Shumard Canyon - 5 Wilderness Tents

A metal sign marking the camping area rises above the desert landscape.

Five primitive tent sites sit deep in the remote Guadalupe wilderness, 9 miles from Pine Springs Trailhead in high-desert Chihuahuan country. You'll earn the solitude: exposed terrain, expansive sky, and genuine backcountry. Pack a containerized fuel stove (campfires prohibited), commercial toilet bag system (pack it out), and filter or purification tablets (no water spigots). This is self-sufficient wilderness camping—no amenities, no shortcuts.

Quick facts

Reservation System: Recreation.gov permits (available up to one day in advance)
Reservation Window: Up to one day in advance through recreation.gov
Reservation Tips: With only 5 sites available, permits book quickly. Reserve immediately when your target date becomes available (up to one day out).
Per Night Cost: $6 per person per night plus $6 reservation fee per permit

Reservations & season

Reservation System: Recreation.gov permits (available up to one day in advance)
Reservation Window: Up to one day in advance through recreation.gov
Reservation Tips: With only 5 sites available, permits book quickly. Reserve immediately when your target date becomes available (up to one day out).
Per Night Cost: $6 per person per night plus $6 reservation fee per permit

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total: 5
Site Types: Tent sites only (primitive, designated camping pads; foot access)
Site Type Breakdown: 5 tent-only primitive sites
RV Max Length: Not RV-accessible (foot access only; wilderness area)
Group Sites Available: 0
Ground Type: Tent pads

Facilities

Bathroom Types: No on-site toilets; commercial toilet bag system required
Showers Available: No shower facilities
Potable Water: No potable water on-site; filter or treat natural water sources
Dump Station: No dump station
Trash Service: Pack all trash out (no dumpsters; leave no trace)
Firewood Availability: Not applicable (campfires prohibited park-wide)
Cell Service: No cell signal

Access

Gate Hours: Open 24/7 (wilderness foot access area)
Distance From Entrance: 9.0 miles from Pine Springs Trailhead
Accessibility: Wilderness sites accessible by foot trail only (9.0 miles from Pine Springs Trailhead). No wheelchair access; no paved paths.

Rules & safety

Bear Country: Yes
Food Storage Requirements: No food storage lockers provided. This is bear country (100-yard safe distance). Hang all food 10–12 feet high from tree or use bear canister.
Fire Restrictions: Campfires prohibited. Containerized fuel backpacking stove required.

What it is like

Trailheads Nearby: Pine Springs Trailhead (9 miles; the starting point for hiking to this campground)
Wildlife Viewing: Black bears, elk, mule deer, mountain lions, javelina, coyotes (100-yard minimum distance from bears)
Shade Coverage: Minimal; trail and sites exposed with limited tree cover
Scenic Views: Guadalupe Peak, desert mountain geology, wide desert vistas
Vibe Check: Ultra-primitive wilderness. Foot access only—no car camping here. Zero amenities; this is legitimate backcountry. The main feature is solitude and desert geology. If you need showers, water spigots, or established services, this is not your spot. If you're an experienced backpacker seeking authentic wilderness, this delivers.
Camp Here If Skip If: ✅ BOOK IF: Experienced backpackers, desert geology enthusiasts, solitude seekers, self-sufficient campers comfortable with zero amenities, wilderness permit holders. ❌ SKIP IF: You need established amenities (water, toilets, showers), prefer car camping, have RV, are new to backcountry, or want social campground atmosphere.
Tips Advice: Bring a tested backpacking stove and extra fuel (no fires allowed anywhere)
Filter or treat water from natural sources—no spigots; start with full water bottle
Commercial toilet bag system required (minimum one per person per night; show permit when issued)
Hang food 10–12 feet high from tree limb or use bear canister (this is bear country; do not store food in tent)
Prepare for wind—the trail has minimal tree cover; stakes and guylines essential
Start hiking early (9 miles in one day is ambitious when fully loaded)
Desert nights drop significantly—bring warm layers and tested cold-weather sleeping bag
Pack wool socks; blisters are your biggest enemy on long approaches

More details

Sites Tent Only: 5
Nearby Attractions: Shumard Peak, Guadalupe Peak, McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail, Smith Spring Trail Loop
Terrain Type: Exposed, arid Chihuahuan high-desert terrain
Wind Exposure: Exposed ridge location; minimal shelter from wind; trail not protected by trees
Setup Strategy: Hike 9 miles from Pine Springs Trailhead with full pack. Camp only on designated tent pads (respect site boundaries). Set up backpacking stove away from tent, deploy food-hanging or bear canister method immediately, and position toilet bag system for pack-out. Sites are small—expect minimal room.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit?

Yes. Wilderness Use Permit required for all overnight camping. Book through recreation.gov, available up to one day in advance. Cost: $6 reservation fee + $6 per person per night.

Can I drive to my campsite?

No. Foot access only—9 miles from Pine Springs Trailhead. Hike in with all gear; no vehicle roads or parking at the campground.

Is there water to drink?

No potable water. Bring a filter or purification tablets to treat water from natural sources in the area.

What about campfires?

Campfires prohibited park-wide. You must bring a containerized fuel backpacking stove for cooking.

How do I handle human waste?

Landfill-safe commercial toilet bag system required (minimum one per person per night). Pack it out with all trash.

Are there bears?

Yes. This is bear country. Hang all food 10–12 feet high from tree or use bear canister. Maintain 100-yard distance from bears and never feed wildlife.