How much does camping cost at Pine Springs Campground?

Camping fees at Pine Springs Campground range from $20-$60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Pine Springs Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Pine Springs Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Pine Springs Campground before I book?

Yes! Pine Springs Campground has 14 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Pine Springs Campground?

Pine Springs Campground is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Pine Springs Campground?

Pine Springs Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Pine Springs Campground?

Cell phone service at Pine Springs Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Pine Springs Campground have?

Pine Springs Campground has 35 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Pine Springs Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Pine Springs Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Pine Springs Campground?

Pine Springs Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Pine Springs Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Pine Springs Campground?

Fire policies at Pine Springs Campground: No Open Fires. No open fires (this includes charcoal) are permitted anywhere in the park. Only stoves or lanterns using containerized fuel are permitted.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.16

1.1K reviews

Top 5%Fall

C+Report Card

Scenic ViewsStargazingGreat Hiking

Featured in:Camping Near Guadalupe Mountains National Park#3 Camping Near Carlsbad Caverns National Park#3

Quick Facts

5,730 ft

Price

$20 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Guadalupe Mountains National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,730 ft

Price

$20 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Guadalupe Mountains National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Pine Springs Campground

$20.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group Tent Camping: $60.00; RV Camping Loop: $20.00; Tent Camping Loop: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Group Site Fee$60.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

915-828-3251GUMO_information@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Pine Springs Campground

31.8955, -104.8260

Nearby places

Van Horn, TX: 65 miles, El Paso, TX: 110 miles, Carlsbad, NM: 55 miles.

Driving directionsThe Pine Springs area of Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located on the north side of US Hwy 62/180 near Mile Post 130. From Interstate 10, take the Van Horn, Texas exit. Follow TX Hwy 54 (56 miles/17 km) north to the intersection of US Hwy 62/180. Turn east on 62/180 and travel (9 miles/14.5 km) to the park. From El Paso, TX, follow US Hwy 62/180 east for (110 miles/177 km) to the park. From Carlsbad, NM, take US Hwy 62/180 west for (55 miles/88.5 km) to the park.

Weather at Pine Springs Campground

Current alerts(12)

Entrance Fee. A separate park entrance fee of $10 per person (16 and older) is required for all visitors not covered by an Interagency annual or lifetime pass (check your pass for details).
Groups larger than 10. Groups larger than 10 people must reserve the Pine Springs or Frijole site. Reserving multiple individual sites for events or family gatherings exceeding 10 people is not permitted. Pine Springs Group Sites are for tents only, RVs are not permitted.
No Cell Service. Cell phone service may be available in the Pine Springs area , depending on your service provider. Free Wi-Fi may be available in front of the Pine Springs Visitor Center.
Pets. Pets are permitted in the campground and along the park road. Leashes 6 ft. in length are required. Pets may not be left unattended or inside vehicles. Pets causing a disturbance may be asked to leave, no refunds of fees.

Best Time to Camp at Pine Springs Campground

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the most comfortable and stable weather for hiking and wildlife viewing, with daytime highs typically in the 60s–70s°F (15–25°C) and crisp nights in the 30s–40s°F (0–5°C). Trails are at their best—fewer thunderstorms and lower fire danger mean long, clear days for exploring McKittrick Canyon, the Capitan Reef viewpoints, and star-filled nights. Crowd levels are generally lower than summer, so you’ll find a quieter campground and easier trail access. Peak months: October, November, March, April

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 5% in US

Overview: 'Fall delivers the most comfortable and stable weather'; reviewers call fall ideal.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Pine Springs Campground

Pine Springs Campground sits at the base of Guadalupe Mountains National Park in West Texas, offering direct access to trails that climb through Chihuahuan Desert terrain into mid-elevation pine and fir forest. Operated by the National Park Service, the campground serves as a staging point for day hikes to Guadalupe Peak and McKittrick Canyon. Tent and RV campers share sites with flush and vault toilets, potable water, and picnic tables, with group options available for larger parties.

The campground offers hike-in tent sites, RV camping, and group sites. RV sites are basic and resemble a parking lot, while tent and group sites provide more natural surroundings.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the most comfortable and stable weather for hiking and wildlife viewing, with daytime highs typically in the 60s–70s°F (15–25°C) and crisp nights in the 30s–40s°F (0–5°C). Trails are at their best—fewer thunderstorms and lower fire danger mean long, clear days for exploring McKittrick Canyon, the Capitan Reef viewpoints, and star-filled nights. Crowd levels are generally lower than summer, so you’ll find a quieter campground and easier trail access. Peak months: October, November, March, April

Elevation5730 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits where the Guadalupe Mountains meet the Chihuahuan Desert, with the massive Capitan Reef. A 250-million-year-old fossilized barrier reef. Rising overhead. The Permian Basin spreads out below to the east. Gray oaks and alligator junipers provide scattered shade among the tent sites, while sotols and yuccas grow across the rocky slopes. Desert-adapted plants cling to the terrain, creating stark contrasts between mountain and desert. Night skies are exceptionally dark, with minimal light pollution. Views from camp take in the reef formation and the surrounding canyon walls. The landscape is geological drama: ancient limestone, dramatic elevation changes, and vegetation that survives in this high-desert transition zone.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging facilities, such as cabins or lodges, are available at this campground. The accommodations are limited to campsites.

Programs & ActivitiesVisitors can explore the ruins of a Butterfield stage station and the Frijole Ranch & History Museum. The museum is staffed intermittently.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

6people or 2 tents per site for individual sites. Group sites allow 10–20 people.

Groups

Group sites accommodate 10-20 persons and require a reservation. Groups larger than 20 need a special use permit.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible parking and walkways. Group sites have nearby handicap parking, making them suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, with tent sites offering specific tent pads, and RV sites being paved parking spaces. Group sites accommodate 10-20 persons.

PrivacyTent sites provide moderate privacy due to scattered trees and shrubs, while RV sites are closely spaced and resemble a parking lot.

Total Campsites35 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites with partial shade, such as site #12, and be prepared for high winds.

Best CampsitesSites 18 and 9 get mentioned in reviews for better privacy and views. Tent sites generally outperform RV sites for seclusion. Scattered trees and shrubs create separation, while the RV area is a tight, paved parking lot with minimal spacing.

Need help booking Pine Springs Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

No shower facilities, hookups or dump stations.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Pine Springs Campground is an ideal base for hiking enthusiasts, offering access to multiple trails of varying difficulty in the Guadalupe Mountains. Visitors can also explore historical sites and enjoy bird watching.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyNo Open Fires. No open fires (this includes charcoal) are permitted anywhere in the park. Only stoves or lanterns using containerized fuel are permitted.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling bins are available within the campground. Specific schedules for pickup were not mentioned.

Cell CoverageCell phone service may be available depending on the provider. However, the proximity to the Central Time Zone may cause devices to switch between time zones. Visitors are advised to manually set their devices to Mountain Time to avoid confusion.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

1.1K reviews

Satisfactory

Pine Springs Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are polarizing; while some appreciate the proximity to trails and natural beauty, many criticize the RV sites as resembling a parking lot. Tent campers generally report better experiences due to site privacy.

Review Summaries

Based on 1141 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers praised the cleanliness of facilities, proximity to trails, and stunning views. The night skies and accessibility to hiking were frequently highlighted.

Based on 1141 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints centered on the lack of amenities, such as showers and hookups, and the congested, parking-lot-like layout of RV sites. Wind conditions and maintenance issues were also noted.

Based on 1141 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 16 was noted for its proximity to bathrooms but lacked shade, while Site 18 was praised for its privacy and views. Several users noted issues with overbooking or inaccurate site descriptions.

Based on 1141 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing extra water, securing tents against high winds, and preparing for potential closures of facilities. Opt for tent camping for a more immersive experience.

Based on 1141 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter and spring bring harsh winds, while summer offers better conditions but requires careful planning due to limited shade. Fall is considered the ideal season by many.

Based on 1141 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The views from the Guadalupe Peak trail are worth it, but prepare for winds up to 85mph," noted one user. Another remarked, "This is a parking lot with picnic tables—stay for the hiking, not the...

Based on 1141 reviews

Accessibility Features

Group sites and parking facilities are accessible for visitors with mobility challenges. However, some issues with site layouts and elevated pads were mentioned.

Based on 1141 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are permitted but must remain leashed at all times. Trails are generally off-limits to pets, with the exception of the Pinery Trail.

Based on 1141 reviews

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Pine Springs Campground

$20.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group Tent Camping: $60.00; RV Camping Loop: $20.00; Tent Camping Loop: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Group Site Fee$60.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

915-828-3251GUMO_information@nps.gov

Nearby Campgrounds

Guadalupe Peak is a primitive backcountry campground at 8,000 feet in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas, with 5 sites and vault toilets. Operated by the National Park Service, it serves hikers tackling the summit trail to Texas's highest point. Fall is the best season, with daytime highs in the 50s–70s°F and nights in the 30s–40s, offering stable trails and excellent visibility of the limestone escarpments and fossil reef.

Frijole Horse Corral Campground

Guadalupe Mountains National Park, 400 Pine Canyon Drive, Salt Flat, TX, 79847

Frijole Horse Corral Campground sits in Guadalupe Mountains National Park near Salt Flat, Texas, serving equestrians exploring the high desert backcountry. Operated by the National Park Service, this small mid-elevation campground provides corrals, vault toilets, and potable water for riders and their mounts. Hikers and RV campers are welcome, though the site is designed primarily for horse camping and sits close to Highway 62/180.

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Less Visited

2.7

(6)

Tejas Wilderness Campground

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Tejas Wilderness Campground sits in a sheltered bowl within Guadalupe Mountains National Park's backcountry, roughly 5.5 miles from Pine Springs trailhead and 6.2 miles from Dog Canyon. Dense forest and surrounding ridgelines create a protected environment that diverts wind and weather, making it a favorite among backpackers seeking shelter from the park's notorious gusts.

Tejas Wilderness Campground

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Tejas Wilderness Campground sits in a sheltered valley within Guadalupe Mountains National Park, 5.5 miles from Pine Springs trailhead and 6.2 miles from Dog Canyon. Tall pines and surrounding ridgelines create a shaded, wind-protected pocket that feels distinct from the park's more exposed backcountry sites. A permit is required.

Dog Canyon Campground

400 Pine Canyon Drive, Salt Flat, TX 79847

Dog Canyon Campground sits at 6,300 feet on the remote north side of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, accessed via New Mexico rather than the main Texas entrance. Operated by the National Park Service, this small campground serves as a quiet base for hiking into rugged canyons and spotting mule deer and wild turkeys. Sites accommodate tents, RVs, and groups, with flush toilets, potable water, and seasonal availability during peak months.

$20.00 - $60.00 / night

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Campgrounds

Pine Springs Campground

C+

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 35% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 941 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade B+.Getting there
Grade B.Things to do
Grade B-.Facilities

Watch-outs

Grade F.Belonging
Grade C-.Rules & policies
Grade C-.Crowds & noise

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Texas grades overall

About Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Context for the broader area surrounding Pine Springs Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Come experience mountains and canyons, desert and dunes, night skies and spectacular vistas within a place unlike any other. Guadalupe Mountains National Park protects the world's most extensive Permian fossil reef, the four highest peaks in Texas, an environmentally diverse collection of flora and fauna, and the stories of lives shaped through conflict, cooperation and survival.

Directions

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located on the north side of US Hwy 62/180. If you are traveling east from El Paso, TX, we are 110 miles East of the city. Follow US Hwy 62/180 North to the Pine Springs Visitor Center. If you are traveling from Van Horn, TX, you will travel north on US 54 and make a right-hand turn at the junction of US 62/180 to arrive at the park. If you are traveling west from Carlsbad, NM, you will travel on US Hwy 62/180 South and cross into Texas. Follow signs to the park.

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