The large parks get to much attention when it concerns to National Parks Guadalupe Mountains National Park is the exception you can of course visit Carlsbad Caverns and of course you should but don’t overlook this gem only a short drive away . Nevertheless, there are a number of wonderful off-the-beaten-path parks that could be ideal in your future visit.
Guadalupe National Park in west Texas is the place to go if you enjoy hiking, animals, and archaeology. This public property contains a salty basin with beautiful sand dunes, steep mountain summits, lush grasslands, dense forests, and other different sceneries in a limited area. These are some reasons why you ought to go to Guadalupe National Park and relish the scenery.
Do you know what the term high pointing means? This is the moniker attributed to the goal of adventure enthusiasts who want to conquer the tallest peak in each of America’s 50 states. You may cross one off your checklist at Guadalupe National Park.
Want more ideas to round-out your trip to Texas?
A lot of great ideas are in these posts!
- 15 Guadalupe Mountains National Park Free Campgrounds
- 18 Free Campsites for Big Bend National Park (Updated 2022)
- 12 Top Las Cruces Free Camping and El Paso Boondocking Stops
- 8 Enchanted Rock State Park Texas Boondocking Locations
- 14 Free Caddo Lake State Park Boondocking Locations
- 8 Free Caprock Canyons State Park Boondocking Locations
Guadalupe National Park History
During the Permian epoch, the Guadalupe National Park gave its name to the Guadeloupian ranges. For centuries, the highlands have had a turbulent history. People lived in and around the caves and nooks for over 10,000 years, according to archeological findings. As demonstrated by the finding of spear points, baskets, ceramics, and cave paintings, hunters and foragers tracked great wildlife and gathered edible plants. The heritage of the Park is maintained today at Frijole and Williams Ranches, as well as the Pinery Station ruins.
The 15 Guadalupe Mountains National Park Free Campgrounds
check out our video
1. Guadalupe Mountains National Park Boondocking Locations – Chosa Campgrounds
Address
Dillahunty Rd.
Carlsbad, New Mexico
GPS: 32.0885, -104.4321
Elevation: 3740′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The campground at the Guadalupe Mountains NP was full so we headed here instead. The gravel lot was pretty full of RVs when we arrived so we kept going up the road about .5 miles and found a camping site with multiple fire rings (much more our style anyway). The mountains were in view and we enjoyed ourselves!
Best Review:
This spot was difficult to find. Off the road to the right. If you go past the turn to get to it, you will be driving on a very bumpy bad road until you can turn around. When you see the cattle trough..this is where you need to be. Don’t keep driving down road because you could get stuck. Once we parked near cattle trough we were ok. Lots of cow poop but since it was freezing it didn’t smell! Beautiful sunrise! Stayed one night for a few hours just to sleep.
2. Guadalupe Mountains National Park Free Campsites – Carlsbad Caverns BLM Boondocking
Address
Carlsbad, New Mexico
GPS: 32.040596, -104.457909
Elevation: 3840′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The road into this Guadalupe Mountains National Park free campground area is Gravel and 1 miles from a paved road. Carlsbad Caverns BLM boondocking is open Year Round. The maximum RV length at Carlsbad Caverns BLM boondocking is big rig. You may stay 14 Days at Carlsbad Caverns BLM boondocking.
Best Review:
This spot was difficult to find. Off the road to the right. If you go past the turn to get to it, you will be driving on a very bumpy bad road until you can turn around. When you see the cattle trough, this is where you need to be. Don’t keep driving down road because you could get stuck. Once we parked near cattle trough we were ok. Lots of cow poop but since it was freezing it didn’t smell! Beautiful sunrise! Stayed one night for a few hours just to sleep.
3. Guadalupe Mountains National Park Boondocking Spots – Sunset Reef Campground
Address
Carlsbad, New Mexico
GPS: 32.114678, -104.425641
Elevation: 3622′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The road into this Guadalupe Mountains National Park boondocking area is Gravel. There are 6-15 campsites at this location. You may stay 5 at Sunset Reef Campground.
Best Review:
What a beautiful place on the Earth. There are some firerings and picnic tables, but there are only five designated for RVs. I showed up on Friday afternoon and it was full with several RVs parked along the perimeter. The lot is plenty big, so I parked around the perimeter too. I may not have had a picnic table, but I did have the best view in the park.
4. Guadalupe Mountains National Park Boondocking Locations – Picnic Stop by Sitting Bull Falls
Address
Carlsbad, New Mexico
GPS: 32.287559, -104.610908
Elevation: 4182′
Management: Rest Area
The road into this Guadalupe Mountains National Park free campground area is Paved. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 1 night at Picnic Stop by Sitting Bull Falls.
Best Review:
There are a few nice primitive campsites just outside the day use area. Max stay is 14 days. There us a sign on the cattle guard just before the gates that say no camping past this point. The staff at SBF are pretty friendly. Make sure you dont leave a mess. There is only 2 volunteers out there and they are working their butts off to keep that place clean!!! There us no cell service in the canyon.
5. Guadalupe Mountains National Park Free Campsites – BLM Land at MM 10 on HWY 62
Address
Mile Marker 10 Hwy 62
Carlsbad, New Mexico
GPS: 32.096839, -104.4172
Elevation: 3652′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The road into this Guadalupe Mountains National Park boondocking area is Gravel and 1 miles from a paved road. BLM Land at MM 10 on HWY 62 is open All Year. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 14 days at BLM Land at MM 10 on HWY 62.
Best Review:
Road in at mm10 is currently being decommissioned for camping.. sites all levelled out, fire rings dispersed and access points lightly ditched.. a sign is posted for No Camping.. my take is this is not done by BLM but perhaps by a new lease holder.. we found a spot about a mile up the road, stayed 2 nights and no one paid any attention to us.. a few rigs were parking along the road parallel to the highway which works, but deeper in provided privacy.. we did not use a fire ring.
6. Guadalupe Mountains National Park Boondocking Spots – Parks Ranch
Address
White’s City, New Mexico
GPS: 32.110352, -104.406509
Elevation: 3566′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The road into this Guadalupe Mountains National Park free campground area is Dirt and <5 miles from a paved road. You may stay 14 Nights at Parks Ranch. This is a primitive BLM campground down a dirt/gravel road near Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Best Review:
Stayed here 5 nights. Very quiet and nice scenery overlooking the Chihuahuan Desrt and Guadalupe Mountains. Good cell service for AT&T and Verizon. Depspite the sign recommending no RVs and travel trailers, we entired up anyway. The road is a bit rough but not rutted. Just take it slow. There are several spots suitable for trailers and RVs not too far in. Great place!
7. Guadalupe Mountains National Park Boondocking Locations – Rest Area Guadalupe Mountains
Address
Mc Kittrick Canyon, Texas
GPS: 31.96085, -104.67921
Elevation: 4662′
Management: Rest Area
The road into this Guadalupe Mountains National Park boondocking area is Paved. Rest Area Guadalupe Mountains is open All year. There are 16-29 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay Any at Rest Area Guadalupe Mountains.
Best Review:
This is a very nice rest area- lots of spaces for RV and truck parking. Safe. The rest stop is immaculately clean, and the building has an interesting display of the history of the area – worth reading about. We stayed here one night when we pulled in after dark. You do hear the traffic, but ear plugs take care of that.
8. Guadalupe Mountains National Park Free Campsites – Public Lands near Carlsbad Caverns
Address
Carlsbad, New Mexico
GPS: 32.204698, -104.334665
Elevation: 3650′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The road into this Guadalupe Mountains National Park free campground area is Gravel. Public land campsites. Directly across 62 from 772.
Best Review:
Coarse gravel and rock road takes you up into primitive spots — look for fire rings. Good car camping option around the caverns if you don\’t want to stay in Whites City or drive down to Guadalupe Mountains.
9. Guadalupe Mountains National Park Boondocking Spots – Dark Canyon
Address
Carlsbad, New Mexico
GPS: 32.290279, -104.348104
Elevation: 3455′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The road into this Guadalupe Mountains National Park boondocking area is Paved. Dark Canyon is open Year-round. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 80′. You may stay 14 Nights at Dark Canyon.
Best Review:
he campsites in the immediate area of the GPS location have been blocked off. Keep going until you pass the rock quarry. There are more campsites down there. I walked around the canyon a bit it is a cool place.
10. Guadalupe Mountains National Park Boondocking Locations – Dark Canyon Boondocking
Address
GPS: 32.293467, -104.3195
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The road into this Guadalupe Mountains National Park free campground area is dirt. This spot is still BLM land and is a little more private (from other campers) then the one just before it on Dark Canyon. It has a really nice view of some slightly rolling limestone hills and a beautiful sunset.
Best Review:
In some respects, a great spot- came here in our 42″ diesel pusher + tow, plenty of space. So. Much. Trash. Was horribly trashed – from burnt sofas, mattress, bookshelf, burnt electronics, shot gun shells, broken glass, and plastic everywhere. We tried to clean it up but honestly be prepared for so much garbage.
11. Guadalupe Mountains National Park Free Campsites – Avalon Reservoir
32.493567, -104.248978
Address
Carlsbad, New Mexico
GPS: 32.493567, -104.248978
Elevation: 3203′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
Small lake near Carlsbad is open 24 hours for fishing. There is a fee for boating. Camping is free. 3 miles north of Carlsbad via NM 206. The road into this Guadalupe Mountains National Park boondocking area is dirt.
Best Review:
One of the more pleasant stops so far on my journey. Nothing there just a little rocky beach, but the atmosphere and the wildlife sounds made it. At sundown the adult Lobos started roll call around the lake then after a hunt, a den of pups got fed. Bass were jumping and hawks were flying. I just set up a little driftwood fire and had my tarp down next to it. Would highly recommend if only for the night time desert wildlife experience.
12. Guadalupe Mountains National Park Boondocking Spots – Alkali Lake OHV
Address
Unnamed Road
Carlsbad, New Mexico
GPS: 32.498938, -104.211417
Elevation: 3297′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The road into this Guadalupe Mountains National Park free campground area is dirt. Alkali Lake OHV is open all year. Middle of no where, took a bit to find but we were able to find it. Along a dirt bike course.
Best Review:
Got into this site very late at night; the coordinates are accurate. The first section of the dirt road is very rocky, but if you take it slow you’ll be fine in any vehicle, with or without a camper in tow. The site is fairly large and level. Set up tent camping the next morning. It’s rocky, so be sure to have strong stakes. The desert view is pleasant and there’s some light wind.
13. Guadalupe Mountains National Park Boondocking Locations – Hackberry Lake
Address
Artesia, New Mexico
GPS: 32.538905, -103.989107
Elevation: 3385′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The road into this Guadalupe Mountains National Park boondocking area is Paved. Hackberry Lake is open Year Round. You may stay 14 Days at Hackberry Lake.
Best Review:
The Hackberry Lake Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Use Area offers over 55,000 acres of rolling stabilized dune lands and cliffs. The area is open for intensive use of motorcycles, sand dune buggies and other OHVs. Trails within the area take advantage of a variety of soils and topographic features, which include many turns and steep hill climbs.
14. Guadalupe Mountains National Park Free Campsites – Forest Creek
Address
349-399 Miller Flats Road
Mayhill, New Mexico
GPS: 32.865803, -105.464947
Elevation: 6795′
Management: National Forest Service
The road into this Guadalupe Mountains National Park free campground area is dirt.
Best Review:
Excellent spot. This whole road is designated as dispersed camping so there are multiple places to pull off. The mark on the GPS map on this site seems to be in use by a cattle operation so probably wouldn’t suggest camping right at the pinpoint.
15. Guadalupe Mountains National Park Boondocking Spots – Denny Hill
Address
130-188 New Mexico 24
Mayhill, New Mexico
GPS: 32.839872, -105.530134
Elevation: 7516′
Management: National Forest Service
Free Dispersed camping in the Lincoln National Forest’s Sacramento Ranger District. First come – first served. No reservations accepted. This is a high elevation location. The road into this Guadalupe Mountains National Park boondocking area is dirt.
Best Review:
None
Top 10 trails to hike at Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Today, the world’s largest fossil region is a hiker’s delight. The nation’s tallest peaks may be found in Guadalupe National Park, which also has 80 miles of trails to enjoy. They include:
Guadalupe Mountains National Park Hiking Trail #1. Guadalupe Peak
The park’s eponymous peak is one of the best hikes in the Guadalupe Mountains. Guadalupe Peak, Texas’ highest point at 8,749 feet, is a challenging trek that compensates endurance with breathtaking sights of the Chihuahuan desert, sand dunes, and woodland.
Length: 8.4 Miles
Elevation gain: 2954 Feet
Route type: Out & back
Guadalupe Mountains National Park Backpacking, Guadalupe Mountains National Park Camping, Hiking, Nature trips, Bird watching, Running, Forest, Views, Wildlife, Rocky, Scramble, No shade, Fee, No dogs
Guadalupe Mountains National Park Hiking Trail #2. Permian Reef
The Permian Coral trail is a geoscience enthusiast’s dream, taking them back to days when Texas and New Mexico were immersed in a simplistic tropical sea. This trek, which soars above McKittrick Canyon and explores the finest representation of fossil record reef in the mountain ranges, is designated for the Permian era, which lasted 250-300 million years ago.
Length: 9.2 Miles
Elevation gain: 2391 Feet
Route type: Out & back
Hiking, Nature trips, Bird watching, Forest, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Rocky, Fee, No dogs
Mountains National Park Hiking Trail #3. The Bowl
The Bowl’s dramatic mix of evergreen woodland and craggy canyon walls adds to the spectacular factor. The trail rises 2,500 feet into scenery that appears worlds away after passing through cacti and sand. Trees and Douglas firs flourish up here, affording respite from the Texas sun.
Length: 8.4 mi
Elevation gain: 3,067 ft
Route type: Loop
Hiking, Nature trips, Bird watching, Views, Fee, No dogs
Guadalupe Mountains National Park Hiking Trail #4. Smith Spring Trail
The simple 2.3-mile Smith Spring Trail, which is noted for its outstanding wildlife sightings, brings nature to life. Mule deer, a variety of birds, and the rare elk bear and mountain lion live in the highlands, but they are seldom seen. The streams are secluded and lush, making them excellent picnic locations.
Length: 2.4 mi
Elevation gain: 387 ft
Route type: Loop
Kid friendly, Hiking, Nature trips, Walking, Bird watching, Running, River, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Fee, No dogs
Guadalupe Mountains National Park Hiking Trail #5. McKittrick Canyon
McKittrick Canyon is a must-see for a more easy hike with equally stunning vistas. The reasonably flat trail twists over three miles through a prehistoric reef canyon bordered with willow trees in the park’s northeastern section, just a few miles from the new border with Mexico. The canyon has the park’s only perennial stream, and the walk spans the trickling stream several times.
Length: 20.2 mi
Elevation gain: 4,366 ft
Route type: Out & back
Guadalupe Mountains National Park Backpacking, Guadalupe Mountains National Park Camping, Walking, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Fee, No dogs
Guadalupe Mountains National Park Hiking Trail #6. Marcus Overlook
The Dog Canyon portion of the Guadalupe Mountains is the lowest frequented section of the park, located in the northwestern corner. Though it is a remote location that necessitates additional driving, the calm, and seclusion provided by the trails make it worthwhile. Marcus Overlook is the hike to attempt.
Length: 13.5 mi
Elevation gain: 3,175 ft
Route type: Loop
Hiking, Nature trips, Bird watching, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Rocky, Fee, No dogs
Guadalupe Mountains National Park Hiking Trail #7. Pinery Trail
To get to the ruins of the ancient Pinery Station, walk the short 0.75 mile trail. Displays along the trail illustrate the flora and fauna of the Chihuahuan desert. The trail is concrete and wheelchair friendly, and it is graded easy. Leashed pets are permitted.
Length: 1.0 mi
Elevation gain: 78 ft
Route type: Out & back
Dogs on leash, Wheelchair friendly, Kid friendly, Stroller friendly, Hiking, Nature trips, Walking, Paved, Views, Wildflowers, No shade, Fee
Guadalupe Mountains National Park Hiking Trail #8. Pine Springs Campground Loop
It is an unrestricted trail guide provides knowledge and insight into the meadow’s cultural and natural heritage, as well as the surrounding environment. The trail is 0.2 mile long and takes 30-45 minutes to finish at a leisurely pace. After traversing an arroyo, the path is just about level, making it an easy hike.
Length: 0.2 mi
Elevation gain: 9 ft
Route type: Loop
Dogs on leash, Kid friendly, Camping, Walking, Views, Wildlife, Fee
Guadalupe Mountains National Park Hiking Trail #9. Foothill Trail
From Pine Springs campsite and Frijole Ranch, the Foothills paths form a loop. One can begin at either extreme of the spectrum. Observe the plants and animals of the Chihuahuan desert, as well as panoramic views. This path is not well-traveled, but it provides a relaxing walk in the woods.
Length: 4.1 mi
Elevation gain: 337 ft
Route type: Out & back
Hiking, Nature trips, Walking, Bird watching, Running, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Rocky, No shade, Historic site, No dogs
Guadalupe Mountains National Park Hiking Trail #10. Manzanita Spring
Begin your journey at Frijole Ranch by stepping right past the farm house and following the brief, paved path to Manzanita Spring. Follow the same path back to Frijole Ranch. The route is accessible to those in wheelchairs. Manzanita Spring is a superb birding spot and a wonderful desert hydration place for park species.
Length: 0.5 mi
Elevation gain: 13 ft
Route type: Out & back
Wheelchair friendly, Kid friendly, Hiking, Nature trips, Walking, Bird watching, Running, Lake, Paved, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Fee, No dogs
Places and Things To Do and See In the Park
Here is a rundown of the best things to do and see in the park, so you can create your own itinerary.
1. Trek Through Devils Hall Trail
The Devil’s Hall Trail in Guadalupe Park is a short and simpler hike that leads to Devil’s Hall, a tiny ravine. The trail is well maintained for the opening mile, but after that, it is rough, nonetheless, if you track the wash, you will be able to locate your way to Devil’s Hall.
2. Hike to Guadalupe NP’s Texas Peak
You must climb to the summit of Guadalupe Peak, Texas’ highest point at 8,751 feet, if you only have opportunity for one activity in Guadalupe National Park. It is not just cool to say you have hiked to the top of Texas, but the trek itself is breathtaking. I did not have the normal experience because I was fighting snow, fog, and ice, but once I broke through the clouds, the vista was breathtaking.
3. Get To See the Salt Basin Dunes
Salt Basin Dunes is roughly an hour drive away from Guadalupe Peak, but the trip is well worth it. You will not see the entire dunes initially, but as you progress along the trail, you will start to discover greater sand hills on your right hand side.
You May Want to Join Our Boondocking Group on Facebook For More Information
You May Want to Join Our Campfire Recipes Group on Facebook For More Information
