Pine Springs Campground

Cactus Corner sign near Pine Springs Campground at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, with a small green cabin in a desert landscape.

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.

Quick facts

Reservation System: Recreation.gov
Reservation Window: Up to 6 months in advance for most sites; group sites may require 2 months.
Reservation Tips: Book through Recreation.gov up to 6 months ahead; group sites may require 2 months; verify exact dates for group reservations
Season Dates: Open year-round

Reservations & season

Reservation System: Recreation.gov
Reservation Window: Up to 6 months in advance for most sites; group sites may require 2 months.
Reservation Tips: Book through Recreation.gov up to 6 months ahead; group sites may require 2 months; verify exact dates for group reservations
Season Dates: Open year-round
Fills Up Speed: High demand in peak seasons; reservations advised; occasional walk-ups in off-peak
Per Night Cost: $20/night for individual sites; Group sites $60/night or $3 per person per night with minimum $30; Senior/Access discounts $10/night
Day Use Fees: Not applicable for camping
Passes Accepted: Senior and Access passes accepted

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total: 33
Site Types: Tent sites, RV sites
Site Type Breakdown: 20 tent sites, 13 RV sites
RV Max Length: 50 feet (55 ft prohibition; tight exit may limit total length to 50 ft)
Group Sites Available: 1
Group Site Capacity: 10-20 people per group site
Hookups: No hookups
Site Features: 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
Ground Type: RV sites: paved; Tent pads: leveled gravel
Site Privacy: Moderate; not highly private

Facilities

Bathroom Types: Flush toilets with lights
Showers Available: No showers
Potable Water: Potable water spigots available; no hose connections
Dump Station: No dump station on-site
Trash Service: Trash cans available; pack it out
Camp Store: Pine Springs Visitor Center bookstore offers limited camping and hiking essentials
Firewood Availability: Firewood gathering prohibited; fires not permitted
Cell Service: Generally unavailable or spotty; free Wi-Fi may be available in front of the Pine Springs Visitor Center
Nearby Facilities: Pine Springs Visitor Center; Whites City; Carlsbad

Access

Road Type: Paved campground roads; park access roads are paved highways
Road Conditions: Generally good; paved
Vehicle Restrictions: RVs and trailers 55 feet or longer prohibited
Clearance Needed: Sedan friendly
Distance From Entrance: 2-minute drive from Pine Springs Visitor Center
Nearest Gas Services: Whites City; Carlsbad
Elevation: Varies
Accessibility: ADA accessible; restrooms available; sites 17 (tent) and 21 (RV) noted as accessible
ADA Accessible Sites: Yes; ADA restrooms available; RV site 21 and tent site 17 accessible

Rules & safety

Food Storage Requirements: Food storage in vehicles recommended
Fire Restrictions: No open fires; only stoves or lanterns with containerized fuel
Pets Allowed: Yes
Pet Restrictions: 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
Generator Hours: Generators not allowed during quiet hours 8pm-8am
Quiet Hours: 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM
Max Stay Limit: 14 consecutive nights within a 30-day period
Alcohol Permitted: 1

What it is like

Onsite Activities: Hiking; trailheads directly accessible from camp
Trailheads Nearby: Directly accessible trailheads from camp
Wildlife Viewing: Skunks and small mammals common; bears not noted
Shade Coverage: Limited shade; desert sun
Scenic Views: Desert landscape with canyon glimpses nearby
Noise Level: Quiet at night; 8pm-8am rule
Best Time To Visit: Peak seasons (Mar–May, Sep–Nov) bring high demand; weekdays are quieter; book ahead
Vibe Check: 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.
Camp Here If Skip 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.
Tips Advice: 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

More details

Park Area: Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Family Friendly Notes: Kid-friendly basics: flush toilets nearby, no showers, quiet after 8pm; plan for desert conditions and water access
Senior Access Discounts: $10 per night
Nearby Attractions: Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Whites City; nearby towns of Whites City and Carlsbad
Terrain Type: Desert; flat to rolling with rocky patches
Temperature Ranges: Varies by season
Setup Strategy: 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.
Bath Laundry Recon: Showers: none; Laundry: none; Water spigots available for refilling;
Review Summary: 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.