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Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to the highest peak in Texas — Guadalupe Peak at 8,749 feet. This remote park features ancient Permian reef geology, McKittrick Canyon (famous for fall color), and over 80 miles of hiking trails. Camping is primitive but the mountain scenery is unmatched in the state.

39 campsites|West Texas|7 hr from Austin|$10/person entrance fee

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Campsite Types

Developed (No Hookups)

$15/night

Pine Springs Loop · Sites 1-20 · 20 sites

None (restrooms nearby)RV OKTent OK

Developed (No Hookups)

$15/night

Dog Canyon Loop · Sites 1-9 · 9 sites

None (restrooms nearby)Tent OK

Backcountry

$8/night

Various Loop · Sites Various · 10 sites

NoneTent OK

Guide to Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Best Campsites

For Families:Pine Springs Campground — close to visitor center and main trailheads
For Privacy:Dog Canyon Campground — remote, accessed from New Mexico side
For RVs:Pine Springs — some RV sites but no hookups, 40-ft max length

When to Go

March through May and September through November. McKittrick Canyon in October is the biggest draw. Summer is hot at lower elevations but pleasant on the peaks.

Tips

  • Start the Guadalupe Peak hike before dawn to summit by noon and avoid afternoon thunderstorms
  • Visit McKittrick Canyon in late October for the best fall color in Texas
  • No hookups, no showers, no firewood — come prepared for primitive camping
  • Wind is constant and often fierce — bring strong tent stakes and low-profile tent

Highlights

Guadalupe Peak — highest point in Texas (8,749 ft)McKittrick Canyon fall foliage (October-November)Ancient Permian reef fossils80+ miles of hiking trailsDark sky stargazingDramatic desert-to-mountain elevation changes

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