Texas / Culberson County / Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Pine Springs Campground

Open — Open year-round. Reservations available up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov. Busiest March through May and September through November. High winds with gusts over 50 mph are common, especially during winter and spring.

About

Pine Springs Campground sits at the gateway to Guadalupe Mountains National Park's extensive trail system, positioned at the opening of Pine Springs Canyon with spectacular views of the world's best example of a fossil reef and the vast Permian Basin. At 5,730 feet elevation, the campground offers 20 walk-in tent sites (38-277 feet from parking), 13 paved RV sites, and 2 group sites accommodating 10-20 people each. The campground serves as the primary basecamp for accessing the park's premier trails. Strenuous hikes to Guadalupe Peak (8.5 miles, 3,000 feet elevation gain) lead to the highest point in Texas, while the Devil's Hall Trail offers a challenging 4.2-mile route through a rocky wash. More moderate options include the Frijole/Foothills Trail. The area features scattered gray oaks and alligator junipers providing partial shade, with desert-adapted plants including prickly pear cactus, agave, and yucca. Important to note: RV sites are described as a paved parking lot sharing space with a busy trailhead, frequently congested with day hikers. High winds exceeding 50 mph are common, particularly in winter and spring. The campground offers potable water and both flush and vault toilets but no showers, hookups, or dump stations. Only containerized fuel stoves are permitted; all wood, charcoal, and propane firepits are prohibited year-round. The remote location requires fueling vehicles and purchasing supplies before arrival.

Directions

Located on the north side of US Hwy 62/180 near Mile Post 130. From Interstate 10, take the Van Horn, Texas exit and follow TX Hwy 54 north (56 miles) to US Hwy 62/180, then turn east for 9 miles to the park. From El Paso, follow US Hwy 62/180 east for 110 miles. From Carlsbad, NM, take US Hwy 62/180 west for 55 miles.

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