Would you like to visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park? There are many hiking trails to explore, regardless of where you stay. Several campgrounds inside and outside the park are available. For a cultural exchange, you can stay in places near the park. Plan your stay to secure your vacation spot and familiarize yourself with nearby resorts and other activities. This article will find the five best accommodations near Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
Best Places to Stay Near Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Table Of Contents
1. Pine Springs Campground
Description of the campground
This location is ideal for sightseeing, recreation and dining. Pine Springs Campground has 20 tent sites and 13 RV sites. All sites can be reserved through recreation.gov. The cost for a single site is 20 per night per site, but there are also two group sites for 10-20 people. Campground amenities include potable water and sanitary facilities. There are no hookups, dump stations, or showers. Only cooking stoves are allowed. Charcoal, wood fires and propane fireplaces are not allowed.
Amenities and facilities available
- Drinking water
- Toilets
- Paved trails for wheelchairs
- Recycling collection
- Staff on site
Reservations and fees
All campsites at Pine Springs Campground can be reserved through recreation.gov. The single-site rate is 20 per night per site; 10 for seniors and access card holders. There is no discount for annual, military, 4th class annual pass, volunteer pass or Guadalupe Mountains National Park holders. Two group spaces accommodate groups of 10-20 people and can be reserved up to six months in advance.
Tips for staying at the campground
- Always call ahead to confirm when it comes to pets.
- Look out for camping sales
- Do not pitch up under a tree
- Prepare for any weather condition
2. Guadalupe Mountains Ranch Resort
Description of the resort
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is in far West Texas on the north side of the U.S. Guadalupe Mountains National Park has about 80 miles of trails (Nps.gov). Destiny phone line reports the trails are difficult. They get mule traffic and a few horse campers. Water is available at the corrals through faucets but they are few and unreliable.
Riding is limited to day trips only. All equines must return to the corrals each night. All riding trips must start and end at the trailheads at Frijole and Dog Canyon. Horses and mules may not be transported by trailer to any other trailheads.
Accommodation options available
- SpringHill Suites
- Home2 Suites
- Hyatt House Carlsbad
Amenities and facilities available
- Restrooms have sinks and flush toilets
- Water is available
- Picnic tables
Reservations and fees
Park admission costs ten euros per person and is valid for all adults 16 years and older and seven days. Under 16s are admitted free, and 15 costs an overnight stay at the Corrals. Reservations for the Corrals can be made up to 60 days in advance.
Free backcountry use permit is for all equine use. They are issued at the Pine Springs Visitor Center or the Dog Canyon Ranger Station (Recreation.gov). Permits must be obtained in person, the day of, or the day before a proposed trip.
Tips for staying at the resort
- Plan for this trip. Be prepared to take on the challenging Guadalupe Mountains of West Texas.
- Take thicker winter clothes if climbing in the winter.
3. White’s City RV Park and Campground
Description of the RV park and campground
This campground is surrounded by beautiful pine trees, picnic tables, grills and fire pits. Laundry and vending machines, newly remodeled showers and restrooms are available on site. The park is well managed and maintained and receives good reviews on many travel sites. The Cactus Cafe, Laundromat, White’s City Grocery and Gift Store and White’s City Post Office are within walking distance.
Amenities and facilities available
- White’s City RV Park offers full hookups for RVs, including 50-amp electrical hookups.
- Laundry facility with washers and dryers for use
- Water
- Sewer
- Free Wi-Fi
- Pull-thru and back-in spots
Reservations and fees
Call ahead to reserve your spot, even if there are a few empty seats for people who show up at the last minute. However, call ahead to be sure. Call: (575) 361-3665
Tips for staying at the RV park and campground
- Book in advance and be early
- Grab your hiking boots
4. El Capitan RV Resort
Description of the RV Resort
The El Capitán State RV Park offers visitors a sandy beach, rocky tide pools, and sycamore and oak woodlands along El Capitán Creek. It is ideal for swimming, fishing, surfing, picnicking and camping. Stairs lead from the bluff to the beach area. Wheelchairs are available at the beach for use by the public free of charge, and wheelchair users can access the beach at several locations.
Accommodation options available
- Family Campsites
- Group Campsites
- RV Access
Amenities and facilities available
- Camp Store
- Parking
- Restrooms / Showers
- Restrooms
- Outdoor Showers
- Drinking Water Available
- Wheelchair Accessible
Reservations and fees
Visitors can reserve campsites and lodging six months from the current date. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date, based on availability and the park’s maximum stay rules.
Tips for staying at the RV resort
- Contact a ranger or lifeguard for additional information.
- Pack your swimwear.
5. Carlsbad KOA
Description of the KOA
At Carlsbad KOA, you can park your RV rental to explore the city’s finest attractions. There are several state parks and multiple museums. The campground has horseshoe and gaga ball pits, volleyball and basketball courts, tetherball, and checkers for entertainment. Rent bananas and scooter bikes. Children can participate in arts and crafts projects year-round. It features community rooms with movies and snacks and nightly campground activities. Campground staff can cook for you, or you can purchase BBQ dinners delivered straight to your campsites (Nps.gov).
Accommodation options available
- Campgrounds
- Cabins
- RV parks
Amenities and facilities available
- Seasonal swimming pool
- A fenced-in dog park
- Restrooms with hot showers
- Full hookups with 30/50 amp electrical service Wi-Fi
- Cable TV hookups
- Picnic tables
- Fire pits
Reservations and fees
Call ahead to reserve your spot at (575) 361-3665.
Tips for staying at the KOA
- Pack your hiking boots
- Follow trail etiquette
- Choose your route
Other Accommodation Options Near Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Hotels and motels in nearby towns
- Whites City Cavern Inn
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Carlsbad
- Karbani Inn
- Great Western Inn & Suites
Vacation rentals in the area
- Guadalupe Mountain Cabins
- SpringHill Suites
- Home2 Suites
- Stanton House El Paso
- Comfort Suites Carlsbad
- Candlewood Suites El Paso
Camping options outside of the park
- Chosa Campground Area
- Sunset Reef Campground
- White’s City RV Park
- Carlsbad RV Park
- Brantley Lake State Park
Factors to Consider When Choosing Accommodation Near Guadalupe Mountains National Park
- Proximity to the park
- Amenities and facilities
- Budget
- Group size and type of travel
- Length of stay
Things to Do Near Guadalupe Mountains, National Park
Hiking trails in the park
- Bear Canyon Trail
- Blue Ridge Trail
- Bush Mountain Trail
- Bowl Trail
- Devil’s Hall
- Frijole Trail
- Foothills Trail
- Guadalupe Peak Trail
Ranger-led programs
At Frijole Ranch, there is a 30-to-45-minute ranger-led program that explores the history of human settlement around the springs at Frijole Ranch. Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers numerous ranger-led cave tours to areas that cannot be explored alone. Availability of all ranger-led tours is limited. Plan and make reservations early. Make reservations by calling 877-444-6777 or visiting www.recreation.gov.
Nearby attractions
- Guadalupe Peak
- Pine Springs Visitor Center
- Devil’s Hall Trail
- Dog Canyon Campground
Local restaurants and shops
- Cornudas
- Queen Cafe’ & Campground
- Spanish Angels Cafe
When to Visit Guadalupe Mountains, National Park
Peak seasons and crowds
Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park due to mild temperatures. However, visitors should know that these seasons also result in larger crowds. In addition, the park is known for its frequent high winds, which can make hiking and other outdoor activities challenging. It is also important to note that winter weather in the park can be unpredictable, with occasional snowfall and freezing temperatures, which can limit access to certain trails and campsites. Visitors should plan accordingly and check the park website for current weather and trail conditions before their visit.
Best times for hiking and outdoor activities
The best time for hiking and outdoor activities in the Guadalupe Mountains is spring and fall when temperatures are milder. Summer heat can be brutal, and hiking for extended periods during the day is not recommended. In addition, sudden weather changes can occur in the mountains. Therefore, it is important to check the weather forecast before setting out and prepare for the conditions with appropriate equipment. Finally, remember that some trails may be closed at certain times of the year for maintenance or other reasons, so you should check with the park authorities before planning your trip.
Weather patterns and considerations
Weather in the Guadalupe Mountains can vary from 3,000 feet to over 8,000 feet. Spring and summer bring warm and mild temperatures with occasional rain showers, while fall and winter can bring cooler temperatures and strong winds that occasionally reach over 70 mph. Snow and freezing fog are also not uncommon in December and January. Check current weather conditions when planning your trip to ensure you pack the right gear for the terrain.
How to Get to Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Driving directions from nearby cities
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is in far West Texas on U.S. Highway 62/180. The driving distance is 110 miles east of El Paso, Texas, or 56 miles southwest of Carlsbad, N.M.
Airports and transportation options
The nearest major airport is El Paso, Texas 115 miles west of the park. There are also airports in Carlsbad, New Mexico, and Midland-Odessa, Texas. No public transportation is available.
Parking and shuttle information
There are 44 car parking spaces, plus two accessible spaces. Overflow parking and parking for RVs can be at the Pine Springs Visitor Center.
Tips for Planning Your Trip to Guadalupe Mountains National Park
- Research and book accommodation in advance
- Plan your itinerary around your interests and time constraints
- Check weather conditions and trail closures before your visit
- Pack appropriately for outdoor activities
- Respect park rules and regulations
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best accommodation options near Guadalupe Mountains National Park are campgrounds inside the park, such as Pine Springs Campground. These have vast amenities worth Comparison for your best stay. When planning your stay, consider proximity, amenities, weather, budget, and activities nearby. Book your accommodation in advance.
FAQs
Is there lodging inside Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
No, there is no lodging of any sort inside the park. Visitors to the park are advised to make lodging arrangements outside of the park, in nearby communities such as Carlsbad, NM or El Paso, TX [1]
Can I camp in the backcountry at Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
Yes, there are ten designated campgrounds with 60 campsites in the wilderness.
What is the best time of year to visit Guadalupe Mountains, National Park?
Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit.
How far is Carlsbad Caverns National Park from Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
The direct drive from the Guadalupe Mountains National Park to Carlsbad Caverns National Park is 104 mi (168 km).
Are there any restaurants near Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
Yes, there are restaurants like Cornudas, Queen Cafe’ & Camp Ground, and Spanish Angels Cafe.
Are there any guided tours available in Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
There are guided tours available in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Visitors can contact the park’s visitor center at (915) 828-3251 to inquire about available guided tours and to make reservations. Several private companies offer guided tours in the park, such as West Texas Tours and Guadalupe Mountains Adventure Company. These companies offer a variety of guided tours, including hiking tours, bird-watching tours, and stargazing tours [1]. It is advisable to book guided tours in advance, especially during peak seasons, as they can fill up quickly.
In addition to guided tours, visitors can also participate in ranger-led programs and activities, such as guided hikes and talks, which are free. The park’s website has a calendar of events visitors can check for upcoming ranger-led programs [1].
Visitors can also explore the park on their own. The park has over 80 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous summit hikes, and there are plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing and stargazing. However, it is important to prepare adequately for any outdoor activity in the park, including checking weather conditions and trail closures, packing appropriate gear and supplies, and following park rules and regulations [1].
Are pets allowed in Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
Pets are only allowed in areas accessible by vehicles in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and must be kept on a leash at all times.
What are some recommended hiking trails in Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
Some of the Bear Canyon Trail, Blue Ridge Trail, Bush Mountain Trail, Bowl Trail, and Devil’s Hall. Here are some additional recommended hiking trails in the park, according to various sources:
- Guadalupe Peak Trail: This trail is the most popular hike in the park and takes you to the highest point in Texas. It is rated as hard and is approximately 8.4 miles roundtrip [7].
- McKittrick Canyon Trail: This trail is known for its scenic beauty and is especially popular in the fall when the trees change colors. It is rated as moderate and ranges from 4.8 to 14.8 miles roundtrip, depending on how far you hike [10].
- Smith Spring and Manzanita Spring Loop: This trail is a moderately challenging 2.4-mile loop popular for birding, hiking, and running [4].
- Devil’s Hall Trail: This trail takes you through a narrow canyon and ends at Devil’s Hall, a unique rock formation. It is rated as moderate and is approximately 4.2 miles roundtrip [8].
- Bowl Trail: This trail is known for its unique bowl-shaped rock formation and offers great views of the surrounding mountains. It is rated as moderate and is approximately 6.8 miles roundtrip [9].
It’s important to note that some of the trails in the park can be challenging and require hiking experience and fitness, so it’s important to plan accordingly and be prepared with appropriate gear and supplies. Additionally, the park is open year-round, but visiting in the spring or fall is recommended for more comfortable weather [5].
Is there Wi-Fi available at the campgrounds and RV parks near Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
Generally speaking, finding WiFi at campgrounds near Guadalupe Mountains National Park isn’t easy. The park itself does not have WiFi.
What should I pack for my visit to Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
You should bring a sunhat and hiking boots when you visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Packing appropriate clothing for the weather, such as layers for cooler temperatures at night or in higher elevations, is essential. You’ll also want to bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent. A first aid kit, map or GPS device, and a flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries are also recommended. For more information, refer to the National Park Service’s official website on what to bring: [1].