Frijole Horse Corral Campground

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Guadalupe Mountains National Park, 400 Pine Canyon Drive, Salt Flat, TX, 79847

$20.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group campsite fees are $60.00 per night. Individual equestrian non-electric sites are $20.00 per night. An additional fee of $15 per night is...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$60.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Total Campsite Fees$60.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

915-828-3251GUMO_administration@nps.gov

About this campground

Saddle up for an authentic Western adventure at Frijole Horse Corral Campground, where equestrian dreams meet desert reality. This specialized haven for horse enthusiasts features thoughtfully designed corrals, sturdy hitching posts, and convenient trailer parking, all complemented by fresh water troughs for your four-legged companions. Gateway to miles of scenic trails winding through dramatic desert landscapes, this unique campground invites riders to explore the rugged beauty of the high desert while enjoying the comfort of purpose-built facilities.

Frijole Horse Corral Campground is a specialized camping area designed for horse users, featuring amenities like corrals and stock-specific equipment. It accommodates both RVs and tents, offering accessible features for both.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you explore the weathered ruins of Frijole Ranch and the historic Butterfield stage station, where echoes of frontier life still whisper through the desert air. The Frijole Ranch museum, though operating on an intermittent schedule, houses fascinating artifacts and stories that bring the Old West to life, offering glimpses into the hardy souls who once called this rugged landscape home.

Weather and SeasonsMother Nature showcases her dramatic side here, with winter and spring winds that can howl past 50 mph, creating an exhilarating soundtrack to your adventure. Summer brings intense desert heat that shimmers across the landscape, perfect for early morning rides before the sun climbs high. The golden months of fall and spring reveal the campground at its finest, offering crisp, comfortable days ideal for extended trail rides and peaceful evenings around the campfire.

ElevationPerched at 5,400 feet above sea level, this high-desert campground offers a refreshing escape from lower elevations. The thin mountain air brings cooler temperatures that provide welcome relief, though visitors should come prepared for the occasional fierce winds that sweep across the exposed terrain, adding an element of wild adventure to your stay.

Natural Features and SceneryA living gallery of desert resilience surrounds you here, where hardy sotols thrust their spiky crowns skyward and prickly pear cactus display their paddle-shaped segments like natural sculptures. Soaptree yuccas stand sentinel among scattered gray oaks and redberry junipers, creating a diverse tapestry of textures and colors. Overhead, Canyon towhees flit between branches while majestic turkey vultures ride the thermals, their shadows dancing across the sun-baked earth. The surrounding peaks frame breathtaking panoramic vistas that stretch to the horizon.

Geological RegionNestled within the majestic Guadalupe Mountains National Park, this campground sits at the intersection of desert floor and mountain majesty. The landscape tells an ancient story through its scattered trees, resilient shrubs, and hardy grasses that carpet the rolling terrain. Towering above, the triumvirate of Hunter Peak, the iconic El Capitan, and mighty Guadalupe Peak create a dramatic backdrop that transforms with each passing hour, their faces painted in ever-changing hues by the desert sun.

Campsite details

AccessibilityThe site includes accessible features such as one raised and accessible tent pad, a paved RV parking space, and an accessible path leading to the toilet.

Sites SizeThe campground has two tent pads measuring 11x9 and 18x18 feet. It also has additional space for two RVs or trailers.

Sites PrivacyThe campground is located near Highway 62/180 and the Frijole Ranch access road, resulting in limited privacy and frequent road noise.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended CampsitesThe campsite is suitable for stock users and offers accessible tent pads and parking spaces. Visitors should reserve well in advance to secure their stay.

Best CampsitesThere is only one campsite available.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in is open 24 hours.

Check-out

Check-out is 11:00 AM.

Stay Limit

Camping is limited to 14 consecutive nights within a 30-day period and no more than 60 total nights per calendar year anywhere within the park.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Campsite occupancy allows 1–12 persons.

Groups

Group camping is not available at this specific site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive are not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of one site with tent pads, RV spaces, a gravel parking area, and multiple corrals.

Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov up to six months in advance.

Walk-in AvailabilityNot applicable; this campground operates on a reservation-only basis.

Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies for cancellations. Late cancellations also forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. Modifications within original reservation dates do not incur fees.

Amenities available

Potable water

Picnic tables

Cell phone service

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Frijole Horse Corral Campground is designed to cater to stock users with access to horse-friendly trails like the Foothills and Frijole trails. Visitors who hike or horseback ride on the trails will enjoy scenic desert landscapes and notable peaks like El Capitan and Guadalupe Peak. The site also provides easy access to recreational activities and nearby attractions, including strenuous hikes to Guadalupe Peak and cultural visits to the Frijole Ranch History Museum.

Hiking

"Hikers will find many opportunities as well: The nearby Pine Springs Trailhead provides access to a variety of trails ranging from strenuous hikes to moderate options like the Frijole/Foothills Trail."

Wildlife viewing

"Birds commonly seen and/or heard around the campground include Canyon towhees, turkey vultures, white-winged doves, common ravens, chipping sparrows, Say’s phoebes, common poorwills, and Woodhouse’s scrub jays, depending on the season."

Cultural and Educational Programs

"The Frijole Ranch History Museum is located 0.25 miles away, with grounds always open and the museum staffed intermittently."

Winter Activities

Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned, but high winds and cooler temperatures during winter may make the campground less appealing.

Water Sports

No water sports are supported at this campground.

Campground rules

Pets are allowed
Open fires, including propane fire rings and charcoal, are prohibited. Only containerized fuel stoves are allowed.
Quiet hours are 8:00 PM–8:00 AM Mountain Time.

Hazards

General hazardsHigh winds and traffic noise from the nearby highway are significant concerns. Wildlife hazards should also be accounted for.

Active alertsHigh fire danger rating as of February 26, 2025. Smoking is limited to inside vehicles, and all open fires are prohibited.

Weather forecast

°F

Nov 25

Tuesday

Clear sky

Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 32%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 6.7 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Clear sky

7 day forecast

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

The nearest emergency services are located in Salt Flat, Texas, including police stations and basic services. For medical emergencies, the closest hospital is in El Paso, Texas, approximately 110 miles away.

Good to know

Peak season datesJanuary 1–December 31 for group and equestrian sites.

Trash and recycling"Trash facilities are available year-round."

Proximity to water featuresNo nearby water bodies; water troughs are available for stock animals.

Common complaintsTraffic noise due to proximity to Highway 62/180. Lack of privacy as the site is adjacent to both the highway and access road.

HostNo staff are onsite.

Campground Map

Guadalupe Mountains National Park, 400 Pine Canyon Drive, Salt Flat, TX, 79847

Driving directionsFrom Interstate 10, take the Van Horn, Texas exit. Follow TX Hwy 54 (56 miles) north to the intersection of US Hwy 62/180. Turn east on 62/180 and travel (9 miles) to the park. From El Paso, TX, follow US Hwy 62/180 east for (110 miles) to the park. From Carlsbad, NM, take US Hwy 62/180 west for (55 miles) to the park.

The campground is located one mile east of Pine Springs Visitor Center, just off U.S. 62/180. The gravel parking area is accessible but not level, and trailers may need to be disconnected from tow vehicles. The site is immediately adjacent to Highway 62/180, providing easy access but also high levels of traffic noise.

Nearby places

Van Horn, TX (65 miles, approximately 1.5 hours)

El Paso, TX (110 miles, approximately 2 hours)

Carlsbad, NM (55 miles, approximately 1 hour).

Nearby supplies

Fuel and supplies should be purchased in advance before heading to the park. Limited camping and hiking supplies are available at the Pine Springs Visitor Center bookstore.

Camper Reviews

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Limited Reviews

Frijole Horse Corral Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

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Review Summaries