No showers are available at Pine Springs.

RVs and trailers up to about 50 ft are recommended; 55 ft length is prohibited due to exit tightness.

Bear presence isn’t noted; store food in vehicles and use standard bear precautions.

Reserve via Recreation.gov; plan six months in advance for most sites.

Pine Springs Campground - Dry Campground

Sites

RV Max Length

50 feet (55 ft prohibition; tight exit may limit total length to 50 ft)

Hookups

No hookups

Pets Allowed

Showers

Overview

About This Campground

Pine Springs Campground is a dry camping option in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, serving as a base to explore Carlsbad Caverns and the surrounding desert. It has 33 sites—20 tent and 13 RV sites—plus two group sites for larger groups. Water is accessible via spigots, but there are no hookups or showers, and fires are not allowed. Expect strong demand in spring and fall; quiet hours run 8 pm–8 am, and the campground is best for self-sufficient campers.

Highlights

Book If

✅ BOOK IF: You want dry camping near Carlsbad Caverns with no hookups and can manage with limited facilities. ❌ SKIP IF: You require electricity, water hookups, showers, or a highly private setting.

Site Types

Tent sites, RV sites

Scenic Views

Desert landscape with canyon glimpses nearby

Nearby Attractions

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Whites City; nearby towns of Whites City and Carlsbad

Family Friendly

Kid-friendly basics: flush toilets nearby, no showers, quiet after 8pm; plan for desert conditions and water access

Best Time to Visit

Peak seasons (Mar–May, Sep–Nov) bring high demand; weekdays are quieter; book ahead

Camping Tips

Book 6 months out on Recreation.gov
Bring water; spigots available
No fires; use stove/lantern
Expect a tight exit around 50 ft length
Pack out trash; Leave No Trace
Arrive early for preferred sites; peak season walk-ups unlikely

RV Driver Intel

The Setup

Internal campground roads are paved; RV sites are paved parking spaces; tent sites have gravel walk-in pads; plan for a 50 ft length max due to exit turn; either back-in or pull-through works depending on site layout.

The Vibe

Functional basecamp in a desert setting—minimal amenities, self-reliant camping, easy access to big park attractions; not a luxury resort, but solid for exploration.

Bath & Laundry

Showers: none; Laundry: none; Water spigots available for refilling;

What Campers Say

Rated 4.4 stars from 278 reviews. Campers praise the dry camping setup and proximity to Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains, with reliable water spigots and straightforward rules. Expect high demand in peak seasons and prepare for a desert, minimalist footprint with no hookups and modest facilities. It’s a solid basecamp for self-sufficient families and adventurers.

Details

Campsite Information

Total Sites: 33

RV Max Length: 50 feet (55 ft prohibition; tight exit may limit total length to 50 ft)

Hookups: No hookups

Site Types

Tent sites, RV sites

Each Site Includes

RV sites: paved parking; Tent sites: leveled gravel pads; Flush toilets with lights; Potable water spigots; No hookups; No dump station; Trash cans; Firewood gathering prohibited; Fires not permitted; Cooking stoves/lanterns with containerized fuel only; ADA restrooms at RV site 21 and tent site 17; Group sites are tent-only

Activities

Hiking; trailheads directly accessible from camp

Amenities & Facilities

Campground Amenities

Showers: No showers
Restrooms: Flush toilets with lights
Water: Potable water spigots available; no hose connections
Trash: Trash cans available; pack it out

Facilities

RV Dump Station: No dump station on-site
Camp Store: Pine Springs Visitor Center bookstore offers limited camping and hiking essentials
Firewood: Firewood gathering prohibited; fires not permitted

Utilities

Restrooms: Flush toilets with lights

Showers: No showers

Policies & Rules

Reservations

Recreation.gov (Booking: Up to 6 months in advance for most sites; group sites may require 2 months.)

Pet Policy

Pets Allowed - Leashed pets allowed in campground and along park road; not on most trails; can be exercised on the trail between campground and visitor center and on Pinery Trail

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.4 /5

Based on 278 Google reviews

Based on 278 guest reviews

" Rated 4.4 stars from 278 reviews. Campers praise the dry camping setup and proximity to Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains, with reliable water spigots and straightforward rules. Expect high demand in peak seasons and prepare for a desert, minimalist footprint with no hookups and modest facilities. It’s a solid basecamp for self-sufficient families and adventurers."

Reviews from Google

Showing 1 of 278 reviews

FAQs

Are there water hookups?

Potable water spigots are available; no hose connections for filling tanks.

Are there showers?

What size RV fits?

Is it bear country?

How do I book?

📖 National Park Service — Pine Springs Campground (official page) (checked 2026-02-14) 📖 National Park Service — Carlsbad Caverns National Park fees, hours & conditions (checked 2026-07-05) 📖 recreation.gov 📖 hipcamp.com 📖 outdoorithm.com 📖 thedyrt.com 📖 wordpress.com 📖 foxrvtravel.com 📖 discoverourparks.com 📖 npshistory.com 📖 rvparky.com 📖 brighteronwheels.com 📖 rvshare.com 📖 reddit.com 📖 htxoutdoors.com 📖 wanderlustinreallife.com 📖 Current time information in Eddy County, US. 📖 nationalparkstraveler.org 📖 visitguadalupemountains.com ⭐ Google Reviews 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

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