe Mountains Wilderness. The setting combines desert and montane characteristics typical of the northern Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem. This is true wilderness camping with no amenities. Backpackers must carry all water (plan for one gallon per person per day), use containerized fuel stoves only (fires prohibited), and pack out all trash using required commercial toilet bag systems. A wilderness use permit is mandatory and can be reserved up to three months in advance through Recreation.gov or obtained walk-up at Pine Springs Visitor Center.

Directions

From Dog Canyon, hike 3.7 miles through grassy areas and across Manzanita Ridge. Trail descends to campground in pinion and juniper habitat. Pay close attention to trail markers and rock cairns as route is infrequently used.

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