Camping at Carlsbad Caverns

Over 100 caves including the famous Big Room, with evening bat flights at sunset.

5+ Campgrounds4.4★ AverageBest: Year-round (varies by season)

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Featured Campgrounds

Top-rated campgrounds inside Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Kartchner CavernsBenson, AZ, AZ

Upper Campground at Kartchner Caverns offers excellent cave-themed camping closest to Carlsbad Caverns at just 340 miles away. With diverse accommodation options including hiking, tent camping, RV camping, and cabins, it provides a perfect cave exploration experience similar to Carlsbad.

Mammoth Cave Campground

Mammoth Cave National ParkMammoth Cave, KY

Mammoth Cave Campground is an iconic choice for cave enthusiasts, offering camping at another world-renowned cave system. With over 1,200 reviews and full camping amenities, it represents the quintessential underground exploration experience that Carlsbad visitors seek.

Elk Mountain Campground

Wind Cave National ParkHot Springs, SD

Elk Mountain Campground at Wind Cave National Park provides another exceptional cave-focused camping experience with high ratings and extensive reviews. Located in South Dakota, it offers visitors the chance to explore a unique cave system while enjoying excellent camping facilities.

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More Campgrounds Inside Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Discover 2 additional campgrounds within park boundaries

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4.6

(105)

Onondaga Cave State Park Campground

Onondaga Cave State ParkLeasburg, MO

Onondaga Cave State Park Campground delivers a quality cave camping experience with strong ratings and good review volume. The combination of cave exploration with additional activities like hiking, fishing, and swimming makes it an excellent complement to Carlsbad Caverns.

4.3

(17)

Cave Creek Campground

Oregon Caves National Monument & PreserveCave Junction, OR

Cave Creek Campground at Oregon Caves National Monument offers a unique Pacific Northwest cave experience. While more distant, it provides tent and RV camping options for those seeking to explore diverse cave systems across the country.

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Campgrounds Near Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Great options within 90 minutes of the park entrance

Guadalupe Mountains National Parknull

Guadalupe Peak campground offers the highest rating (4.48) among the options and provides access to excellent hiking opportunities in the nearby Guadalupe Mountains National Park. This makes it an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore both Carlsbad Caverns and the surrounding mountain wilderness.

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4.2

(359)

Dog Canyon Campground

Guadalupe Mountains National ParkCarlsbad, New Mexico, TX

Dog Canyon Campground provides both tent and RV camping options with a solid 4.22 rating and substantial review base (359 reviews), offering proven reliability for campers. Located in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, it serves as an excellent staging point for day trips to Carlsbad Caverns while providing access to additional hiking opportunities.

Pine Springs Campground

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Pine Springs Campground offers the most comprehensive camping experience with both tent and RV options, backed by extensive reviews (1,141) that demonstrate its popularity and reliability. Its location in Guadalupe Mountains National Park provides additional recreational opportunities while serving as a convenient base for Carlsbad Caverns day trips.

Brantley Lake stands out as the only option offering water-based activities like fishing and swimming, providing diverse recreation beyond cave exploration. With tent and RV camping available, it offers a refreshing alternative base camp where families can enjoy lake activities after visiting the caverns.

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Campground Locations

Showing top 9 campgrounds near Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Map of campgrounds near Carlsbad Caverns National Park

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Park Boundary

Inside Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Upper Campground

Mammoth Cave Campground

Elk Mountain Campground

Onondaga Cave State Park Campground

Cave Creek Campground

Near Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Guadalupe Peak

Dog Canyon Campground

Pine Springs Campground

Brantley Lake

View all 9 campgrounds on interactive map

About This Destination

Camping near Carlsbad Caverns offers an incredible opportunity to explore one of America's most spectacular underground wonders while experiencing the rugged beauty of New Mexico's Chihuahuan Desert. While Carlsbad Caverns National Park itself doesn't have developed campgrounds, several excellent options for Carlsbad Caverns camping exist just minutes from the park entrance.

Best Time

The best months for camping near Carlsbad Caverns are April, May, September, and October when daytime temperatures range from the comfortable 60s-80s°F. Spring offers wildflower blooms and the beginning of bat season, while fall provides ideal weather for both cave tours and surface activities.

Destination Highlights

5+ campgrounds within 40 miles
Located in New Mexico
Options for every camping style

Plan Your Trips

Tips & Recommendations

1Book Carlsbad Caverns camping spots 1-3 months in advance, especially for summer weekends and bat season.
2Stay in White's City for closest access or Brantley Lake State Park for family amenities and water activities.
3Pack layers since caves maintain 56°F year-round while surface temperatures vary dramatically.
4Arrive early for cave tours to avoid crowds and secure parking.

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Curated for Camping Near Carlsbad Caverns National Park