Mescalero Wilderness Campground

About

Mescalero Wilderness Campground offers a true backcountry experience in the heart of Guadalupe Mountains National Park's wilderness. Perched among ponderosa pines and brush on a slope overlooking a small drainage, this primitive campground provides access to some of the park's most remote terrain. The setting is peaceful, with opportunities to spot wild turkeys in the surrounding forest. Reaching Mescalero requires significant effort: 6.2 miles from Pine Springs Trailhead or 4.7 miles from Dog Canyon, with substantial elevation gain. The campground's location on the Tejas Trail makes it strategic for multi-day trips exploring the high country trail network. All eight designated sites operate on a permit system with reservations available up to three months in advance through recreation.gov. This is true wilderness camping with no amenities. Backpackers must carry all water, use containerized fuel stoves (campfires are prohibited parkwide), and pack out all trash. A landfill-safe commercial toilet bag system is mandatory, with a minimum of one bag per person per night required.

Directions

From Pine Springs Trailhead, hike 6.2 miles via the Tejas Trail. Alternatively, from Dog Canyon, hike 4.7 miles. Both routes involve approximately 2,000 feet of elevation gain. The campground is accessible only by foot trail.