How much does camping cost at Dog Canyon Campground?

Camping fees at Dog Canyon 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 Dog Canyon Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Dog Canyon 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 Dog Canyon Campground before I book?

Yes! Dog Canyon Campground has 12 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 Dog Canyon Campground?

Dog Canyon 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 Dog Canyon Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Dog Canyon Campground?

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

How many campsites does Dog Canyon Campground have?

Dog Canyon Campground has 13 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Dog Canyon Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Dog Canyon 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 Dog Canyon Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Dog Canyon Campground?

Popular activities at Dog Canyon Campground include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Dog Canyon Campground

4.20

359 reviews

400 Pine Canyon Drive, Salt Flat, TX 79847

BReport Card

Scenic Views

Featured in:Camping Near Guadalupe Mountains National Park#2 Camping Near Carlsbad Caverns National Park#2 Best Campgrounds Texas

Quick Facts

6,300 ft

Price

$20 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyWiFi

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,300 ft

Price

$20 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyWiFi

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Dog Canyon Campground

$20.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group Site: $60.00; RV Campsites: $20.00; Tent Campsites: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Group Site Fee$60.00

Get Notified When Available

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

400 Pine Canyon Drive, Salt Flat TX 79847GUMO_information@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

400 Pine Canyon Drive, Salt Flat, TX 79847

Dog Canyon Campground

400 Pine Canyon Drive, Salt Flat, TX 79847

Nearby places

Carlsbad, NM (70 miles, approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes)

Queen, NM (6 miles, approximately 15 minutes)

Whites City, NM (approximately 70 miles, 1 hour and 45 minutes)

Pine Springs, TX (110 miles, approximately 2 hours).

Driving directionsFrom Carlsbad NM to the Dog Canyon area of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, take US Hwy 285 north to NM Hwy 137 and turn south. Travel (62 miles/100 km) to Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Dog Canyon entrance. From the Pine Springs Visitor Center to Dog Canyon, take US Hwy 62/180 east. Once you enter New Mexico, travel 25 miles (40 km) and turn left onto County Road 408 (Dark Canyon road). Travel approximately 23 miles (27 km) to the intersection with NM Hwy 137/Queen Hwy, turn left/south. Follow Queen Hwy 25 miles (40 km) to the Dog Canyon entrance. The drive time between Dog Canyon Campground and Pine Springs Campground is 2 hours. Use extreme caution on open rangeland as cattle are frequently on the roadway.

Weather at Dog Canyon Campground

Current alerts(12)

Before you book a campsite-- review all information about that specific site. If you reserve a site that is not designed for your RV or Tent, you may be asked to leave, without refund.
Cell phone service is NOT available. Free Wi-Fi may be available at the Dog Canyon ranger station.
Do not tie down gear. The use of weight-bearing hammocks, slacklines, tarps or similar devices tied to natural and/or manmade features is prohibited.
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). Purchase your pass in advance or upon arrival at the park during Operating Hours.

Best Time to Camp at Dog Canyon Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable hiking weather, vivid canyon color, and low crowds — daytime highs at 6,300 ft typically run from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F (12–24°C) with crisp nights dipping into the 30s–40s°F (1–7°C). Trails are dry and stable after the summer monsoon, maples and oaks in the canyon show late-season color, and wildlife is active preparing for winter. Cooler temperatures make longer ridge and canyon hikes much more pleasant, and clear nights provide excellent ston Peak months: October, November, May, April Avoid: December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Marked as best season: comfortable hiking temps, vivid canyon color and low crowds.

Planning Tips

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

About Dog Canyon Campground

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.

Dog Canyon Campground offers tent sites, RV sites, and a group site. "RV sites are gravel and tightly packed," noted one user.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable hiking weather, vivid canyon color, and low crowds — daytime highs at 6,300 ft typically run from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F (12–24°C) with crisp nights dipping into the 30s–40s°F (1–7°C). Trails are dry and stable after the summer monsoon, maples and oaks in the canyon show late-season color, and wildlife is active preparing for winter. Cooler temperatures make longer ridge and canyon hikes much more pleasant, and clear nights provide excellent ston Peak months: October, November, May, April Avoid: December, January

Elevation6300 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe canyon holds a mix of alligator juniper, oak, maple, madrone, and ponderosa pine that creates dense shade in places and open meadow in others. Limestone cliffs and exposed sandstone layers frame the drainage, remnants of the Permian-era Capitan Reef that formed 260 million years ago when tropical seas covered the region. Mule deer and wild turkeys move through camp regularly. Acorn woodpeckers, western scrub jays, and ruby-throated hummingbirds are common. The wooded canyon floor opens onto grassy hillsides and wildflower patches in season, with rugged outcrops climbing toward the high ridges above.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no hotel-style lodging available. Camping is the only accommodation type provided.

Programs & ActivitiesEducational or cultural programs are not highlighted.

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

Up to 6 persons or 2 tents per individual site
Group site allows 10-20 persons.

Groups

Group site accommodates 10-20 people. Groups larger than 20 require 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 online at Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityOne handicap-accessible raised tent site is available near restrooms and parking.

Site SizeSites can accommodate 6 persons and up to 2 tents. RV sites are limited to small trailers under 25 feet.

PrivacyPrivacy varies; "Sites are close together with little to no privacy," according to user reviews. Sites 5 and 6 are recommended for shade and some privacy.

Total Campsites13 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 6 is considered the best overall for privacy and positioning. Sites 1 and 2 are close to the bathrooms, which may detract from the outdoor experience. Avoid RV sites if seeking privacy.

Best CampsitesSites 5 and 6 get mentioned for shade and a bit more separation from neighbors. Site 8 has good canyon views. The RV area is described as a tight gravel lot with minimal privacy.

Need help booking Dog Canyon 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

WiFi

Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Dog Canyon Campground offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and star gazing among other activities. Popular trails include Lost Peak and Marcus Overlook. "The Tejas Trail is the main thoroughfare and offers gentle inclines," one reviewer stated, while others noted mule deer and wild turkeys frequently roam the area.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

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.

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

Rate Dog Canyon Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.2

359 reviews

Satisfactory

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

Reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, remote location, and peaceful atmosphere. Positive feedback includes the well-maintained facilities and scenic beauty, while complaints focus on cramped sites and the lack of cell service.

Review Summaries

Based on 359 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers praised the cleanliness of the bathrooms, availability of potable water, and serene environment. "Bathrooms were clean and had heaters," one user stated. Wildlife sightings such as mule deer...

Based on 359 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include sites being too close together and lack of privacy. "The tent pads at campsites #3 and #4 are less than fifteen feet apart," noted one reviewer. Other complaints involve the...

Based on 359 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 5 and 6 are recommended for privacy and shade. "Site 8 has a beautiful view of the canyon side," one camper noted. Sites 1 and 2 are near the bathroom and less private.

Based on 359 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing all supplies due to the remote location and visiting Sitting Bull Falls en route. "Fill up on gas and get all provisions you need," wrote one reviewer. Sites 5 and 6 are...

Based on 359 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak seasons are March-May and September-November. Summer temperatures can exceed 80°F, while winter nights drop below freezing. Snowfall is rare but can occur.

Based on 359 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bathrooms were clean, with almost no bugs or spiders." "The campground is small and peaceful. Turkeys and deer are frequent visitors." "No cell service, but Wi-Fi worked at the ranger station."

Based on 359 reviews

Accessibility Features

A handicap-accessible tent site is available, located 50 feet from restrooms and parking with a raised tent pad.

Based on 359 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are permitted but must be leashed at all times and are not allowed on trails. "Pets causing a disturbance may be asked to leave, no refunds of fees."

Based on 359 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Dog Canyon Campground

$20.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group Site: $60.00; RV Campsites: $20.00; Tent Campsites: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

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

400 Pine Canyon Drive, Salt Flat TX 79847GUMO_information@nps.gov

Go if

You want a serene, less-visited entry point to Guadalupe Mountains trails with clean facilities and frequent wildlife encounters.

Skip if

You need privacy between sites or reliable internet connectivity in a remote location.

Nearby Campgrounds

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Tejas Wilderness Campground

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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.

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.

Pine Springs Campground

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

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.

$20.00 - $60.00 / night

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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

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.

Chosa Campground offers no-frills boondocking on a spacious BLM dirt lot at 3,500 feet, where wide-open desert skies and absolute freedom meet. This converted former industrial site provides easy RV access and serves as an ideal basecamp for exploring Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains, with some of the darkest night skies in the Southwest perfect for stargazing—just be prepared for wind and dust.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

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Oliver Lee Memorial sits at the mouth of Dog Canyon, where the Sacramento Mountains rise abruptly from the Tularosa Basin floor at 4,370 feet. The campground offers both tent and RV sites ($10-18/night) with modern amenities including showers, flush toilets, and hookups. Rust-colored canyon walls frame the sites, and White Sands National Park lies a short drive away.

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Campgrounds

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Dog Canyon Campground

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 73% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 286 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 A.Crowds & noise
Grade A.Value
Grade A.Belonging

Watch-outs

Grade C-.Campsites
Grade C+.Rules & policies
Grade C+.Safety

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 Dog Canyon 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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