Pine Springs Visitor Center
Pine Springs Visitor Center sign at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, desert hills and distant mountains in the background.
Pine Springs Visitor Center at Carlsbad Caverns National Park under a clear blue sky with a flagpole and desert landscaping.

Pine Springs Visitor Center

Visitor Centers★★★★☆
Last Updated: February 2026

Hours

Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Phone

(915) 828-3251

Highlights

Free Unigrid maps, backcountry permits, and indoor flush toilets.

WiFi

No

Accessible

Yes

Overview

Stop If / Skip If

✅ STOP IF: You need backcountry permits, free maps, or water. ❌ SKIP IF: You just want to drive through—this stop helps you plan hikes

Why Visit

Starting point for orientation, backcountry permits, water, and free maps; kid-friendly Junior Ranger program

Highlights

Best For

Permits, maps, and Junior Ranger program.

Highlights

Free Unigrid maps, backcountry permits, and indoor flush toilets.

Hours

Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Parking Reality

The lot is large and handles all vehicle sizes but can fill by mid-morning during peak times; RV/trailer parking available

Permit Protocol

Backcountry permits issued at Pine Springs Visitor Center; plan ahead for popular zones

Facility Intel

Flush toilets, potable water filling station; limited cell service; public WiFi near the center

Best Time to Visit

Early morning before 9:30 AM or late afternoon in peak season.

Seasonal Variations

Open year-round

Tips

  • Fill water bottles here before hikes
  • Parking can fill by mid-morning in peak season
  • Start with Junior Ranger materials for kids
  • The Pinery Trail is accessible right from the center

Contact

Phone

(915) 828-3251

More at Carlsbad Caverns National Park

2 listings

ℹ️ Data Sources
📖 National Park Service — Pine Springs Visitor Center (official page) (checked 2026-02-14) 📖 National Park Service — Carlsbad Caverns National Park fees, hours & conditions (checked 2026-07-05) 📖 poppinupusa.com 📖 desertusa.com 📖 recreation.gov 📖 visitguadalupemountains.com 📖 inspiredimperfection.com 📖 astheyare.org 📖 npshistory.com 📖 youtube.com 📖 wanderlustinreallife.com 📖 sinclairtrails.com 📖 htxoutdoors.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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