Campground

Tejas Wilderness Campground

Campground
A metal sign directs hikers to the Tejas campground

Tejas Wilderness Campground is pure backcountry: five tent pads scattered through dense pine forest, 5.5 miles from Pine Springs Trailhead. No water, no toilets, no amenities—everything comes in on your back, everything goes out. Fires are banned park-wide; you cook on a portable stove only. This is where backpackers learn real Leave No Trace: commercial toilet bags required (proof needed at permit pickup), bear-resistant food hanging, strict waste discipline. The payoff is solitude and shade beneath tall pines.

Quick facts

Reservation System
Recreation.gov permits only; available up to one day in advance
Reservation Tips
Book early; only five sites available and permit window is tight (max 1 day in advance). Set a reminder 24 hours before your preferred date to secure via Recreation.gov.
Per Night Cost
$6 reservation fee + $6 per-person-per-night recreation fee

Reservations & season

Reservation System
Recreation.gov permits only; available up to one day in advance
Reservation Tips
Book early; only five sites available and permit window is tight (max 1 day in advance). Set a reminder 24 hours before your preferred date to secure via Recreation.gov.
Per Night Cost
$6 reservation fee + $6 per-person-per-night recreation fee
Passes Accepted
America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80); park entrance $10 per person (16+)

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
5
Site Types
Tent only
Site Type Breakdown
5 tent only
Group Sites Available
0
Ground Type
Tent pads on forest duff

Facilities

Bathroom Types
No toilets; commercial toilet bag system required
Potable Water
No potable water available on-site; bring all drinking water
Dump Station
No
Trash Service
Pack it in, pack it out; no collection service
Cell Service
No cell service; download offline maps

Access

Vehicle Restrictions
No vehicles; foot access only
Distance From Entrance
5.5 miles from Pine Springs Trailhead; 6.2 miles from Dog Canyon
Accessibility
Foot trail access only; primitive wilderness area; no wheelchair access

Rules & safety

Bear Country
Yes
Food Storage Requirements
No lockers; hang food 10+ feet high in bear-resistant bag or canister
Fire Restrictions
Open campfires prohibited year-round; containerized fuel stoves only

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Backpacking, hiking to nearby peaks and springs
Trailheads Nearby
Pine Springs Trailhead (5.5 miles hiking); Dog Canyon (6.2 miles hiking)
Shade Coverage
Dense pine forest canopy providing morning and afternoon shade
Vibe Check
Wilderness-only: no facilities, minimal humans, profound quiet. Dense pines shelter from wind. Forested, not parking-lot style.
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: Backpackers seeking deep solitude, strong Leave No Trace ethic, stove-cooking proficiency. ❌ SKIP IF: Need water spigots, toilets, showers, vehicle camping, or have young kids.
Tips Advice
  • Bring a camp stove—open fires banned. Containerized fuel only.
  • Pack commercial toilet bags (proof required at permit pickup). One minimum per person per night.
  • Carry 2–3 liters water capacity plus lightweight filter. No spigots on-site.
  • Use bear-resistant food storage: hang high in bear bag or canister.
  • Download offline maps before arrival—zero cell service.
  • Hike early; trail unlit and 5+ miles away.
  • Use tent stakes rated for loose soil grip.

More details

Sites Tent Only
5
Family Friendly Notes
Not ideal for young kids. The 5+ mile hike and zero amenities demand experience. Best for kids 12+ with solid backpacking skills and Leave No Trace training.
Nearby Attractions
Guadalupe Peak (trailhead access), McKittrick Canyon, Smith Spring Trail, El Capitan Viewpoint
Terrain Type
Forested mountainside
Wind Exposure
Protected by tall pines from high winds
Setup Strategy
Hike in via Pine Springs (5.5 miles) or Dog Canyon (6.2 miles) with full pack. Designated tent pads on forest duff—uneven ground, rarely need leveling. Arrive early; trail unlit and remote.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a wilderness permit?

Yes. Wilderness Use Permit required via Recreation.gov. $6 reservation fee plus $6 per-person-per-night. Available up to 1 day in advance.

Can I have a campfire?

No. Open campfires banned park-wide. Bring a containerized fuel camp stove.

Is there water at camp?

No. Bring all drinking water. Consider a lightweight filter for emergencies.

What about toilets?

No facilities on-site. Commercial landfill-safe toilet bags required (minimum one per person per night). Proof of purchase shown at permit pickup.

Can I bring my dog?

No. Pets prohibited on trails and throughout backcountry in this park.

How far is the hike in?

5.5 miles from Pine Springs Trailhead or 6.2 miles from Dog Canyon. Plan 2–3 hours depending on fitness and load.

Sources

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

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.