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

Pine Top Wilderness Campground

Open — Open year-round. Wilderness Use Permits required and available through Recreation.gov up to three months in advance, or walk-up permits available at Pine Springs Visitor Center 8:00 a.m. to noon daily. $6 reservation fee plus $6 per person per night.

About

Pine Top Wilderness Campground is the backcountry campground in closest proximity to the Bowl area and offers excellent views of the park's highest peaks. Located at 3.9 miles from Pine Springs Trailhead via the Tejas and Bush Mountain Trails with 2,300 feet of elevation gain, it makes an excellent choice for a single-night backpack trip. Eight designated campsites are defined by tent pads and secluded in trees, though the area is susceptible to high winds and lightning. This primitive wilderness campground is accessible only by foot trail and requires a Wilderness Use Permit for all overnight stays. Campers must be completely self-sufficient, as there are no toilets, water sources, or other amenities on site. All waste must be packed out using required commercial toilet bag systems. Camp fires are prohibited throughout the park; only containerized fuel stoves may be used. The campground sits within the Guadalupe Mountains Wilderness, which encompasses both desert and montane ecosystems characteristic of the northern Chihuahuan Desert. The surrounding peaks rise more than 5,000 feet from the desert lowlands, creating exceptional opportunities for solitude and wildlife viewing in a landscape where the forces of nature remain evident.

Directions

Access via Pine Springs Trailhead using the Tejas and Bush Mountain Trails. 3.9 miles with 2,300 feet elevation gain.

Nearby Campgrounds